| p>Computer cabling is important whether the | | | | cable. The wires used in it are stranded to |
| installation is a single home PC or many in a | | | | provide flexibility and prevent cable failure due to |
| corporate environment. When it is done well, | | | | frequent bending. The cable used in home or |
| maximum network performance will be realized. | | | | office in-wall or in-ceiling wiring are usually solid. |
| If done poorly, overall performance will suffer and | | | | This provides a less expensive cable installation. |
| intermittent cable failures may make | | | | A standard connector is provided on almost all |
| troubleshooting very difficult. | | | | Ethernet cables. It is an 8P8C, also called an |
| The most popular computer cabling today is | | | | RJ-45, modular connector. |
| Ethernet over twisted pair. Ethernet has been in | | | | There are several types of computer cabling that |
| use for many years and has evolved greatly over | | | | can be used in Ethernet installations, depending on |
| that time. In the most basic configuration, it is | | | | the user's most challenging needs. Cat5 is being |
| used to connect the cable modem to the router, | | | | replaced by Cat5e, the current industry |
| and connect the router (if not wireless) to one or | | | | standard. It has four, twisted pairs. It provides |
| more computers. In a larger configuration, the | | | | good service up to 100 megabits per second |
| router may be connected via a patch panel to | | | | (MBPS) using two of the pairs for distances up to |
| permanent in-house wiring which leads to various | | | | 100 meters. It can also use all four pairs to |
| workstation locations. At each workstation | | | | support 1,000 MBPS. Cat6 is an upgrade of |
| location, the cables connects the computer to the | | | | Cat5e that supports signalling up to 250 MBPS |
| network through a wall-mounted connector. | | | | using two pairs. It can support 10 gigabyte |
| The short computer cabling that connects the | | | | Ethernet at up to 55 meters. Cat6a is good up |
| modem and router together and the computer to | | | | to 500 MBPS using two pairs. It can support 10 |
| the wall Ethernet connection is called a patch | | | | gigabyte Ethernet at a full 100 meters. |