Setting up a reliable network requires selecting the correct type of cable for the job in hand. This can differ depending on the business’s needs, which is why it is important to have data cables installed by professionals who can assess your needs and the set-up of your building and infrastructure to suggest the best data cables for the job, whether that be Cat 8 ethernet cabling or fibre optic cables.
The type of network cable used varies in application, transmission speed, and the distance required. Whether installing it for a corporate infrastructure or an industrial environment, understanding the options available will help with efficiency and performance.
This guide will explore the various types of data network cables, their applications, and how they contribute to seamless cabling work.
Twisted Pair Cables
Twisted pair cables are one of the most common network cables used for computer networks. These cables consist of pairs of copper wires twisted together to reduce interference. They are used mainly in gigabit Ethernet and other networking applications.
Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP) Cables
The cost and simplicity of installing UTP cables make them the most commonly used home networks. The lack of a metal shield in these data cables makes them very prone to electromagnetic interference, hence their suitability for use over shorter lengths.
Shielded Twisted Pair (STP) Cables
Unlike UTP cables, the STP cable contains a metal shield that shields the wires from interference from the outside. Hence, it is suitable for use in places with a high level of electrical noise. It is employed in general industries or wherever high-performance wiring work is to be extended further.
Coaxial Cables
Coaxial cables have traditionally been used in broadband internet and television services, though they still have some relevance to networking. This type of cable contains a core conductor, insulation, a metallic shield, and an outermost insulating layer that makes the transmission of signals over longer distances with minimal interference ideal.
Fibre Optic Cables
Fibre optic cables are desirable in applications involving longer distances at higher speeds. Because fibre optics transmit data as light signals, speeds and bandwidth are greater than copper-based cables.
Fibre optic cables work well with large networks, data centres, and applications requiring gigabit Ethernet speeds or higher. They do not suffer from electromagnetic interference, so they are great for secure and stable network connections.
How to Choose the Right Type of Cable
The type of cable chosen for a network depends on several factors, such as the following:
- Speed Requirements: High-speed internet and gigabit Ethernet require fibre optic cables or STP cables.
- Interference Concerns: Shielded twisted pair cables or coaxial cables provide better protection against electrical interference.
- Distance Considerations: For longer distances, fibre optic cables are the best; UTP cables are suitable for shorter distances.
- Application: UTP cables are relatively cheaper in connecting a network device in a small office. The large-scale computer networks will require a combination of STP cables, coaxial cables, and fibre optic cables.
Selecting the appropriate types of data network cables is critical to maintaining a high-performance, stable network. From UTP cables to STP cables to reduce interference in a factory setting or fibre optic cables to provide high-speed data transmission over greater distances, the correct selection will directly influence your network’s reliability and efficiency.
At Performance Networks, we are experts in computer cabling and managed networks. We help organisations choose the right cable for their needs. Our professionals can review your building structure, network needs, and environmental conditions and suggest and install the most suitable data cables. These could be Cat 8 Ethernet cabling, fibre optic cables, or a mix of both.
If you need professional consultation or installation services, contact Performance Networks today to ensure your network is designed for high speed, reliability, and efficiency.
