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Written by Craig B

Types of Network Cabling

 

Types of Network Cabling

There are four different types of network cabling.

A network cable serves as a conduit for information to go from one network device to another. The size, topology, and method of a network all influence the type of cable used. The backbone of the network infrastructure is made up of many types of network cables.

Because enterprise network administrators use new technology, choosing the right type of network cabling can have an impact on a variety of company activities. One of the most important aspects of networking in numerous businesses is the type of network cable utilized in any network infrastructure.

Cable Coaxial

In the middle, there is a single copper conductor. Between the braided metal barrier and the center conductor, a plastic layer offers insulation. Outer interference from motors, fluorescent lights, and other computers is blocked by the metal barrier. Although it is difficult to install, coaxial cabling is particularly resistant to signal blockage. When compared to twisted pair cable, it can accommodate much longer cable lengths between network devices. Thin and thick coaxial cables are the two varieties of coaxial cables.

STP (Shielded Twisted Pair) Cable

It’s a type of copper telephone wiring that’s employed in commercial settings. The usual twisted pair telephone lines are given an exterior shield that serves as a ground. If you want to run the cable through an area where there is a chance of interference and danger to the electrical current in the UTP, shielded twisted pair can be the way to go. Shielded cables can also be used to increase the distance between cables.

Cable made of fiber optics

A main glass core is surrounded by multiple layers of protective materials in fiber optic cabling. By delivering light rather than electronic signals, it eliminates the problem of electrical blockage. This makes them ideal for environments where there is a lot of electrical interference. Because of its resistance to lighting and moisture, it has become the industry standard for linking networks between buildings.

Twisted Pair Unshielded

It is the world’s most admired type of network cable. Both traditional telephone and computer networking employ UTP cable.

The following are the many UTP wiring schemes:

  • CAT1 is a type of telephone cable. CAT2 supports up to 4 Mbps and is commonly used in token ring networks.
  • Token Ring networks use both CAT3 and CAT4 for better network speeds.
  • CAT5 wire has been replaced by CAT5e designs, which have a higher crosstalk specification and can sustain rates of up to 1 Gbps. It is the world’s most widely used network cabling specification.
  • CAT6 supports 1 Gbps for distances up to 100 meters and 10 Gbps for distances up to 55 meters. Organizations that employ CAT6 cabling should acquire a thorough test report from a qualified cable analyzer to guarantee that the CAT6 guidelines and standards were followed throughout the installation.
  • CAT7 is a new copper cable pattern that can accommodate 10Gbps speeds and runs for up to 100 meters.

Understanding the different types of cable and how they affect other components of a network is critical for the construction of a successful network in an organization.

Wired IT Group is a full-service information technology (IT) vendor, based in Phoenix, AZ. Our team is capable of designing, installing and maintaining all of your IT solutions from network systems to security systems and low voltage cabling.

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