Leading manufacturer of data cables
Widely utilised with computer networks and telecommunication systems, data cables allow for the transmission of electronic information.
These products can be very broadly split across three categories, Coaxial cables, Optical fibre cables and Local Area Network cables (LAN cables).
We will discuss the differences between these products below.
Coaxial cables – RG/URM types
These cables are generally used for the transmission of radio frequency signals, including television aerial connections, transmission of video (CCTV) images and also broadband signals.
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 cables have varying physical & performance characteristics such as physical size, frequency performance, attenuation, power handling capabilities, flexibility, strength and cost.
Composite coaxial cables are also available were additional shields are required effectively turning the initial cable into a super-screened coaxial cable.
Optical fibre cables
Fibre optic cables are intended to provide fast transmission speeds. These cables transmit data signals in the form of light. 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.
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 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 version are required.
There are two main types of light propagation, the first being single mode and the second being multimode. Multimode fibre allows for multiple beams to move through the core.
One of the key benefits of using fibre optic cable is that Attenuation is incredibly low in comparison to traditional Copper data cable types. They also offer extremely high bandwidth and do not suffer from Electromagnetic interference (EMI).
Local Area Network Cables (LAN cables)
Local area network 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 cables are widely available in different versions relating to the shielding which is available on each version respectively.
Lan cables were developed to support the requirement for high speed data transfer rates.
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.
What are the different screening types available on LAN cables?
There are four main types of 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.
- 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 utilise 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 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.
