Network Cable

If you are one of the millions of home computer users who want to network one machine to one or more others, you will need to know something about the network cable process before connecting several machines in one area. Even if you hire the work to be done by someone else, it is a good idea to keep an eye on the cable installation to be sure it is done correctly. You also may need to repair or replace a worn cable in the future, so find out in advance which cable type is best for your network. An unshielded twisted pair cable is a widespread cable type that often is found in schools. Using four pairs of twisted wire that are twisted differently per inch to avoid interference, this type of cable can be tightly twisted for a higher transmission rate that includes a higher cost. The five categories range from the first for voice only using telephone wire to Category 5, Fast Ethernet, supporting data to 100 Mbps. The shielded twisted pair works well in environments conducive to electrical interference that can create problems for the unshielded twisted pair. A coaxial cable

utilizes a copper center conductor sheathed in the cable jacket. A fiber optic cable uses a glass rod in the center to transmit light rather than electric signals. Each of these cable types requires specific conductors. Finally, LAN’s use high frequency radio signals to transmit data in wireless fashion. Infrared light beams or lasers sometimes are used instead. As you can imagine, some knowledge of electronics is helpful when attempting to hook up a network connection using cable. Do not attempt this work unless you have the knowledge and credentials do manage it safely. Always check the owner’s manual or talk to a customer service expert before making major changes to your computer.