Structured cabling and data networks are far removed from the electromagnet and telegraph of the 19th century. A number of inventions, including telephone, radio, television and computer, have built on the foundations of electricity discovered by some of the greatest minds in human history.
Today, we have a deep understanding of what’s needed to achieve the clarity and reliability you expect from your communications technology at home and at work. As more and more markets find opportunities to leverage a strong network for growth, finding the right information where it’s needed is more important than ever.
The History of Networks And Structured Cabling
Cables from two centuries ago were (and are still usually, unless they have special requirements) unshielded, insulated wires made from readily available materials such as copper. One of the earliest commercial applications of copper cables was the Telegraph. The telegraph used technology like the electric relay and the electromagnet that preceded it.
The communication telegrams played an important role in connecting the world via submarine cables into the 20th century. Over time, phones were gaining ground for more local connections, and in the 21st century telegraph technology was completely usurped. However, the vehicle for both technologies remained the same and copper remains a very popular choice for cabling- – Learn More.
The introduction of new technologies such as streaming and voice over IP (VoIP) has recently required cabling solutions to provide more and more capacity for change. Instead of copper, some signals are sent via fiber optics today. The installation of fiber optic cables is more expensive and requires a better understanding than copper wiring. But you can pay for yourself by cutting costs, ensuring better connectivity, and future-proofing your structured cabling system.
Adapting to new converged technologies is a daily challenge for system integrators and network cabling companies. Whether you have an analog system or a world class fiber optic network, it is important to understand the science behind the technology.
How Does Structured Cabling Work?
In cabling, data packets are transmitted along their length by exchanging current in a series of 0’s and 1’s to generate a response or transmit a signal. The frequency with which the cable can switch between 0 and 1 is generally measured in megahertz, which corresponds to one million hertz. However, the currently most powerful network cabling can handle thousands of gigahertz per second, and these numbers are only increasing.
Standard twisted-pair cables are typical network connectors that are widely used today for your own Ethernet connection or network. Depending on your ISP’s offerings and their last-mile policies, your home can be connected to the grid using fiber or copper cables. Fiber optic cables, unlike copper twisted-pair cables, are largely future-proof because the fiber infrastructure can have an unlimited life. It only needs upgrading the electronics.
Depending on the quality, optical fibers produce infrared wavelengths between 650 and 1600 nanometers. Copper cables produce microwaves that have a lower wavelength and frequency than infrared waves. This means that they cycle less quickly than fiber and therefore less data is sent. Optical fibers are fast becoming the preferred cabling method because of their comparatively faster speeds and longer service life, but are still more expensive than copper cables. Both types of cables have a long life and will be common in the years to come.
After learning a bit about the history of structured cabling and how data networks work, let’s take a look at some of the technologies that make today’s systems so powerful.
Modern Wiring Types
Category 6
Category 6 or Cat 6 is a popular cabling standard with a power of up to 250 MHz at a distance of 55 meters. A successful Cat 6 installation may require shielding and grounding at both ends, which may cause interference. Cat-6 are typical patch or crossover cables that connect different devices to the same network. Cat 6 cabling is widely used and relatively inexpensive. It is today the basis for an adequate system performance.
Network Cabling Info 