Network Cabling: The Essential Guide

Network cabling is the process of physically connecting telecommunications equipment, connecting two or more computers, or connecting a computer to some other device.

It’s essential to make sure that the job is done right for two reasons:

Safety:

Improperly installed cabling can be a severe fire hazard; and

Performance:

Poorly designed or improperly installed cabling can reduce communication speed between two devices.

On the other hand, computer network cabling is used to connect two or more computers to share files and resources.

In addition to networking equipment such as hubs, switches, routers, and wireless access points, five types of cabling can connect the computers.

• What is Network Cabling?

Network cabling refers to any cable used in a computer network, including the physical wires that link networking equipment together and the virtual network channels that pass through other hardware.

The most common types of network cabling include Ethernet, fiber optic, and telephone lines. Because all three have different properties, it is vital to use the correct type of cabling in different situations.

It can run between buildings or across long distances; however, wireless networks are also standard.

Wireless data networking has made running network cables much less necessary to connect computers and other computer networking devices.

However, there will always be situations where wireless technology is insufficient or the only available option.

There are also situations where a cabling connection provides better performance than wireless or where unique properties of a particular type of cabling are necessary.

• Is Network Cabling Expensive?

Ethernet cables are very inexpensive, but fiber optic and telephone line network cables can be much more expensive.

They are made with more expensive materials, and manufacturing them is more complicated than for Ethernet cables.

The cost can vary greatly depending on the size, length, and material used in the cabling itself. Usually, higher quality means higher price; however, there are exceptions to this rule.

For example, most fiber-optic network cables are more expensive than most copper-based Ethernet cables.

However, fiber optic technology is much more advanced than copper technology and has superior properties necessary in certain situations.

Cabling for telephone lines is usually very cheap because telephone infrastructure is already present in most buildings. The cabling itself only needs to be installed wherever the telephone line doesn’t already run.

Cable installation prices vary greatly depending on the size of the job, length of the cable runs, and whether or not any new wiring needs to be installed. It is almost always cheaper to install cables before building or renovating than afterward, which can sometimes lead to delays in cable installation.

There are many benefits to using network cabling instead of wireless technology. Some of these benefits include:

• What Are The Benefits Of Network Cabling?

There are many benefits to using network cabling instead of wireless technology. Some of these benefits include:

i. Security:

Because network cables are physically connected to devices, it is more difficult for unauthorized users to access the network or data. It is one of the main reasons many businesses still use wired networks rather than wireless ones.

ii. Reliability:

Wireless networks can be subject to interference from other devices, which can cause dropped connections or reduced speeds.

Wired networks are not affected by this type of interference and provide a more consistent connection.

iii. Speed:

Wired networks are usually faster than wireless ones, especially when transferring large amounts of data.

iv. Capacity:

Wireless networks can only support a certain amount of users and data before the performance degrade. Wired networks have a much higher capacity and can often support hundreds of devices on a single network.

v. Flexibility:

Wired networks are more flexible in placement because the cables themselves run between devices. At the same time, wireless signals require a line-of-sight connection between the transmitter and receiver, which can be difficult to achieve depending on where specific devices are positioned.

• What Are The Types Of Cable?

There are a few different types of cables, each with advantages and disadvantages. The three main types are:

Copper Cables:

Copper cables are the most common type of network cable and are made out of copper wires. They are relatively cheap and easy to install but can be susceptible to interference from other electronic devices.

Fiber Optic Cables:

Fiber optic cables are made of glass fibers and are less susceptible to interference than copper cables. They are more expensive to install but have much higher transmission speeds and capacities than copper cables.

Wireless Cables:

Wireless cables use R.F. signals to communicate between devices without requiring physical connections.

They are easy to install and do not suffer from interference but require a clear line of sight between transmitter and receiver.

Conclusion:

One of the most important aspects of any business is its network. A company’s success can depend on how well it communicates with clients, suppliers, and other companies.

Making sure that your network cabling system is up to date will help ensure that you can meet all your needs for speed, reliability, and security.

There are many factors to consider when deciding what type of cable connection should be used in a new or existing building.

An internal wire-mesh wiring system should be used instead of external copper cables because they provide better protection against eavesdropping by unauthorized personnel. 

We at House of I.T can help you with your business network cabling needs. We are one of the best IT cabling companies. Contact us today to know more about us!