The primary differences lie in the installation environment, equipment, and protection. underground cable laying offers enhanced protection from environmental factors and aesthetic benefits but requires specialized trenching, bedding materials (like sand), and backfilling with protective covers. Overhead cable laying is generally more cost-effective and easier to repair, but cables are exposed to weather, vandalism, and other external forces, necessitating the use of specialized stringing equipment, rollers, and proper tensioning to ensure safety and durability.