Cables

NLU, TIE 532 / Contributor: Jacqui Pritchard
 * __CABLES:__** computers in a network are usually physically connected to each other via cable and //switches//. The most commonly type of cable used is called the //twisted pair,// also known as //10BaseT.// Another commonly used cable is called //coaxial//, also known as 10 Base2. For high-speed, fiber-optic cable is sometimes used. Depending on the size of the network, cables may converge and plug into a //wiring closet// OR simply strung across the floor.

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**__ GENERAL NOTES: __**
=== · Cabled networks are more secure than wireless networks. ===

=== · Coaxial cables for computers and TV look similar, but are completely different functions === === · Coaxial cable used in a BUS topology === === · UTP (unshielded twisted pair) used in a STAR topology using HUBS (4-24 computers) === === · UTP comes in various GRADES (better to be Cat5 and above) === === · UTP comes in various pre-fabricated lengths (can order custom lengths) === === · The wires that comprise the cable are attached to //RJ-45 connectors (jacks)// === === · Twisted-pair cabling is always accompanied by a HUB ===

__EXAMPLE:__ **10BaseT**
==== · **10** = speed ==== ==== · The word **“Base**” = baseband, as compared to broadband ==== ==== · 5, 2 or **“T”** //(in this example)// = length of cable is hundreds of meters; **T** = twisted pair ====
 * ====**// Standard //**==== ||
 * ==== 10Base5 ====

10BaseT – (only 2 of the 4 twister pairs are used, 2 pairs are spares) 10BaseFL
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 * ====**// Fast Ethernet //**==== ||
 * ==== 100BaseT4 – (all 4 pairs are used) ====

100BaseFX
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 * ====** Gigabit (used typically as a backbone) **==== ||
 * ==== 1000BaseT (Cat 5, 5e, 6) ====

1000BaseLX (fiber optic)
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**__ The following tables break down the sub-parts of computer cables: __**

 * ====**__ PVC __**==== || ====**__ Plenum __**==== ||
 * ==== Most commonly used ==== || ====<span style="color: rgb(192, 0, 0);"> Not as commonly used  ==== ||
 * ====<span style="color: rgb(192, 0, 0);"> Cheaper ==== || ====<span style="color: rgb(192, 0, 0);"> More expensive  ==== ||
 * ====<span style="color: rgb(192, 0, 0);"> ==== || ====<span style="color: rgb(192, 0, 0);"> Fire-retardant with fewer fumes in burned; coated in Teflon  ==== ||
 * ====<span style="color: rgb(192, 0, 0);"> ==== || ====<span style="color: rgb(192, 0, 0);"> Intended for use in plenum space in building  ====

<span style="color: rgb(192, 0, 0);"> (compartment in air non-ducted distribution system – usually in ceilings)
||

<span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Corbel','sans-serif';">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Corbel','sans-serif';">
 * ====**__ Solid Cable Wire __**==== || ====**__ Stranded Cable Wire __**==== ||
 * ====<span style="color: rgb(49, 132, 155);"> Less flexible ==== || ====<span style="color: rgb(49, 132, 155);"> More flexible  ==== ||
 * ====<span style="color: rgb(49, 132, 155);"> Breaks easily ==== || ====<span style="color: rgb(49, 132, 155);"> Doesn’t break as easily  ==== ||
 * ====<span style="color: rgb(49, 132, 155);"> Less expensive ==== || ====<span style="color: rgb(49, 132, 155);"> More expensive  ==== ||
 * ====<span style="color: rgb(49, 132, 155);"> Carries signals farther ==== || ====<span style="color: rgb(49, 132, 155);"> Not good over long distances  ==== ||
 * ====<span style="color: rgb(49, 132, 155);"> Each conductor made of a single solid strand of wire ==== || ====<span style="color: rgb(49, 132, 155);"> Each conductor made from a bunch of small wires  ==== ||