Leading manufacturer of data cables
Widely utilised with computer networks and telecommunication systems, data cables allow for the transmission of electronic information. They are essential for networking, computing, and communication systems.
Most data transfer cables can be divided into three categories: Coaxial cables, Optical fibre cables, and Local Area Network cables (LAN cables). These types of cables are used in different settings, so it’s important that you know which one you need.
If you don’t know which data cable you need, we’ve broken it down for you below:
Coaxial cables – RG/URM types
These data cables are generally used for the transmission of radio frequency signals, including television aerial connections, transmission of video (CCTV) images and also broadband signals. Coaxial cables are often used as TV and video cables.
Coaxial data cables are commonly used in many different applications, such as cable TV connections, internet connections, satellite TV, security camera systems (CCTV), and radio connections.
A Coaxial cable consists of an inner conductor surrounded by an insulating spacer, surrounded by an outer cylindrical conductor. The term coaxial comes from the inner conductor and the outer shield sharing the same geometric axis.
Coaxial data cables have varying physical & performance characteristics such as physical size, frequency performance, attenuation, power handling capabilities, flexibility, strength, and cost. They are resistant to signal interference, can support high-frequency signals, and are also incredibly durable and long-lasting.
Composite coaxial data transfer cables are also available where additional shields are required effectively turning the initial cable into a super-screened coaxial cable.
Optical fibre cables
Fibre optic data cables are intended to provide fast transmission speeds. These data transfer cables transmit data signals in the form of light, instead of electricity. The light channel consists of two main parts which are the core and the cladding. The cladding is intended to provide mechanical protection to the cores. Optical fibre data cables are widely used for internet, telecommunications, and long-distance data transmission, because they have high bandwidth and rarely lose signal.
Optical fibre data cables have a lot of different uses, such as broadband internet transfer, internet infrastructure, telecommunications networks, medical uses such as endoscopy, and even in some military and aerospace applications. Optical fibre technology is often found in instrumentation cables.
The difference in density of the core and cladding ensures that a beam of light moving through the core is reflected from the cladding, instead of being refracted into it.
By design, optical fibre cables are lightweight and tend not to have the same signal degradation issues as other data cables. With this being said, most commonly available fibre optic cables are quite fragile and where dynamic/moving usage is required, ruggedised versions are required.
There are two main types of light propagation, the first being single mode and the second being multimode. Single mode data cables usually have a core size between 8-10 microns, and are usually used for long-distance communication such as internet and telecom. Multimode fibre allows for multiple beams to move through the core, with a core size of 50–62.5 microns making them suited for for short-distance data transmission, for example, in data centres.
One of the key benefits of using fibre optic cable is that attenuation is incredibly low in comparison to traditional copper data transfer cable types. They also offer extremely high bandwidth and do not suffer from Electromagnetic interference (EMI). They are one of the most popular data transfer cables as they are secure and have extremely high transfer speeds. However, they can be more fragile and expensive, and require specialist data cable installation – if you need any help choosing which cable is the best for you, get in touch with our sales team and we can point you in the right direction.
Local Area Network Cables (LAN cables)
Local area network data cables (LAN cables) also commonly referred to as their category type i.e. Category 5 (Cat 5), Category 5e (Cat 5e), Category 6 (Cat 6), Category 6a (Cat 6a) and Category 7 (Cat 7) versions are based on the Ethernet protocol and have been available within the market place for a number of years. These data transfer cables are widely available in different versions relating to the shielding which is available on each version respectively.
LAN data cables were developed to support the requirement for high speed data transfer rates. They are primarily used to connect devices like computers, routers, and switches within a local area network for communication and sharing data. LAN cables transmit digital data through electrical signals.
The transfer rates typically being 100 Base-T – 100 megabits per second (Mbps) in most existing local area networks and more recently Gigabit which is 1000 megabits per second (Mbps). Gigabit ethernet is also commonly referred to as Fast Ethernet.
In most current day networks, the most restricting factor is always the lowest performing component within the network which restricts the speeds that can be achieved.
