Orange County
Network & Voice Cabling
Over the past
decade voice and data cabling requirements
have merged and today, cabling
infrastructures are able to support voice,
data and video applications on a single
cable type.
The cable media used
within the infrastructure reflects the
network topology, protocol and size.
Understanding the characteristics of
different cable media and how they relate to
other aspects of the network is necessary
for the development of a successful
infrastructure.
Unshielded twisted pair
(UTP) and shielded twisted pair (STP) are
the preferred media in the UK with at least
85% of structured cabling installations
being UTP. Twisted pair cables are more cost
effective and flexible than system specific
cabling such as Coax, Twinax and other
non-generic cable types.
- Shielded Twisted Pair
(STP). Susceptible to radio and electric
frequency interference. This can be
overcome with additional shielding
however this can be bulky.
- Unshielded Twisted
Pair (UTP). Smaller, more flexible and
less expensive than Shielded Twisted
Pair.
- Fibre Optic. Ideal
for environments with a large amount of
electrical interference and for
connecting buildings as it is resistant
to the effects of moisture and lighting.
Transmission is faster and can cover
longer distances than coaxial and
twisted pair cables. Although more
difficult to install and modify than
copper cabling it is comparable by cost.
- Coaxial. A single
copper conductor at the core. Difficult
to install although highly resistant to
signal interference.
Orange County
Network & Voice Cabling
