There are a variety of systems, CHAG, RHAG, PUAG etc. They similarity of all of them is that aircraft have to trample the cable when itīs down and have an arrestor hook to engage it when itīs up. The expense of modifying all aircraft to trample them safely would be high. The fitting of a hook to a civil aircraft in terms of structure, weight penalty and drag would be unacceptable. (Only FJs, only then only some, have hooks. Large aircraft such as C-130, B-52 etc do not).
The other method used is the Barrier, where a large net (think supersize tennis net) is swung up and the aircraft is dragged to a stop. This is practicable up to certain weights, but I believe (though am willing to be contradicted) that the mass/inertia of an airliner, again, make it inpracticable. As would the problems of locating it before approach lights etc.
Gravel (or similar) overrun beds have been mooted and might be suitable in some cases. But, as stated, would be of moot use unless the aircraft went of the end of the runway in a straight line........