Network Cabling
Numerous examples of telecommunications systems exist today. The best-known example is, of course, the internet. However, less extensive examples include:
- Academic or Corporate Wide-Area Networks (WANs)
- Broadcast Networks
- Cellular Networks
- Emergency Communication Systems (i.e. Fire and Police)
- Telephone Networks
WHAT KIND OF CABLING DO YOU NEED?
There are three main categories of cables from which to choose, and those are CAT5e, CAT6, and fiber optic cables. Aardvark technicians can work with any and all of these, but here is a breakdown to help you determine which may be the best for your operation.
The Cat5e stands for “Category 5 enhanced.” The previous Cat5 cables are basically obsolete at this point because there are better, more efficient options. Cat5e is a great general installation cable that will separate signals on different circuits or channels, eliminating interference. Cat5e cables can accommodate 1000 Mbps speeds at 100 MHz.
Category 6 cables are a massive improvement from Cat5e (although it still has its place in the communications world). Cat6 is appropriate to handle up to 10 gigabit Ethernet at 250 MHz, with a separator built in that isolates pairs from one another. Businesses who are concerned with preparing and staying updated for a long time should consider Cat6 cables to reduce upgrade costs in the future.
Cables made of fiber optic strands, instead of copper, are becoming a great resource in the data communications field. Due to the capability to transmit larger amounts of data with minimal loss, fiber optic cables can maintain data over long distances. There are also fewer risks of corrosion with the cables made of optical fiber and interference is practically eliminated.
