Network Cabling – The Backbone of Network Communications All Over the World

                                          fig 1: Partially Twisted-Pair Cable for network cabling

Network Cabling is one among the various factors that are critical to the day-to-day operations of businesses nowadays. Network cable forms the backbone of the network communication. Even though wireless communications made a drastic revolution in the communication field network cables are still holding its prominent place in communication. Network cables are used to connect one network device with another in order to share resources over the network. Usually a cable is selected for network based on the network’s topology, size and the protocol used. Better awareness of the characteristics and features of the network cable will helps to improve performance of the network. The various types of cables that are commonly used in network communications are

• Shielded Twisted Pair (STP) Cable
• Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP) Cable
•  Coaxial Cable
•  Fiber Optic Cable

Twisted Pair Cables

Twisted pair cable comes in two types; Shielded Twisted Pair (STP) Cable and Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP) Cable. 

                            Fig 2: Network UTP- Unshielded Twisted Pair cable

UTP is used commonly. UTP has four pairs of wires which are twisted inside its wrapper. As the name implies each pair of wire is twisted with a certain number of twists and is maintained to avoid the interference from adjacent wire pairs and other electrical devices. Sometimes UTP will produce disturbances when it is placed in sensitive environments that are susceptible to electrical interference. In such cases STP is the solution. STP helps to enhance the maximum distance of the cables.

  

Fig 3:STP- Shielded Twisted Pair cable 

Coaxial Cable

Coaxial cable is a different type of network cable which has a copper conductor at its center. A small layer of plastic makes gives insulation between the center conductor and a braided metal shield. The purpose of metal shield is to restrict external interference from motors, lights or other computers. Coaxial cable has high resistance against signal interference and also it supports large cable lengths. It is widely used in linear bus networks. One drawback with coaxial cable is that it is difficult to install. 

Fiber Optic Cables

Fig 4: Fiber Optic Cables

Fiber optic is the modern form of network cables. It made a revolutionary technological growth in the communication and medical field. Fiber optic cable contains a center glass encircled with various layers of protective materials. Feature of fiber optics is that they transmit light rather than electronic signals. This helps to eliminate the issue of electrical interference. Fiber optic has been adopted as the standard for connecting networks between buildings because of its resistant nature against moisture and lighting. It can transmit data at a faster rate to long distances. 

Benefits of choosing a quality network cabling

• Ensures network reliability
• Reduces maintenance and service cost
• Stable and high speed data transmission will be achieved
• Eliminates cross talk and other interference
• Installation cost will be affordable
• Upgrading can be performed easily and quickly
• Avoids signal distortion and degradation problems in long distance communication cables
• Client satisfaction will be high.

That means in order to ensure high quality of network communication, network cabling should be done carefully and accurately. The vital step for this is to choose an ideal provider of network cabling. The network cabling company should be experienced and should have a fair client report.