As a cabling installer, we are frequently asked by our clients & other users, what is the difference between all these different kinds of wires? To most people, all cables look pretty familiar, but when it comes to data & telephone cabling installation in your business and organisation, however, it is worth understanding the differences between cables, as these knowledge help users to make a wise investment decision in cable installation.
After all, users can also ensure that cables they need to install are appropriate for their premises, offices and building. Proper knowledge of cabling also helps users to channel their networking requirements. Cabling installers also take care of future-proofing needs on an agenda to offer fast and secured networking solutions to the businesses. future -proofing is on high demands for most enterprises, as technologies are moving on very fast now-a-days, they need to make sure that cabling should be adequate as per their present & future needs.
In this blog, we will try to detangle the curiosity of users and businesses who want to keep common understanding about data & telephone cabling in the business environment.
CW1308 Telephone Cabling
CW1308 telephone cabling is a standard & customized cabling utilized to connect telephone networks and telecommunication systems. CW1308 telephone wiring is used for DSL & voice connection, it also supports ADSL connection when there is a requirement of long run cable connection. These cables are insulated & sheathed in PVC. With economical guarantee & proven reliability, these CW1308 cables are used throughout the entire telephone network.
Cat5 Cabling
Cat5 Cabling is a go-to option for those on a tight budget. Many people opt for this cable over standard telephone cabling; they offer data and voice as well as video, making them more effective, reliable and versatile for combined networks. Compared to newer data cabling standards (e.g. Cat5e, Cat6, Cat6a) these are comparatively less expensive. That being so, you will get nowhere near the speed and data carrying capacity offered by the newer cables. But they will surely remain adequate for your businesses and many other entrepreneurs. If you opt for shielded Cat series cables, these will be approx. 40 percent more than the unshielded alternative, but these will offer better protection against interference.
Cat5e Cabling
Approx. 14 years ago, this cabling wire was introduced when we saw the glimpses of potential of Gigabit networks. Although, at that time, the availability of hardware at the time was not there to support the potential of hardware than nowadays. This type of cable is designed to support gigabit speeds up to 1000Mpbs and can typically run a gigabit network up to a distance of 328ft. The bandwidth offered with these cables is over 4 times wider than Cat5. Cat5e is also more durable, flexible and reliable to offer greater protection against interference than standard Cat5 cables.
Cat6 Cabling
Several years after the existence of cat5e cables, these Cat6 cables came into the picture. One of the most popular differences between Cat6 & Cat5e cable series is that the former have a tighter twist in them, which allows each pair of cables to have two-way communication. This means that it takes less time for signals and networks to travel from one side to another end. So, it is clear that cat6 offers better and faster signal speed.
Cat6a Cabling
Cat6a Cabling has resolved the distance issues occurred with Cat6 Cabling. These cables can support data & telephone network requirements upto 10 Gigabit & 328ft range. Because the wires are wound more tightly and housed in extra thick casing, they offer additional reduction on crosstalk that previous network standards.
Conclusion
The choice user make regarding cables will largely come down to your budget and your minimum network requirements. If you have the fund and want to invest in the future then Cat6a is the best and effective option. If you don’t require your cables to be laid beyond 10ft, then you can save a few quid by opting for Cat6 as an adequate cabling option for your needs.