Which type of cable is typically used for connecting MikroTik devices to switches?

The use of Cat5 or Cat6 Ethernet cables for connecting MikroTik devices to switches is standard practice in networking due to their ability to support high-speed data transmission over relatively short distances. Both Cat5 and Cat6 cables are designed for Ethernet networking, which is the most common method for connecting devices in local area networks (LANs).

Cat5 cables can handle speeds up to 100 Mbps, while Cat6 cables support up to 1 Gbps or even 10 Gbps over shorter distances, making them suitable for modern networking demands. These cables provide twisted-pair wiring that reduces electromagnetic interference, ensuring more reliable connections and better performance.

In contrast, fiber optic cables are more commonly used for long-distance connections or high-speed links between network infrastructure components rather than for typical device-to-switch connections within a LAN, where copper Ethernet cables are more practical. Coaxial cables, while used for specific applications such as cable television and broadband internet connections, are not standard for connecting switches to devices in Ethernet networks. Serial cables are more relevant in point-to-point connections for console management rather than in standard data networking scenarios.