Network Cables
Computer networking is the technology that deals with the communication between various computer systems and devices. The computers might be able to communicate over small distances (like Bluetooth) and large distances (like the internet). In some cases they are also able to communicate via a network of cables. In all three cases they constitute what is called, a computer network.
The various types of cables that are used to connect a cluster of computers or electronic devices together can be classified as network cables. The network system which consists of a number of computers in the same area is called the Local Area Network or LAN. One of the most common popular networking technologies used on the LAN is the Ethernet. The Ethernet involves the various systems transferring and sharing data across a network. The basis of this network is nothing but the network cables, the routers and the switches that are used to couple the various computers together. These days, an Ethernet network can have anything ranging from a few computers to tons of computers sharing information together.
Due to the large amounts of vital information being transferred and shared, it is necessary to pay attention to the quality and nature of the cables used for these networking systems. Some of the commonly used cables for networking are the CAT5, CAT5e and CAT6. While the CAT5 and CAT5e are used for smaller speed networks (with CAT5e slightly better than CAT5), CAT6 is often used when several gigabits of information has to be transferred. However the fact that these cables have a limited distance of transmission has given rise to the use of other types of cables.
Patch cables for instance, which are made with the help of coaxial cables, are used for connecting electronic devices for the purpose of signal routing. An Ethernet crossover cable, meanwhile, is a type of network cable that is used to connect computing (or electronic) devices directly together, instead of going through the norms of connecting them via a network switch, hub or router. Twisted pair cables is another type of cable that has in recent times, become more popular than the initially used coaxial cables, token ring, FDDI, and ARCNET. While some network cables are chosen for faster transmission of data, others promise high signal integrity. Most types of cables for networking are industry produced and available for purchase. However it is also possible to make your own network cables. The process involves the cutting and unwinding of the wires of desired cable lengths and then using Micron connectors to connect the wire and then crimp. With proper techniques of winding, we can produce different types of network cables like patch cables, twisted pair, coaxial cables, etc.
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