What type of cables are typically used to connect computers to a hub in a LAN?

Twisted-pair cables are the standard choice for connecting computers to a hub in a local area network (LAN). This type of cable consists of pairs of insulated copper wires twisted together, which helps to reduce electromagnetic interference and crosstalk from adjacent pairs and external sources.

Twisted-pair cables come in two main categories: unshielded twisted pair (UTP) and shielded twisted pair (STP). UTP is the more common type used in LAN environments due to its cost-effectiveness and ease of installation. They are sufficient for standard networking tasks, supporting various data transmission speeds based on the category of cable, with higher categories (like Cat 5e, Cat 6, and Cat 6a) providing better performance and larger bandwidth.

The other types of cables mentioned have specific uses and limitations that make them less suitable for general computer-to-hub connections in a LAN context. Coaxial cables are primarily used for television and internet signals, fiber optic cables offer high-speed data transmission over long distances but can be more expensive and less flexible than twisted-pair cables, and USB cables, while useful for connecting individual devices, are not typically used for networking multiple computers to a hub.