There are many advantages to LAN data cables, including incredibly fast and reliable data transfer, low latency and high security. However, they do offer limited mobility, as the devices must stay connected to the data transfer cable.
What are the different screening types available on LAN cables?
There are four main types of data cable screening referred to within these types of cables.
- UTP: which stands for unshielded twisted pairs.
- STP: which stands for shielded twisted pairs – each individual pair is individually Aluminium foil screened.
- FTP: which stands for Foil twisted pairs – this is a collective Aluminium foil screen over all of the pairs as a bundle. This is similar to the technology found in many control cables.
- SFTP: which stands for Shielded and foiled twisted pairs – this is a collective Aluminium foil screen over all of the pairs with a tinned Copper braid screen over and in contact with the foil.
These cables are also available in a variety of materials such as low smoke zero halogen (LSZH).
We have manufactured and utilised a range of these products within our cables over the years, contact us now to discuss your requirements.
Our excellent customer service and fast turnaround times are the cornerstone of the service that we offer. We maintain constant communication with our clients throughout each project to ensure that all products are delivered on time and to the highest quality standard, even for the most challenging deadlines.
In addition to exceptionally fast turnaround times and high-quality data cable construction, we offer:
- Full adherence to cable industry standards
- Access to a comprehensive material and component library
- Free consultation and advice
Contact us today to get a quote for your data cable requirements.
Frequently asked questions about data transfer cables
What is a data cable?
Most commonly used in computer networks and telecommunication systems, data cables allow for the transmission of electronic information. They are crucial to many industry settings, including telecommunications and internet infrastructure. There are 3 different types of data cable – coaxial, optical fibre, and LAN cables. Depending on the setting and function you need, different types of data cable are available – and if you need any assistance, please get in touch with our sales team! We can help you order the best data cables for your industry.
What are the different types of data cables?
There are 3 main types of data cables: coaxial, optical fibre, and LAN cables. Coaxial data cables transfer radio frequency signals, and are commonly used in TV, radio, and CCTV applications. They are long-lasting and support high-frequency applications, however, can sometimes be less flexible than other cables. Optical fibre cables are used in a lot of different applications, such as internet infrastructure, telecommunications networks, and even in some military and aerospace applications. They can also be used in medical settings. Optical fibre data cables can be single-mode, used for long-distance data communication, or multi-mode, for short-distance data transmission. LAN cables are primarily used to connect devices like computers, routers, and switches within a local area network. We provide many different types of LAN cable for your specific needs.
What is a coaxial cable used for?
Coaxial data transfer cables transfer radio frequency signals, and are commonly used in TV, radio, and CCTV applications. Coaxial cables consist of an inner conductor surrounded by an insulating spacer, surrounded by an outer cylindrical conductor. They are a popular choice as they are resistant to signal interference, support high-frequency signals, and they are very durable. However, they can be less flexible than other data cables, so it’s important to choose the best cable for your specific needs.
What is a LAN cable used for?
LAN data cables were developed to provide high speed data transfer rates. They are primarily used to connect devices like computers, routers, and switches within a local area network for communication and sharing data. LAN cables transmit digital data through electrical signals. There are four main types of data cable screening referred to within LAN cables – unshielded twisted pairs, shielded twisted pairs, foil twisted pairs, and shielded and foiled twisted pairs. There are many advantages to LAN data cables, including incredibly fast and reliable data transfer and low latency. They are also very secure when it comes to data transfer, however, they do offer limited mobility, as the devices must stay connected to the data transfer cable.
What is fibre optic cable used for?
Fibre optic data cables are intended to provide fast transmission speeds. These data cables transmit data signals in the form of light, instead of electricity. Optical fibre data cables are used in a lot of different settings, such as internet infrastructure, telecommunications networks, medical uses, in the military and aerospace industry. They also have very high bandwidth and do not suffer from electromagnetic interference (EMI). They are one of the most popular data transfer cables secure and have extremely high transfer speeds, however, they can require specialist data cable installation due to their fragility. If you need any help choosing which cable is the best for you, get in touch with our sales team and we can advise you.
