Networking Cables
Computer networks are composed of many computers linked or connected together by wireless or wired medium. The principal function of a computer network is to facilitate the exchange of information, resources and communication between the systems. A network is connected using cables and these cables serve as the medium through communication takes place between any of the network devices. The success of any network depends on the type of cables chosen to build it.
The kind of cables that a network requires depends on the size, typology and the protocol. At the moment there are several types of cables that one may choose from.
Coaxial cable are one of the best options for any network and they come in two types- thin coaxial and thick coaxial. Thin coaxial cables, also known as Thinnet come in the specification of Thinbase 2, wherein the 2 refers to the approximate maximum segment strength of 200 metres. This cable is predominantly used in schools.
Thicknet, the thicker version of the coaxial cable with a specification of 10base5, with 500 metres segment strength is used for longer linear networks and have an additional plastic covering that keeps the moisture away. However the thick cable is at times difficult to bend and install. All coaxial cables come with a central copper conductor that is separated from a braided metal shield by a plastic sheet. Though the coaxial cables maybe difficult to install, they are extremely resistant to any signal interference and are ideal for networks as they support greater cable lengths between the network devices. Twisted pair cables are generally used in school networks and networks in offices. Twisted pair cables are of 2 types- shielded and unshielded. Shielded cables are commonly used in networks of the token ring topology. Though the extra shielding may make the cables bulky they are immensely useful for networks with high electrical interferences. On the other hand the more common unshielded twisted cables are more popular and widely used around the world. The unshielded twisted cable comprises of four wires. Each pair in the jacket is twisted by a different number of twists per inch and tighter the twisting greater the supported transmission rate and cost per foot. The wires are twisted to eliminate the interference from nearby electrical devices and adjacent pairs. Unshielded twisted wires have been categorized under 5 types by the Electronic Industry Association. Category 1 wires are used for voice only (telephone), category 2 for local talk, category 3 for Ethernet, category 4 for 16 Mbps token ring and lastly category 5 for fast Ethernet. Fiber optic cables are perhaps the most effective of all the cables used in computer networking. Fiber optic cables transmit data using light than electrical signals and hence are immensely useful in networks that have high electrical interference. They transmit data at a much faster rate and over longer distances than the coaxial and twisted cables. They are made up of Kevlar fibers that strengthen the fiber and prevent breakage. The central core is made of glass or plastic and is insulated by a plastic coating and an outer jacket of Teflon /PVC. 10base f is the specification of the fiber optic cable carrying Ethernet signals and due to its ability to carry information at high speed and over large distances, it is often used to connect networks between buildings. Computers are the symbols of development and successful computer networks are the backbone of high speed communication and emerging generation of e-convergence.
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