Multiconductor cables contain two or more conductors, each of which consists of a single wire or combination of wires. Cable shielding is placed around an insulated conductor or group of conductors to prevent electrostatic or electromagnetic interference between the enclosed wires and external fields.
Network cable assemblies are used in the transmission of data across networks. Choices include Fibre Channel, FireWire or IEEE 1394, GPIB, serial, parallel, patch, SCSI, Ethernet and USB.
Patch panels are groups of ports used to connect lines between communications and electronic devices. Connections are made manually with small patch cords, and are easier to wire than automatic switches. Wireless patch panels are also available.