• What speeds for data transmission can be achieved using a particular type of cable? The speed of bit transmission through the cable is extremely important. The speed of transmission is affected by the kind of conduit used.
• What kind of transmission is being considered? Will the transmissions be digital or will they be analog-based? Digital or baseband transmission and analog-based or broadband transmission are the two choices. 
• How far can a signal travel through a particular type of cable before attenuation of that signal becomes a concern? In other words, will the signal become so degraded that the recipient device might not be able to accurately receive and interpret the signal by the time the signal reaches that device? The distance the signal travels through the cable directly affects attenuation of the signal. Degradation of the signal is directly related to the distance the signal travels and the type of cable used.

Some examples of Ethernet specifications which relate to cable type include:

• 10BASE-T
• 10BASE5
• 10BASE2

10BASE-T refers to the speed of transmission at 10 Mbps. The type of transmission is baseband, or digitally interpreted. The T stands for twisted pair.

10BASE5 refers to the speed of transmission at 10 Mbps. The type of transmission is baseband, or digitally interpreted. The 5 represents the capability of the cable to allow the signal to travel for approximately 500 meters before attenuation could disrupt the ability of the receiver to appropriately interpret the signal being received. 10BASE5 is often referred to as Thicknet. Thicknet is actually a type of network, while 10BASE5 is the cabling used in that network.

10BASE2 refers to the speed of transmission at 10 Mbps. The type of transmission is baseband, or digitally interpreted. The 2, in 10BASE2, represents the capability of the cable to allow the signal to travel for approximately 200 meters, before attenuation could disrupt the ability of the receiver to appropriately interpret the signal being received. 10BASE2 is often referred to as Thinnet. Thinnet is actually a type of network, while 10BASE2 is the cabling used in that network.

Web Links Networking Guide: Making Your Own Cable http://www.tuplay.com/display. asp?i=41&p=1