There are basically four types of cables used for network cabling. These are the coaxial cable which contains a single copper conductor, the fiber optic cable which consists of a center glass core that can transmit light instead of electronic signals, the unshielded twisted pair (UTP), and the shielded twisted pair (STP). Although all of these network cables are used for interconnecting networks in between devices, the UTP and the STP are much more common these days.

The UTP and the STP are both copper wired cables but they have different tolerance and sensitivity to interference. The UTP is a high speed cable that can handle a maximum of 10,000 Mbps CCTV coaxial cable while the STP which can also handle the same speed is more tolerant to frequency interferences. The UTP has two cable category which are the Category 5e and Category 6 Ethernet cables. They have specific performance and used on different criteria for hardware and connectors. The Category 5e is an upgrade of the Category 4 and can be able to transmit up to 100 MHz. It has also an added feature of 3db tighter Near End Cross Talk (NEXT) capability than the Cat 4.

Category 6, on the other hand, has transmission characteristic of 250 MHz but with less NEXT unlike Cat 5 and Cat5e. However, if you want to use any of these network cables, you have to remember following the right cable length so that the maximum connectivity can be reached. The maximum length of Cat 5e can reach up HDMI-HDMI cable to 90 meters long or 295 feet excluding the 10 meter length allowance at both ends of the cable to accommodate terminal installations on devices. Cat 6 can also run the same length but at least 5 meters should be allowed at terminal ends for the data cabinet. Experts advise that when pulling cables or when inserting them into channels, practice pulling them slowly but surely to prevent any damage to the cables and other installed devices inside the ducts.

In terms of cabling, also remember that each network cable should follow their bend radius. For example, a 4 pair UTP cable should have a bend radius of 1 inch minimum and if lesser bend radius is applied, there will be detrimental effect on the network connectivity. Problems usually happen when the cables come out of the wall and terminated back to their place which can jam the cables back into their back box. The solution to this is to work the cable back down slowly through the hole in the wall and put it back carefully where it started.

You also have to be observant while terminating cables and make sure you put the color code of wires in the right place. Modular jacks are utilized to correct this color coding problem so the color code can VGA cable either be T568B or T568A. Doing the termination process must be handled precisely UTP CAT6 cable so make sure the pin pairs go with their right combination or else the termination point will end up with crossed pairs.

In the case of STP cabling, the same procedures as with the UTP are followed. The only difference is that the foil on the STP should be properly terminated so that there will be no interruption and interference from other strong signals and the shielding can do what it is supposed to do effectively.