Which impedance rating is better for computer networks?

Which impedance rating is better for computer networks?

• A. 75 ohms
• B. 25 ohms
• C. 50 ohms
• D. 10 ohms

Answer: (C)

Understanding impedance in transmission lines is about matching the cable’s characteristic impedance with the source and load to prevent reflections that distort the signal. In computer networks, this matters because mismatched impedance causes signal reflections, which hurts data integrity and performance. Among common network media historically used, coaxial cables for Ethernet were typically designed around 50 ohms. That makes 50 ohms the best fit here, since it aligns with the standard impedance for Ethernet coax, ensuring better compatibility and fewer reflections. The 75-ohm option is more typical for video/CATV applications, and 10 ohms or 25 ohms aren’t standard values used for network media. (Note that modern Ethernet often uses twisted pair with about 100 ohms, which isn’t among the choices.) So, 50 ohms is the most appropriate impedance rating for network media in this context.

Understanding impedance in transmission lines is about matching the cable’s characteristic impedance with the source and load to prevent reflections that distort the signal. In computer networks, this matters because mismatched impedance causes signal reflections, which hurts data integrity and performance.

Among common network media historically used, coaxial cables for Ethernet were typically designed around 50 ohms. That makes 50 ohms the best fit here, since it aligns with the standard impedance for Ethernet coax, ensuring better compatibility and fewer reflections. The 75-ohm option is more typical for video/CATV applications, and 10 ohms or 25 ohms aren’t standard values used for network media. (Note that modern Ethernet often uses twisted pair with about 100 ohms, which isn’t among the choices.)

So, 50 ohms is the most appropriate impedance rating for network media in this context.