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What is Data Cabling? [CAT5e, CAT6 & Fibre]

What is Data Cabling

Data Cabling is a method of connecting multiple devices e.g PC’s, Printers, CCTV cameras, servers within an IT network. There are essentially two types of data cable, copper and fibre, within these two types of cable there are different grades which ultimately result in different standards.

Cables are ran to a floor box or wall mounted point close to where the device will be situated, it will be ran from a central location where a communication cabinet will be installed, in most cases all cables go back to the same cabinet but for a large scale deployment you could have a cabinet per floor. Fibre cables can be ran much longer distances than copper, for this reason fibre normally connects multiple cabinets together while copper cables connect individual devices and will go back to the closest cabinet.

What is CAT5e?

CAT5e data cabling can run at the following speeds: 10/100/1000Mbps, typically these speeds can be achieved over a distance of 100 Meters, all pairs of the copper cable are used when a 1000Mbps connection is negotiated with a network switch.

What is CAT6?

CAT6 data cabling can run at the following speeds 10/100/1000/10000, because CAT6 is still a copper cable you can only run it up to 100 Meters in total length.

Please find below the different style of copper cable, the right cable will be determined by a number of environmental factors and you should always seek advice before selecting the cable or alternatively let an expect do it for you.

UTPUnshielded Twisted PairThe UTP cable consists of pairs of wires twisted together. This is one of the most basic methods used to help prevent electromagnetic interference. UTP
FTPFoiled Twisted PairFTP offers an additional layer of protection with shielding (also called screening) wrapped around the individual twisted wires. This protects against EMI/FRI and crosstalk.FTP
S/UTP & F/UTPShielded/ Screened or Foiled Unshielded Twisted PairThis has an overall foil or braid screen covering the 4 pairs of unshielded twisted pairs.S/UTP & F/UTP
S/FTPShielded and Foiled Twisted PairA combination of the two above, with foil shielding around the individual twisted wires and an overall screen which can sometimes be a flexible braid. This provides the maximum level of protection from interference and is found in the highest performance cables.S/FTP

What is Fibre?

Fibre is a flexible glass tube like cable which allows light to travel through it along vast distances at high speed.  Fibre cables (OM1-5) can work at speeds of: 10/100/1000/10000, they can be ran between 500 Meters and 2km depending on the speed required.  There are multiple connection types, please find all of these below:

What is Fibre

Have a Question on Data Cabling?

If you have a question you’d like to ask about data cabling give our friendly team a call today on 03331 500 140 or click the button below to request a call back. Our expert data cabling installers are always more than happy to offer any help you may need.

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To help us deal with your enquiry quickly and efficiently please could you take a few minutes to answer the following questions.

To help you provide your answers please read the following notes

If it is an Internet connection you require, the property where the service will be installed must have a UK postcode

If you require services for a residential property, please be aware that we only provide residential grade wireless Internet services in the Essex area.

We do however provide business-grade services in residential properties across the UK. Please be advised the cost to provide this service exceeds the standard monthly costs for domestic internet connection and a suitable business level budget is required.

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