Abstract: A balanced transmission shielded cable includes an inner conductive shield (3) and an outer conductive shield (5) surrounding the inner conductive shield (3). In an annular region (A) defined between both shields (3, 5), unshielded twisted pairs (4) for signal transmission and shielded drain lines (6) are alternately disposed in annular array. The shielded drain lines (6) contact both shields (3, 5) and are led outside and grounded. Both shields (3, 5) surrounding the twisted pairs (4) and the shielded drain lines (6, 6) keep a substantially uniform distance with respect to conductive lines constituting the twisted pairs (4).

Abstract: To cascade a network line concentrator and a plurality of terminals, the network connection circuit installed in each of the plurality of terminals forwards first data in a direction from the line concentrator to the neighboring terminal, provides the first data for the terminal, forwards second data in direction from the neighboring terminal to the network line concentrator, and transfers third data from the terminal toward the network line concentrator.