Cabling in itself is actually useless. In the middle of any Ethernet network, there are three devices, each providing a large number of Ethernet ports. Switches, routers and hubs are all devices that that enable network cabling to give us what we need.
Hubs might be out of fashion now, but to understand it would be to better understand how network cabling works. It is a receiver and it takes information from one port to give to the other, this way giving everyone the transferred information.
Switches are much better, as they have evolved over the years to make sure that the information shared will not go to any machine that is not intentionally set up to receive the information.
There is a lot when considering network cabling. There are types, functions and so many other things that you don’t even know when it comes to getting cable and internet into your home.
A router, in simply words, is a gateway that allows you to connect to the internet through a cable and project it to anyone who is using it.
Cabling Types and their Use
There is so much slang associated with home network cabling, that it ends up confusing more people than it helps. There are a few that are important and knowing them can make it easier for you to decide what cable to install into your home network.
There are two main types of cabling, UTP and STP. The first, UTP, stands for Unshielded Twisted Pair, and it is the most common type of cabling used. The wires are all bundled up inside a rubber sleeve – there is no other protection. STP is the Shielded Twisted Pair and a layer of foil protects the wires inside, keeping the signals safe from electrical interference, but it needs compatible equipment that goes along with it. STP is more expensive but the signal does not disintegrate when transmitted over long distances. Most commonly, it is used in areas that have heavy machinery or strong levels of interference.
All UTP cables, however, can reach up to a hundred meters in length between the host and the switch. If an even longer cable is required, there are powered switches that help in extending it over a larger area. Well made cables can run perfectly fine for a long time, depending on how they are treated.
Cross Over Cabling
Crossover is a special type of Ethernet, were the ‘send’ and ‘receive’ pairs have been switched. In practical terms there are a few uses for it, for example, connecting one computer to another to form another, smaller network or to expand a network by connecting to multiple switches and routers.
Network cabling has enabled people to get the best in terms of service from their provider, whether it is for their wifi internet or their televisions. Network cabling is the best solution when it comes to home entertainment. There would be nothing that resembles good television and internet without it. So get it now!
Paul Dustin is a computer enthusiast and a cabling genius. He comes up with different network cabling solutions every now and then, and recommends user2.net for superior repair services.