Structured Network Cabling

Structured network cabling is used to transmit Internet data to several devices at once and also to connect them within a local network. The most widely used interface for data transmission within structured networks is a combo of RJ-45 with network CAT cables. Although it's now possible to easily create a structured network using wireless technology, cables still provide the most stable connection. Read on to learn more about structured computer networks and what cables to choose for your network.

Continue

Understanding computer networks

Computer networks have many uses:

High-speed data transfer between two or more devices — you can easily share documents with colleagues or store them in a central data storage.
Stable internet connection on all devices. Wired Internet is always stable and fast.
They allow the printer to be connected to a local area network, enabling access to all users.

Local networks allow multiple devices to easily use a single storage space.

RJ-45 network cables

RJ-45 is the most common interface in any network structure. Thanks to high throughput and special protocols, transmission speeds remain stable and don't fluctuate. Cables are divided into several versions, where the newer version always achieves higher speeds, lower signal losses with a longer cable, and an overall better price-performance ratio.

Cables with RJ-45 interface:

CAT5 - an outdated interface that, if used, should be replaced with an improved CAT5E.
CAT5E - an improved version of CAT5 ideal for households and smaller businesses. It delivers decent transmission speeds at a very low cost.
CAT6 - the best network cables available. Compared to the older CAT5E standard, they have higher throughput and better handle long-distance transmission. Ideal for corporate environments.

The most widespread standard for computer networks
Inexpensive

Require professional maintenance

Optical cables

Indisputably the best and most reliable choice for computer networks. On the other hand, optical cables are also very expensive, so it's important to consider all the advantages and disadvantages before deciding whether you really need them.

Faster than conventional CAT cables by an order of magnitude
Stable and experience almost no data quality loss

The available internet speed is usually much lower than the cables are capable of
Not all devices support optical cables

Connectors, sockets and splitters

Optical cables generally use two connectors. RJ-45 is included in CAT cables and it's the most common connector for both network cables and optical cables. Since most data cables are compatible with each other, you can easily use a passive adapter to connect CAT5 and CAT6 cables, although there will be a marked loss of speed.

Network cables are completely common devices that divide data into several streams. These are divided into smart and passive. The passive (hub) type only divides the signal into parts and sends everything, including error packets. Smart (switches) are much more powerful in this regard, due to their ability to learn the MAC addresses of devices.