Which type of network cable is commonly used to connect office computers to the local network?

The type of network cable that is commonly used to connect office computers to the local network is the Ethernet cable. Here are the steps to explain why:

1. Ethernet cables are widely used in local area networks (LANs) because they can connect devices within a confined area, such as a house or an office.

2. These cables are designed to handle high speed data transfer, which is essential for office work where large amounts of data are often sent and received.

3. Ethernet cables are also preferred because they are durable and can be easily replaced or upgraded.

4. There are different types of Ethernet cables, such as Cat5, Cat5e, Cat6, and Cat7. The choice between these types depends on the speed of the network, the length of the cable, and the budget.

5. To connect a computer to the local network using an Ethernet cable, one end of the cable is plugged into the computer's Ethernet port, and the other end is plugged into a router or switch.

6. The router or switch is then connected to the internet, allowing the computer to access the local network and the internet.

7. Ethernet cables are also capable of providing power over Ethernet (PoE), which means they can supply power to devices like IP cameras and network switches, eliminating the need for separate power supplies for these devices.