Network Cabling: Your Installation Options For Small Business!
Small business owners are often faced with the daunting task of making decisions about their network cabling installation.
It’s tricky to juggle; their company relies on internet and network performance, but other business priorities often take precedence.
Thankfully, there are many different options available for businesses of all sizes and budgets – let’s take a look at some:
Straight-through Cable:
It is the simplest, most basic cabling option. It’s identical on each end, and its only use is to connect a computer to an Ethernet switch or router. It can handle speeds up to 100 Mbps.
Crossover Cable:
Used only to connect two computers directly – no network hub or switch involved. It can handle speeds up to 100 Mbps but is more commonly associated with older, 10 Mbps networks.
Rolled Cable:
Otherwise known as a patch cable, this medium-length cable type is most commonly used for directly connecting a computer to a wall jack or switch port. Businesses use it to make patch panel connections and connect switches.
Coaxial Cable:
An older standard that’s pretty much obsolete now but can transmit data at speeds up to 10 Mbps.
It’s typically referred to as Thicknet or AUI (Attachment Unit Interface) and is most commonly used for thick Ethernet networks in institutional settings like schools and hospitals.
1. What is network cabling?
A network cabling system is installing networking cables within a structure.
It can include cables for data, voice, or video. The type of cable used will depend on the network’s specific needs.
Network cabling can be done using various methods, including Fiber optic, copper, and wireless.
It can be a highly complex process, but it is a good idea to familiarize yourself with the terminology and the different types of cabling if your business requires a high-tech infrastructure.
2. What Are The Types Of Network Cables?
Cables are the essential medium of any network. Most people use Ethernet cables to connect their computer to their broadband modem or router, but if you have a small business with multiple computers, you’ll need some other types of cable, too.
Here is a list of common internet cable types:
Ethernet cable
These cables have eight wires inside them that are used to transmit data. The most common type of Ethernet connection is gigabit, which can transfer up to 1000 megabits per second.
However, other types of Ethernet connections can be used for 10-gigabit connections, but these cables are more expensive.
Crossover cable:
This type of cable is like an Ethernet cable, except it has different ends that connect.
The reason for this is to connect two computers directly together without any additional networking hardware, such as modems or routers.
Patch cable-
These cables look similar to Ethernet cables, but they have different ends on either side of the cable. One end is a patch panel, and the other is called an RJ45 connector.
The patch panel has several RJ45 connectors that securely attach components of a LAN or WAN directly for direct connections to servers, routers, switches, etc.
Fiber optic cable –
These cables are constructed of very thin glass or plastic fibers that transmit light signals instead of electrical currents.
This type of connection is much faster than Ethernet and can transmit data at speeds up to 10 gigabits per second.
This cable type is much more reliable, making it perfect for use in mission-critical applications where downtime cannot be tolerated.
Satellite cable –
This type of cable connects to a satellite that then transmits data worldwide. It’s not as fast as other internet connections but can be very useful in rural areas far away from major population centers.
This internet connection can also transmit live video and audio, which makes it perfect for teleconferencing.
Telephone cable –
Telephone cables work much like Ethernet cables, except they have eight wires instead of 4. They’re typically 6 feet long and can be used for phone service and internet connections.
They’re the most common cable types used for computer networks, but there are other specialized cables like telephone cables, fiber optic cables, etc.
Conclusion:
To not let your business suffer from a lack of robust, reliable internet and network performance, you need to find the time for installation or have someone else do it.
At House of I.T, we provide hassle-free installation of wired and wireless broadband connectivity to your business. We have over ten years of experience in the field so you can trust us with all of your networking needs.
We offer a range of services so that you can get everything from basic internet connectivity, installation without any downtime, or help to find the best possible services for your workplace.
We will help you get set up with your internet and network to get back to work. Our technicians are highly skilled, our prices are affordable, and our services offer a fast turnaround time for service requests.