Which type of cables are used to connect computers to hubs and switches?

The use of straight-through Ethernet cables is standard when connecting computers to hubs and switches. These cables are designed to ensure that the transmit and receive signals line up correctly between the devices. In a straight-through cable, the pinouts on both ends are identical, allowing devices to communicate effectively with each other.

In contrast, crossover Ethernet cables are typically used to connect similar devices directly, such as connecting two computers or two switches without a hub or switch intervening. This configuration is not appropriate for standard connections to hubs and switches, which generally require a straight-through configuration for proper signal communication.

Coaxial cables are older and primarily used in cable television and certain networking applications but are less common in modern computer networking setups for connecting to hubs and switches. Fiber optic cables, while offering high-speed data transmission, serve a different purpose and are used in scenarios where long-distance connections are necessary or where electromagnetic interference is a major concern. They are not typically used for simple connections between computers and network hubs or switches in typical local area network (LAN) configurations.