Networking knowledge

Office World News, Nov 2000 by Wood, Roxanne

Computer networks can use one of three basic cable types, which will determine the physical links of a network: coaxial, fiber optic, and twisted pair.

Coaxial Cable-This is the cable used by phone companies and cable TV companies. It consists of one physical channel center, which carries the signal surrounded by insulation and an additional concentric channel, that both run along the same axis. The outer channel is a shield, and acts as a ground and lowers electrical and radio frequency interference. It is not as sensitive to interference and noise, however it is more costly than twisted pair. Although it was invented in 1929, it was not used commercially until 1941.

Twisted Pair-just as its name indicates, this cable consists of two insulated copper wires which are twisted around one another. The reason the wires are twisted is because the crosstalk is reduced between them. Twisted pair comes in a variety of two. There is shielded (the pair is enclosed in a shield that performs as a ground) and unshielded. It is the least expensive to use out of the three basic cable types and is used in the horizontal wiring of LAN's and in telephone networks.

Fiber Optic-This wire carries more data than traditional copper wire, is less prone to crosstalk, and is lightweight. Fiber optic refers to the environment and technology associated with the transmission of information as light travels along a glass or plastic wire or fiber. It also provides greater bandwidth. Long-distance connections made by most telephone companies are made with fiber optic cables. Installation of this cable type is fragile and is more expensive.

If some of this technology and equipment were to be stacked in one place, a business would need to configure it logically to suit its specific needs. Many Internet-centric businesses are looking to third party organizations to help them design, deploy, secure, and manage available and scaleable systems that support their companies.

With the above information, a company should be able to convey its needs and specifications to a qualified network solutions provider for integrating this technology into its business. CAT Technology is one of many providers of rapid Internet architecture design that is helping small- to medium-sized businesses achieve the network connectivity they require.

EDITOR'S NOTES: Roxanne Wood is Office World News'Assistant Editor. She can be reached at rwownews@att.net