What Are the Four Types of Network Cabling?

In today’s world, having constant internet access is essential, especially in the workplace. With about 59% of the world’s population using the internet, it has drastically altered our perceptions of the world. Despite the fact that the internet is typically accessed through wireless networks such as WiFi and cellular connections, its backbone is made up of physical network cabling that transports Internet traffic between computer systems. Networking cables are pieces of hardware that are used to link network devices like modems or two or more computers. Find out more about the different types of network cabling systems here from a professional telecoms company.  

Coaxial Cables

The coaxial cable is made up of various elements; including a conductor, insulator, braiding, and sheath. The sheath is the outermost layer of the braiding, which protects the conductor’s insulation and the cable is protected from physical harm by the sheath. The inner layer of braiding functions as a shield against external noise and interference.  The braiding is made of the same material as the cable’s core (usually copper cabling). A layer of insulation is used to isolate the braiding from the conductor’s core. Because both are composed of the same material, this is critical in preventing short circuits. Because of their low cost and extended durability, these coaxial networking cabling types were the first to be used in computer networking, despite being designed for general usage. Most networking systems have moved to more efficient and dependable wires, making this technology outdated.  

Fibre Optic Cabling

The core, cladding, buffer, and jacket are the four main components of a fibre optic cable. The core is made up of glass or plastic strands that may efficiently transmit data over great distances. The cladding covers it, which is wrapped in the buffer, which is wrapped in the jacket. Light is used to transfer data signals in the core. The light is reflected back to the core by the coating inside the cable. The buffer is used to prevent the leaking of light signals. The cable’s outer jacket protects it from harm from the elements.   Fibre optic cables, unlike twisted-pair connections, are totally immune to EMI and RFI. These connections can carry data at breakneck speeds over enormous distances. These are perfect in working offices where a fast download speed is required. As these cables can transfer data at a maximum speed of 100Gbps over 40km.  

Twisted Pair Cables

Twisted pair cables were specifically created for usage in computer networks. Typically, they are referred to as Ethernet cables with computers that are connected to a Local Area Network (LAN) using them the most. Inside this cable, there are colour-coded pairs of insulated copper wires. A pair is formed by twisting two wires around each other. The cable is usually made up of four pairs of wire; one solid colour and one striped colour wire included in each pair. Blue, brown, green, and orange are the most common solid colours. White is commonly mixed with a solid hue in striped colour.   Unshielded twisted-pair (UTP) and Shielded twisted-pair (STP) are the two varieties of twisted-pair cable based on how they are striped in the plastic sheath (STP).  

Unshielded Twisted Pair

The most popular type of network cabling probably is unshielded twisted pair. Both telephone and computer networks use these lines; ideal in a working environment. These network cabling types come in a variety of shapes and sizes. The telephone is the primary application for CAT1. Token ring networks employ CAT2, which can enable rates of up to 4Mbps. Token ring networks use both CAT3 and CAT4 for increased speed. The improved crosstalk specification of CAT5e lines allows for rates of up to 1 Gbps. CAT6 enables rates of up to 1 Gbps over a distance of 100 metres and 10 Gbps over a distance of 55 metres. Finally, the CAT7 network wire offers 10Gbps speeds over a distance of 100 metres.   For more information on our network cabling services, click here.  

Fibre Telecoms

Here at Fibre, we want to challenge the status quo. That’s why we provide exemplary technology with the best competitive rates throughout the telecom network infrastructure. Our business phone systems allow small businesses to keep up with their larger competitors with fast broadband speeds. For more information on our services, or to receive a quote, fill in our online form. Or, why not follow us on LinkedIn? Stay connected to our network.    

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