For connecting a computer to another device located in the same room (short distance, point-to-point), which physical medium would you most likely choose?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: a coaxial cable

Explanation:


Introduction:
Short-reach device interconnection within a single room typically favors simple, low-cost, and low-latency cabling solutions. The choice should match distance, bandwidth, and practicality.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Devices are co-located in the same room.
  • Direct, point-to-point connectivity is sufficient.
  • Cost and complexity should be minimal.


Concept / Approach:
For very short distances, direct cabling (e.g., coaxial, twisted pair, or short USB/HDMI) is common. Among the provided options, coaxial cable represents a straightforward local wiring method, unlike wide-area or specialized carrier solutions.


Step-by-Step Solution:
1) Determine scope: intra-room connectivity.2) Prefer simple physical media with adequate shielding and bandwidth.3) From listed choices, coaxial cable fits the practical requirement.


Verification / Alternative check:
Ethernet over short copper or even a short coax segment is a widely-used, inexpensive approach compared with carrier-based or satellite links.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • Dedicated leased line: a telecom-provided WAN circuit, unnecessary and expensive for same-room links.
  • Satellite ground station: designed for long-distance RF connectivity, not local patching.
  • All of the above: incorrect because not all listed items are appropriate.
  • Microwave backhaul: used for building-to-building or long-haul links, not inside a room.


Common Pitfalls:
Assuming “bigger” technologies are better. For local connections, simpler is almost always better—short copper or coax runs solve the problem efficiently.


Final Answer:
a coaxial cable

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