Which network media would fit within a horizontal cabling structure?

In a horizontal cabling structure, copper cables are the most commonly used media. This structure typically extends from a telecommunications room or wiring closet to individual work areas or outlets located in the same floor. Copper cables, such as twisted pair cables (like Category 5e or Category 6), provide a cost-effective solution for Ethernet connections and support high data rates, making them ideal for local area networking in horizontal cabling configurations.

Copper cables possess the necessary characteristics to maintain signal integrity over the shorter distances typical of horizontal cabling, which generally spans up to 90 meters from the telecommunications room to the end device. This media type is well-suited for the structured cabling systems commonly used in office environments and other settings where horizontal runs are required.

While fiber optic cables and coaxial cables can also be utilized in network setups, they are not the typical choice for horizontal cabling due to factors such as cost, installation complexity, and specific use-case scenarios better suited for those media. Wireless connections, while increasingly prevalent, do not fit the traditional definition of horizontal cabling, since they rely on signals instead of physical cabling to connect devices.