Network Cabling at the Office

Selecting the right type of cabling can be vital for businesses seeking to create the digital infrastructure needed to optimize productivity. While a simple WiFi router may be all that is needed in order to provide sufficient connection and data-transfer speeds for most home environments, offices and workplace environments that have multiple users or that need to make the most of their network and digital services may find Ethernet cables to be an essential resource. Selecting the most suitable cabling option is very important to your day to day operations.

Disadvantages of WiFi

At first glance, WiFi can seem like the ideal networking option. The lack of cables, ease of network setup and overall versatility of a wireless network can be very attractive. Organisations that require superior data-transfer speeds and those that need a stable and dependable network in order to create the digital infrastructure and working environment better suited to the needs of their staff and associates may find that a WiFi network can create many problems. Ethernet cabling options can allow offices and other working environments to create a network that will be faster and more reliable.

Types of Ethernet Cables

Cat 5

Cat 5 Ethernet cabling does not offer the best performance and is typically the lowest quality Ethernet cabling option available. In theory, Cat 5 cables can support data transfer speeds of up to 100 Mbps, but most cables may be unable to support just 10 Mbps. Cat 5 cabling should only be considered by businesses that have little interest in a faster network.

Cat 5e

Cat 5 enhanced cables are designed to provide gigabit Ethernet connection, with speeds of up 1,000 Mbps. The most common and popular cabling choice for business and home networks alike, Cat 5e are more than adequate for most general use. Many businesses prefer to use enhanced Cat 5 wiring around the office due to its performance and economic cost.

Cat 6

Faster than Cat 5e cables by an order or magnitude, Cat 6 cabling is designed to handle connection speeds of up to 10,000 Mbps. These speeds are excessive for most home and many commercial users, but businesses interested in future-proofing their network infrastructure may be willing to deal with the added costs of Cat 6 cabling.

Crossover Cabling

A special form of Ethernet connection, crossover cabling can allow for individual computers to form their own mini-networks. This type of cabling can also be utilized in order to expand upon an existing network by connecting additional switches and routers. A crossover cable is used to connect two devices of similar category.

Creating a Digital Infrastructure Better Suited to Your Needs and Budget

Creating the right network and digital infrastructure can be essential when utilizing communication services like VoIP or ensuring that multiple users are provided with great data performance, dependability and connection speeds needed to enhance their productivity and optimize their efforts. The firms that offer the IT support Los Angeles based-businesses need in order to find the right cabling option or network resource can often be a critical asset. The technical assistance, insight and guidance that only an experienced professional can offer can ensure that businesses are able to make use of the cabling and network resources best suited to their needs and budget.