In the modern times data cabling happens to be a crucial part of any business. It serves as the backbone of the network that supports a business. In order to run your business smoothly you must know the basics of data cabling. In the following sections of the blog post let us explore few interesting facts about it, like how data cabling works, what do you require for it and how it serves you. The discussion will also cover few different types of data cabling that are popular in the ongoing times.
Data cabling – what is it?
Data cabling is actually the method of connecting multiple devices within an IT network. The equipment includes desktops, laptops, personal computers, servers, printers, CCTV cameras, and more. Data cables comes in to two types: copper and fiber optics. These two types of cables come in different grades. Their grades ultimately determine the different standards of each of the items.
Compared to copper cables, fibre cables can run much longer. This is why copper cables are used to connect individual devices and fibre cables are used to connect multiple cabinets together.
Technically sound experts working in a leading data cabling company in London are of the opinion that a properly designed data cabling system brings more benefits to a business than what one can expect. Most importantly it ensures fast and reliable access to data. This in turn contributes with significant improvement of overall performance of your business or company. It prevents network downtime and that helps a business save money in the long run.
Why data cabling is so important to modern-day businesses?
In the present-day scenario, businesses can hardly survive without data cabling. Why? To put it in easier words, data cabling enables businesses transmit data smoothly. This transmission takes place between different systems and devices. In absence of data cabling it is not possible for a business to communicate with computers, phone systems, printers and a host of other modern electronic devices.
Reasons why businesses are in need of a well-planned cabling infrastructure
Data cabling can be broadly divided into two categories, structured and unstructured types. Structured cabling systems are more prominent in the world of business. The reasons behind its popularity are obvious and include the following –
- It is easier to install compared to the unstructured variety
- Moreover it is even easier managing
On the other hand unstructured data cabling systems are more popular in homes. it provides much better performance compared to its structured counterpart although requires better care and maintenance in course of time.
Every business, irrespective of its size, shape or industrial domain, requires a well-planned network infrastructure to survive and reach higher levels of success. A sound network infrastructure can easily –
- Boost overall performance of a business
- Make a business more competent
- Slashes the otherwise hefty cost of IT infrastructure for the future
Moreover a well-thought out data cabling system helps any business scale higher heights of success faster. Almost in no time it automatically becomes a crucial part of the company’s operations.
Different types of data cabling
Different types of data cabling are used in the present times. These include –
- Twisted pair
- Coaxial cable and
- Optic fibre cable
A brief introduction to twisted pair cables
A twisted pair cable is basically an electrical cable. as its name suggests, it consists of a pair of copper wires that are twisted around each other. The twisting proves helpful negating any interference that may be caused by electromagnetic radiation. This makes this variety data cabling items ideal for transmitting data. It is also widely used in networking applications. Because of the insulation electrical charge cannot escape into the surrounding environment to cause any damage or injury. This makes the twisted pair data cables absolutely safe to work with.
A basic idea about coaxial cables
A coaxial cable is a copper cabling and has an inner copper conductor. There is an insulating layer that separates the copper conductor from the outer layer. The insulating layer is called dielectric and it encases a conducting shield. Professionals dealing in commercial network cabling in London explain this variety of data cables is ideal for high speed transmission of data. It is widely used in making internet connections. Coaxial cables, compared to any other variety of data cable, have a very low signal loss. This makes it suitable for transmission of data over the virtual web.
Coax cables can be broadly classified in two types – thick and thin. The two varieties have their own advantages and disadvantages. The thicker variety is more reliable as well as long lasting in harsh environments. It also exhibits higher signal attenuation when longer distances are considered.
On the other hand the thinner variety is obviously much lighter in weight and is more flexible. But at the same time it is less sturdy. As a result it requires sufficient protection from mechanical damage.
A basic introduction to optical fibre cable
A fibre optic cable is basically a cylindrical strand of glass. It transmits data through light. Light gets transmitted through optical fibre as a result of internal reflection. As a result there is no loss in signal strength over a distance of several hundreds of kilometres. Optical cable fibre also has a high bandwidth.
Because of these features the type of data cable is widely used and the backbone in IT networks. It is also suitable for telecommunication over long distances.
Disadvantages of data cabling to use in business
Depending on the variety of data cable you choose the installation itself may be severely costly. Each of the varieties of cable discussed above has its own pros and cons that you must consider before investing. Optic fibre cables, for example, have great speed for data transmission. But compared to twisted pair cable it is severely expensive. Contact Commercial Electrician London for more affordable prices.
The current standards for cabling
According to some of the best data cabling experts in London, the current standards for data cabling is known as Category cables. These include Cat O, Cat A, Cat B, Cat C, Cat D and Cat D. the slower is the speed when the number on the cable is lower. But yet these slower speeds can easily cater to the needs of most Commercial businesses.