These cables are networking devices used to connect one network device to another network device. In broad terms, a cable is a telecommunicating device that relays data from computers to a larger network mainframe. Sometimes these cables are external, and can be used to plug computers into internet modems or grounded ports.
Types of Cables used in communication devices
The three types of communication cables are fiber optic cables, twisted pair cables and coaxial cables.
Fiber Optic Cable
Fiber optic cable consists of a bundle of glass threads, each of which is capable of transmitting messages modulated onto light waves. It has a complicated design and structure. This type of cable has an outer optical casing that surrounds the light and traps it within a central core. The inside of the cable must be configure in two ways; Single mode and multi-mode.
Twisted pair Cable
Twisted pair cable is a type of wiring which connects home and many business computers. This cable is known as Ethernet cable. This network cable consists of color-coded pairs of insulated copper wires. Every two wires are twisted around each other to form a pair.
There are four pairs in a twisted pair cable. Each pair has one solid color and one stripped wire color.
Based on how pairs are twisted in this cable, Unshielded twisted pair cable and Shielded twisted pair cable, each pair is wrapped with an additional metal shield, then all pairs are wrapped in a single outer plastic sheath.
Coaxial Cable
Coaxial Cable is a copper cable which has an inner conductor surrounded by foam insulation, symmetrically by a woven braided metal shield, then covered in a plastic jacket. This unique design allows coaxial cable runs to be installed next to metal objects such as gutters without the power losses that occur in other types of transmission lines.
Single Mode Fiber Optic Cable
Single mode fiber optic cable has a small diametric core that allows only one light to propagate. Because of this, the number of light reflections created as the light passes through the core diseases, lowering the attenuation and creating the ability for the signal to travel further.
Single mode fiber core diameter is much smaller than multimode fiber. Its typical core diameter is 9 micrometers. This mode features only one transmission mode. It can carry higher bandwidths but it needs to have a light source having a narrow spectral width.
Multi-Mode Fiber Optic Cable
Multi-Mode is a type of optical fiber design to carry multiple light rays simultaneously, each a different reflection angle inside the optical fiber core.
It has a core 50 micrometers or higher. Its core is surround by a cladding that brings the overall diameter of the optical fiber to 125 micrometer.
Multi-mode is use to transmit comparatively across short distances. As the modes are likely to disperse over longer extents.
Multi-mode are not suitable for high data transmission. It is not advisable to mix and match fiber either. Attempting to connect a single mode fiber with a multi-mode fiber may result in data loss.
Ethernet Cables
Ethernet cables are widely use to connect computers and network devices with each other. It is often referr to as a local area network. You may notice a clip shape tip wire connected from the modem to your computer for the internet. That is an Ethernet cable.
They are a type of cable. They are designe to work with Ethernet ports. Ethernet ports can be find on routers, computers, and most internet and network-enable devices.
At the end of each cable is a small modular plug and a Jack45 connector. They have a small lever on the top which helps secure and unclips the Ethernet cable. When you push the cable into the Ethernet cable, it should click into the space.
Types of Ethernet Cables
Cat1 is an untwisted pair of cable that is the most common form of wiring for voice telephone systems in homes and offices. It consists of two insulate copper wires twisted around each other for analog voice communications.
Cat2 is capable of voice and data communications and primarily during the 1980s for IBM ring network cable. It supported a data transmission rate of 4 Mbps.
Cat3 had four twisted pairs and it was the first which supported digital voice communications. It is still in older buildings but its 10 Mbps data rate is consider too slow for modern networking.
Uses of cables
- These cables provide stable internet connection
- These cables are of different types to use will the structure and topology of the overall architecture system.
- Twisted pair cable will connect your computer to your router or modem to have internet access.
- Unshielded twisted pair cable is what most people have in their homes or businesses.
- Shield twist pair cable is use for industrial purposes and not so much in a home or a business.
- Straight cables are mostly use on a LAN.
Buying guide for Cable
Generally, these cables over Wi-Fi prefer speed and latency. Wi-Fi technology and Ethernet is advance over decades but have Ethernet.
If you are looking for a faster speed Wi-Fi connection, purchase Ethernet cable with a gigabit.
Conclusion
In this article, we discussed the cables, their types and most importantly about Ethernet cables. Network cable divid according to twisting, bandwidth and many other things. Finally a buying guide about which type of cables should be buy discuss too.
