Network Patch Cables
Network patch cables are used to connect different communication devices to one
another. For example, connecting the peripheral units to a central computer system
will need a network patch cable, or connecting two computers or laptops through
a hub will require a network patch cable. Today, the use of network patch cables
is seen much more prominently in residential places, but they are also indispensable
in workplaces that need to have many computers connected to a LAN network. Network
patch cables are short in length; they will not go above 20 meters. The shortest
ones are three inches, which are used to connect patch plates that are stacked
one on top of another.
The following are three of the most common kinds of network patch cables that
are used:-
- UTP Cables - UTP stands for Unshielded Twisted Pair. This is the
most common of the different network cable technologies that exists. It basically
consists of eight insulated and color coded copper wires that are twisted
around each other, and then covered by an outer sheath. They contain a central
core on which these twisted pairs are mounted. The central core could be either
stranded (with copper wire strands) for flexibility, or could be made with
solid core. While making network patch cables, the stranded ones are preferred
because they allow for easy flexibility. There are different categories of
UTP cables available, but the most common ones in use today are the Cat 5,
Cat 5e and Cat 6 UTP cables. The Cat 5 cables are good for 100 Mbit/s speeds,
while the Cat 6 cables are used in Gigabit Ethernet. The Cat 5e cables are
an enhanced version of Cat 5, but they are below Cat 6. The frequency limitation
for Cat 5 is 100 MHz, while that for Cat 6, it can go up to 250 MHz.
- Coaxial Cables - Coaxial cables contain a central conducting channel
which carries the signal that needs to be transmitted. This is surrounded
by a concentric channel, shaped like a cylinder. The inner channel is the
conductor for the signal while the outer channel is for grounding. Between
the two channels there is an insulating layer. The coaxial cables are used
much in making network patch cables, and the benefit is that they can carry
signals up to large distances. Even in coaxial cables, there can be Cat 5,
Cat 5e and Cat 6 cables that can be used with specially designed connectors.
- Fiber Optic Cables - Fiber optic cables work on the principle of
light impulses instead of electrical transmission. Even the lines used are
different. In traditional cables, copper lines are used, but in fiber optic
cables, special fibers are used through which light is reflected through the
principle of total internal reflection.
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