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BASIC CABLE KNOWLEDGE
HECC two-line or less explanations of network cables variables
Cable Category: Affects the speed and
the distance a cable can run.
Cat 5 100 MB Max length 328 feet
Cat 5E (enhanced) 1000 MB Max length 328 feet
Cat 6 1000 MB max length 328 feet or 10000
MB max length 121 feet
Cat 6a (Augmented) 10000 MB max length 328 feet
Fire Safety, and Insurance Requirements
(This is oversimplified for basic knowledge)
Any cable above a ceiling, below a floor, in, or through a wall or floor must have fire protection. Fire coded cabling will be labeled riser, or plenum cable.
Riser cable: Higher fire resistance, is used in walls and vertical shafts.
Plenum cable: Highest fire resistance, and lowest smoke. Can be run in all locations. Must be used in areas where HVAC air returns are located.
Interference is any electromagnetic field (EMF) that passes through the wire. Interference will either slow or stop data communication.
Avoiding Interference:
Most interference can be avoided by creating a path avoiding EMF generating items such as florescent lights or electric cables.
If interference cannot be avoided shielded cabling must be used.
Some very high-speed cables are always shielded.
Fiber Cables
Fiber has many types, and options here are three import things to know
Cable Category: Affects the speed and
the distance a cable can run.
MM OM1 100MB up to 108 feet
MM OM2 1GB Up to 269 feet
MM OM3 10GB up to 984 feet
MM OM4 40GB up to 1804 feet
MM OM5 100GB up to 1640 feet
SM OS1 10GB 6.2 miles
SM OS2 10GB 124 Miles
Single-Mode Fiber (SMF) is designed to carry light in a single mode, or beam, over long distances with minimal loss of signal quality.
Single-Mode Advantages: Long Distances, High Data, and Lower signal degradation
Multi-Mode Fiber (MMF) has a larger core and is designed to carry multiple light signals, or modes, simultaneously. The light rays travel in different paths, causing more dispersion. Because of this, MMF is typically used for shorter-distance communications.
Multi-Mode Advantages: Cost-Effective, Easier to install, and High Data
Single vs. Multi Mode Fiber
Simple vs. Duplex fiber
Simplex Fiber Cable: Carries data in only one direction. It’s typically used in applications where data flow is one-way, such as from a sensor to a central control unit.
Duplex Fiber Cable: Contains two fibers, allowing data to flow in both directions simultaneously. Duplex cables are widely used in applications that require bi-directional communication, such as voice and data networks.