In network terminology, what connects to different devices allowing data transmission?

In network terminology, the correct answer is cables. Cables serve as the physical medium that connects different devices, such as computers, printers, and switches, enabling data transmission between them. These cables can be of various types, including twisted-pair cables, coaxial cables, and fiber optics, each providing different speeds and distances for data transfer.

Cables are crucial in both wired networks and in certain aspects of wireless networks, as they can be used to connect devices to access points or routers that then facilitate wireless communication. By establishing a wired connection, devices can communicate reliably and with minimal interference, forming the foundation of most networking infrastructures.

Other components like switches and routers, while essential for directing traffic and connecting networks, ultimately rely on cables to physically connect to the devices they serve. Access points, similarly, allow wireless devices to connect but do not engage in direct data transmission between devices themselves without the underlying cable connections.