In the modern era, technology is evolving significantly and plays a major role in helping businesses grow. This evolving technology with upgraded instruments can assist companies in being more productive, efficient, and secure. But do people know that even the most advanced technology can’t work without the support of network cabling? It’s better to learn about network cables, as they can either make or break a technology investment. This article sheds light on what network cable is and their common types.
What is Network Cable?
With the evolution of network cabling, it has become much faster and safer and is now capable of transferring gigabytes of data rather than just megabytes. Several technologies, including computers, switches, routers, and storage area networks, use network cables for connecting and transmitting data and information. Network cables are mainly used to transfer data over long distances at higher speeds. These act as carriers where bulk data travels from one network device to another.
Types of Network Cables
The right type of network cable to use in an organization varies depending on the system’s overall structure, configuration, and topology. Here are some common types of network cables:
Twisted pair cable
Twisted cable is widely used in home and corporate settings. This cable is further classified into three categories- shielded twisted pair (STP), foiled twisted pair (FTP), and unshielded twisted pair (UTP). The twisted cable features a pair of insulated wires that are twisted to one another and run parallel. The primary purpose of these wires is to cancel out external sources of EMI (electromagnetic interference). Many people prefer using this cable as it is easy to install, understand, flexible, and inexpensive.
Fiber optic cable
Fiber optic cable is primarily used to transmit signals as light pulses or light, which further eliminates the risk of electrical interference. Made of glass strands, fiber optic cable features a much bigger bandwidth compared to metal cables, which allows it to carry and transmit data in high volumes.
Coaxial cable
A coaxial cable is mainly used for computer networking, television networking, and audio or video networking. It has a copper-plated core and is surrounded by a dielectric insulator. Enclosed by a woven copper shell, the insulating layer of this network cable eventually gets wound by an outer plastic sheath. Coaxial cable varies in size, efficiency, performance, cost, flexibility, capabilities, and power handling. This cable is further classified into five categories- hard-line coaxial cable, twin-axial cable, RG-6 coaxial cable, triaxial cable, and semi-rigid coaxial cable.
Conclusion
Optimized network cabling is a type of infrastructure that reinforces the whole network of an organization and its cabling system. It acts as the glue that ties together all computers, printers, phones, fax machines, and other tech devices with a company that further offers a secure and flexible solution to several communication needs. However, the main advantages of having a structured cabling system vary from business to business. Some general benefits of setting up an optimized cabling infrastructure are simplicity, cost-effectiveness, future-proof investment, enhanced flexibility, and reduced risk of downtime.