There is no doubt that modern communication systems rely on network cabling installation for data transfer between devices.
Some businesses make use of only one cable whereas others might use a variety of cables.
It depends on the network size, typology, and protocol to determine the type of cable to be used during the installation.
Moreover, choosing the right cable and network cabling installation company is important to ensure reliable connectivity and performance.
Have no idea about the different types of network cabling and their categories? Look no more. This blog post will discuss the diverse types of network cabling and its categories.
Types of Network Cabling
Types of Network CablingThere are different types of network cabling and each type is suitable for numerous applications. Let us learn about the different types of network cabling in this section.
Fiber optic cable
Fiber optic cable has a bundle of glass threads out of which, each thread is capable of transmitting messages onto light waves.
Unlike other types of network cabling, it has a complicated design and structure. The data transfer happens through the light instead of an electronic signal.
It means that the most common type of interference which is electronic signals gets eliminated automatically.
The two categories under the fiber optic cable category are:
- Single-mode
- Multi-mode
Twisted pair cable
This type of cable is usually shielded or unshielded. The most popular one is the unshielded twisted pair cables (UTP). Twisted pair cables are ideal for transferring balanced differential signals.
But these are more prone to interference than the shielded twisted pair cable which in turn can result in irregular transmission patterns.
The next is shielded twisted pair cables (STP). Shielded twisted pair cables are available for token ring networks whereas the unshielded twisted pair cable is more suitable for ethernet networks.
The commonly applied unshielded twisted pair cables in ethernet networks include cat5e, cat6a, and cat7 cables.
The different categories of twisted pair cables are as follows:
Cat5 and Cat5e
The four pairs of twisted copper wires are known as Cat5. It has more twists due to which, this cable runs at higher speeds and greater lengths.
The next is Cat5e cable. It has improved crosstalk specification which enables it to support speeds of 1 Gbps. It is the most popular UTP cable and is cost-effective.
Cat6 and Cat6a
Cat6 cable has a speed of 1gbps up to 100m. Before installing cat6 cables, all the cabling components such as patch panels, patch cords, jacks, and the like are cat6 certified.
The next is Cat6a cable. It has much better crosstalk and electromagnetic interference. It offers better bandwidth than the cat6 cable.
Cat7 cable
Cat7 is a copper cable and has a speed of 10gbps up to 100m. Like cat6 cable, all its components have to be cat7 certified. The components include patch panels, patch cords, jacks, and RJ-45 connectors.
This cable is widely used in data centers for connections among servers, storage devices, and network switches.
Coaxial cable
The next type of network cabling is coaxial cabling. The coaxial cable has a copper conductor in the center and is shielded from the braided wire with an insulator.
Its unique design allows the network cabling installers to install this cable next to the metal objects and that too without the power losses occurring in other types of transmission lines.
These cables are rarely installed these days because it is difficult to install but it is quite beneficial as it acts as a barrier against interference.
This cable is found in a thick or thin variety according to the business needs and requirements.
Wireless LANs
Wireless LANs are a popular kind of network cable. These cables are commonly used in computers, laptops, and portable devices.
The wireless communication mechanism makes use of high-frequency radio signals or infra red beams to communicate between computers.
Every computer on the network has an antenna to send or receive signals. Wireless connections have numerous benefits but it has some issues such as interference, inconsistency in connections, security risks, and speed.
Choosing The Network Cabling Installation Company
Now that you know the different types of network cabling, the next thing is- How to choose the network cabling installation company.
Follow the steps outlined below to ensure you are choosing the right network cabling installation company.
Check expertise- Check the expertise of the network cabling installation company and see if they have a proven track record of helping businesses with the installation.
Check reputation- Read online reviews and get in touch with their previous customers to verify their reputation and then decide.
Get a custom quote- Ask the company to share a custom quote to see if their pricing plans align with your budget or not.
Final Words
Final WordsNow you must be well versed in the network cabling installation Dallas. The next steps? Find a good network cabling installation company and build a great network for your business.
