What is WiFi Cable, and How Does It Work?
The rise of WiFi and the requirement for WiFi cable Installation in our lives has been rapid and expansive. Without WiFi, we would lead less connected lives and struggle to achieve all our goals. The ‘wireless’ part of WiFi may lead you to believe that no cabling is required. But this is a myth. WiFi cables are still essential elements of wireless connections. When it comes to WiFi, they are indispensable in providing a WiFi connection.
What is WiFi Cabling?
The WiFi experience starts with an internet service provider (ISP) transmitting a data signal directly to your building.
The data sent by the ISP travels through a coaxial or fibre optic cable, with its intended target being your modem or router. Data switches and ethernet cables are then used to connect your broadband service to multiple devices such as computers, phones, and wireless access points. This allows you to connect wirelessly to high-speed internet connections.
WiFi is well known for its reliability and widespread availability. The wide range of Technical and supplier options is one of its significant benefits. Modern WiFi can offer high connection speeds ranging up to 10,000Mbps and beyond
Does WiFi Need to Be Plugged into a Cable?
This is one of the most common questions asked by those who are new to WiFi. The answer is a resounding yes.
There are Wifi systems where you can mesh several access points together via Wifi itself, but there is a significant drop off in performance. Indeed, in many cases, there is a 50% drop off per transmission.
The best performance is achieved through a dedicated Wifi cable from your data switch directly to each Wifi access point. In addition, the better the cable specification, the better the wifi performance capability
What Cable Do I Need for WiFi?
Regarding your cabling requirements, several cables may form part of your Wifi infrastructure.
Data cables themselves are explained further in our blog What is Data Cable?
The first two cables form the internet service in your building. Wifi speeds and speed requirements have grown exponentially along with traditional wired data transmission, so a stable, fast internet connection is required if you want your devices to run seamlessly over your Wifi system.
Ninety meters is the maximum cable run, so backbone cabling between multiple data switches within your building might be required.
Coaxial Cable (ISP)
Some incoming internet providers use a coaxial cable to supply your main broadband router and start your internet access. Virgin Media is such a company that uses Coaxial into the building.
The coaxial cable connects your modem with your ISP and is the route by which data reaches your building. The internet provider installs this cable within your property. It uses an inner conductor surrounded by an outer conducting shield.
Fibre Optic Cable (ISP)
Most commercial incoming internet services are supplied over fibre optic cables from the street. The cables are generally via blown fibre, which is an empty plastic tube with multiple cores. Additional fibre cores can be "Blown" down the tubes as and when they are required for additional internet access and bandwidth.
Internal fibre optic cables are also used to link numerous data switches on different floors or buildings which serve local access points.
Ethernet Cable - Technology and Wifi Cabling
Ethernet cable is any cable used to carry internet signals between your modem and any internet-capable devices. Essentially, it’s a network cable.
These are used to connect to ethernet ports located on devices such as
- Computers / PC's
- VoIP Telephones
- Printers
- CCTV Cameras
- Access Control
- Wifi Access Points
The cables in most legacy buildings and newer installed are primarily
- Cat5e Cabling - What is Cat5e Cabling?
- Cat6 Cabling - What is Cat6 Cabling?
- Cat6a Cabling - What is Cat6a Cabling?
Cat6 cabling should be the minimum for any new installation
In data centre installations and higher-end installations, Cat7 and Cat8 cabling are used, but for Wifi installations, the above cables are the most common.
You may still see Cat5 cable in very old buildings, which isn't suitable for Wi-Fi devices or data transmission in general.
Cat5e and Cat6 cabling is ratified for 1 Gigabit installation speeds, and Cat6a is the standard for 10 Gigabit transmissions.
Therefore, when considering new Wifi installation, Cat6a should be the standard to install to give you the best performance and future upgrade capability when not already installing multi-gigabit Wifi Access Points
Cat6a cabling standards for schools and colleges
Category 6A cabling provides greater data capacity than previous copper cabling standards. It will provide schools and colleges the flexibility to increase the volume and specification of the technology they will need to connect to their networks.
The full specification and guidelines can be viewed here - Network cabling standards for schools and colleges
Electrical power for Wi-Fi access points
Wifi access points don't require a separate power source. They are powered via Power Other Ethernet (POE) - Article: Power Over Ethernet Explained
The data transmission and the power to the access point are transmitted from the same data switch done by the single Wifi cable serving that access point.
This is another reason to have the best possible grade of ethernet cable, as higher power outlets require a higher grade of cable, such as Cat6a, to avoid interference with data transmission.
Know Your Wifi Cables
Understanding your cable needs is critical for setting up WiFi connections. Different consumers will have different needs depending on the technical specifications of your Wifi systems and personal budgets.
Nonetheless, if you are dealing with WiFi cables, ensure they are at least the minimum standard for your Wifi equipment, and if possible, install Cat6a cabling for future upgrading and enhanced performance.
Learn more about Wi-Fi Cabling
