A solid cable is most commonly used as a backbone cable in walls,ceilings and conduit, where flexibility isn't really needed. This is because a solid cable's conductors are made of solid metal (usually a single thick copper wire) and the cable as a whole is generally more rigid. Additional characteristics:

o Transmits electrical signals better over longer distances
o Lower attenuation (resistance)
o More likely to break with repetitive bending
o Lower Cost
o Used for horizontal cabling in Ethernet networks

In a stranded cable, the conductors are made up of many fine metal filaments which are twisted together to form a larger, thicker wire. Due to this composition of thin wires, the stranded cables are a lot more flexible than solid cable. Stranded cables are commonly used as patch cords and other shorter network cables that require frequent flexing and bending during use. Additional characteristics:

o Shorter transmission distance (de-rate length by 25-50%)
o Higher Attenuation (resistance)
o Not likely to break due to repetitive bending (continuous movement cables require special jackets)
o Higher Cost
o Used for patch cabling in Ethernet networks