What type of cable employs a dielectric?

Coaxial cable is designed with a central conductor surrounded by an insulating layer of dielectric material and an outer conductive shield. The dielectric material plays a crucial role in maintaining the impedance of the cable and minimizing signal loss. It serves as an insulator that separates the inner conductor from the outer conductive shield, allowing electrical signals to travel with reduced interference and better efficiency.

In contrast, twisted pair cables primarily use pairs of insulated copper wires twisted together, while fiber optic cables use glass or plastic fibers to transmit data as light. Composite cables may combine different types of conductors but do not inherently make use of a dielectric in the same manner as coaxial cables do. Understanding these characteristics highlights why coaxial cable is specifically noted for employing a dielectric.