As networking and the processes behind it have continued to change and advance, the cables needed for networking has changed as well. No longer do we use copper wired cables. Instead we use cables with glass fibers that are faster and more reliable.
Type: The type of cables you choose to use within your network will be determined by what you plan to use your network for and the capabilities that you need out of it.
- CAT3, CAT5, CAT5e, CAT6 – In twisted-pair cables the tighter the twist is the faster the information can be transmitted. CAT3 cables have a maximum speed of 10Mbps, CAT5 of 100Mbps, CAT5e 1000Mbps and CAT6 1000Mbps.
- STP, UTP – Shielded twisted pair (STP) cables are much like UTP cables except that is a foil shield covering the wires for added protection from magnetic interference. The foil shield is only effective if the wires are grounded therefore making use of STP cables much more complex.
UTP (unshielded twisted pair) cables are extremely common in today’s world. UTP is much easier to install when compared to STP cables and is often used for distribution and access purposes. Since the pairs of wires within the cable are twisted, electrical interference is rare.
- Multimode fiber, single-mode fiber – Multimode fiber cables (MMF) use light in order to communicate a signal, however with these cables the light is dispersed onto many different paths, travels through the core and is then reflected back through cladding, a material used to line the core and focus the light source back onto it. Multimode fiber cables can be used for high-speed bandwidth up to 3,000 feet. Multimode cables are best used in small areas.
- Single-mode fiber – Single-mode fiber (SMF) cables are a high-speed high-distance media due to its design using glass fiber to carry the signals. Lasers are the most commonly seen light source when it comes to SMFs but LEDs can be used as well. Single-mode fibers are perfect for long distance communication.
- Coaxial – Coaxial cables are designed with an inner core wire with an outer braided insulating wire. During the 1980s, coaxial cables were used as the backbone of network segments as well as the cable needed to connect computers on a bus topology network. Though popular decades ago, coaxial cables are not commonly used today for these purposes but the cables are still used for connecting NICs and modems for broadband Internet access.
- RG-59 – RG-59 is a coaxial cable that is commonly used for low-power video signal connections. It is usually found in digital and satellite receivers along with VCRs. RG-59 cables are highly inexpensive cables and are sufficient for short distance use up to 6 feet. RG-59 is best suited for shorter distances as it is known for its high-frequency losses over long distances.
- RG-6 – RG-6 is another type of coaxial cable that is similar to the RG-59 but is more suitable for longer distances. It is widely used for many different commercial and residential purposes including cable television. In this situation RG-6 is used as a distribution coax in order to route the television signals to homes. Nowadays the RG-6 is the CATV standard cable.
- Serial – Serial cables are cables that are designed to be able to transfer information between two serial communication devices. Serial cables are fitted to use 9 or 25 pin connectors but other kinds of connectors can be used successfully.
- Plenum vs. Non-plenum – Plenum cables are those that are put in the plenum spaces of building or those that are set aside for air facilitation and circulation including heating and cooling systems. Plenum cables are able to provide pathways for conditioned and/or heated return airflows. Often times the space between the ceiling and dropped ceiling is considered to be plenum space. Usually this space, especially in homes or office buildings, is used for wiring a computer and/or telephone network.
Any type of cable that is run between floors in non-plenum areas are known as non-plenum cables. Sometimes known as riser cables, non-plenum cables can too be used for the same purposes but cannot be used to replace a plenum cable in a plenum location due to fire safety and hazard.
Properties:
- Transmission speeds – Each cable has a different transmission speed which is determined by the overall number of bits sent per unit time, usually seconds or minutes.
- Distance – Some cables are designed to be used for both short and long distances. The ideal distance for certain cables will determine
- Duplex – In networking and communications, duplex deals with a system that is made up of two connected devices that are able to communicate in both directions.
- Noise immunity (security, EMI) – Noise immunity deals with how well a cable is able to perform its set job when noise (interference) is present. The higher level of noise where a cable can maintain its operational ability, the higher its noise immunity is.
- Frequency – Often expressed in Hertz (Hz) frequency measures the number of waves that pass a certain point in a set unit time.
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