What is Network Cabling?

Network cabling is the foundation of any IT and Communications infrastructure. Without it, you would not be able to use any of your equipment. The cables in a network are responsible for connecting equipment and devices and transferring information and data between routers, computers, switches, storage area networks etc. In essence, network cabling is a carrier through which data flows.

Network cabling is a general term that describes the cables and wiring within a network. There are, however, several different types of network cable and there are distinct differences between these. The appropriate type of cabling for use in any given network will depend on a number of factors including the desired network performance, the location of the premises and the environment in which the cables are being installed, the hardware on the network and the design topology of the overall system. When designing a cabling network, budgetary restrictions and future-proofing are also important considerations.

The type of network cabling that most commonly used is copper twisted pair cabling. These data cables have four pairs of thin wires, which are contained within an outer sheath. The pairs of wires are twisted (hence their name) and this offers protection against crosstalk, or interference, from other cables and electrical devices. These type of cables are available in several different standards including CAT5, CAT5e, CAT6, CAT6a and CAT7. These different cabling standards offer varying levels of performance and protection against interference, with each superseding the last. Although currently still under development, CAT8 cabling is expected to offer the best performance, to date, of all the twisted pair cables. Twisted pair cables are available either shielded (STP) or unshielded (UTP). Shielded cables are costlier, but provide better protection against interference. The reverse is true of unshielded cables. Unshielded cables are adequate for use in many networks, but shielded cables are advised when installing outdoors and in environments where there is a likelihood of significant electrical interference.

Another type of network cabling is fibre optic. This type of cabling is different in design and transmits data in a different way from copper twisted pair cables. Whereas twisted pair cables transmit data using electrical signals, fibre optic cables transmit data using pulses of light. They are made from plastic fibres or thin glass and surrounded by a glass sheath or cladding as well as a protective coating. Due to their design and composition, fibre optic cables are immune to crosstalk and offer a superior performance compared to copper data cables. Fibre optic cabling is recommended in networks that require a high bandwidth and capacity, such as data centres. Due to its enhanced performance, fibre optic cabling is far costlier than twisted pair cabling.

As well as twisted pair and fibre optic cabling, there are, of course, other types of cabling including telephone cabling, coaxial cabling and multipair cabling. There are also other means of transmitting data within a network such as wireless, for example, which allows information to travel over the air. However, a wired Ethernet connection is still required to permit a WiFi router to send and receive information from the internet, so network cabling still plays an important role.

If your searching for a reliable cabling installation company to install network cabling in Wolverhampton the surround areas, get in touch with us at Midland Networks today. We have an extensive range of network cabling solutions including the most commonly used twisted pair cables and fibre optics.