What Cabling is Commonly Used in the Office?
There’s no two ways about it, cables are crucial in a modern office. Without them, connectivity and data transfer would be impossible. And it’s these two elements which are used to drive modern business. Therefore, it pays to not only know which cables can give you the best performance, but also the cabling infrastructure which best suits the needs of your office.
For anyone who isn’t a cabling expert, and that’s the vast majority of people, this world of cabling, networking and infrastructures can appear daunting. But it doesn’t have to be. All you need to do is understand the basics behind these concepts.
The Different Types of Office Cables
Typically, there are three main types of cables integrated into offices:
- Ethernet cables: these are the physical cables which are used in computer networks to connect devices to one another. They are most commonly used to establish wired connections between a computer and a peripheral piece of hardware e.g. a printer, router, or telecoms system. Constructed from twisted pairs of copper wires, ethernet cables are capable of transmitting data signals at high speeds. With reliable and stable connectivity, ethernet cables deliver communication and data transfer which is seamless. This means they are perfect for an office environment where internet access, file sharing and collaboration is crucial.
- Fiber Optic cables: using thin strands of glass fibers, which are housed within an insulated sleeve, fiber optic cables use pulses of light to transmit data. And they are the perfect solution when you need to provide high-speed, reliable and secure communication in offices. These cables use internal reflection to carry large amounts of information over long distances – at speeds of up to 100Gbps – with minimal loss. Their most common usage in an office setting is to connect computer networks, facilitate telecommunication systems and deliver fast and efficient data transfer. Naturally, due to the speeds on offer, fiber optic cables represent a fantastic opportunity to boost the performance of your office.
- Coaxial cables: perhaps best known for their ability to deflect and minimise signal interference, coaxial cables consist of a central conductor surrounded by an insulating layer, a metallic shield, and an outer insulating sheath. Their most common usage in an office environment is for transmitting data and video signals. And, thanks to the way in which they suffer negligible signal loss, they are perfect for devices such as routers, networking equipment and switches. This ensures that an office is able to maintain high productivity with minimal disruption.
- Telephone Cables (Cat3, Cat5):
Although less common with the rise of VoIP, traditional telephone cables are still used in some offices for landline phone systems. - Patch Cables:
Short Ethernet or fibre optic cables used to connect devices within a network, such as between switches, routers, and patch panels.
What cabling is best for business?
Cabling infrastructure is essential for reliable networking and communication, and this is what your office needs to be successful. Properly installed and maintained office cables, the right cabling will provide you with a strong platform for transmitting data. Also, it will provide a backbone for network connectivity, supporting all your devices and technology and allowing them to integrate seamlessly with each other.
Office Cabling, of course, is a complex and precise art, so that’s why you need to align yourself with professional cable installers. With years of experience on their side, they will be able to assess your needs and install a cabling infrastructure which allows your business to take that next step forwards.
Read more about Types of Office Cables
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