NETWORKING CABLE TYPES
Commercial-Grade Network Wiring for Business Facilities
Network wiring in a business facility involves the installation of collection of connectors, connecting hardware, and cables. Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP), Screened (Foil) Unshielded Twisted Pair (F/UTP), Shielded Twisted Pair (STP), or multimode or singlemode fiber optics are used.
UTP Wiring
UTP cables are available in different grades depending on the application, from telecom rooms to data centers. Siemon’s Augment Category 6 UTP cable uses larger diameters to reduce crosstalk in 10G BASE-T applications. Category 5e and 6 cables are also offered.
Screened (Foil) Unshielded Twisted Pair Wiring
Siemon’s Category 6A F/UTP system utilizes a cable shield to prevent alien crosstalk. The smaller diameter offers a greater pathway fill density. Connectors in flat, angled, and keystone versions, are designed to be easy to ground.
Shielded with Foil Twisted Pair Wiring
S/FTP cables are copper cables better suited for network wiring in buildings exposed to high electrical interference or frequent radio transmissions. Siemon’s shielded Category 7 TERA is a standards-approved connector that virtually eliminates crosstalk between pairs and cables. Its unique design supports cable sharing for various applications.
Fiber Optic Wiring
Fiber optic cabling is the most common network connection for data centers. Fiber optic cabling is available in singlemode and multimode forms with different core sizes. Multimode fiber permits more than a single mode of light, while singlemode fiber permits only one pathway for light.
Wiring Diagrams
UTP, F/UTP, and S/FTP copper cabling types can be used throughout local area networks (LAN). Copper cabling standards are designated as Category 5e, Category 6, Augmented Category 6, Category 7, Class D, E, F, and FA. The categories are numbered according to specifications defined by committees of ISO, ATM, TIA, CSA, CENELEC, and JSA/JSI. For instance, the ANSI/TIA/EIA-568 standard is a telecommunications cabling standard for commercial buildings covering Category 5e, 6, and 6A.
Structured Cabling Systems
Network wiring and wiring systems rely on a variety of structured cable system components working together. The patch panels and horizontal cables are used for in-wall installation. Patch cables are utilized to connect stand-alone computers to outlets and outlets to telecommunications closets. To house and store network wiring systems, products such as cable troughs, wireways, enclosure cables, rack accessories, and cabling cabinets are also installed to protect the wiring and equipment from dust, dirt, water, and oil while simplifying cable management.