Most articles about Ethernet and WiFi treat the technologies as if they are in competition. However, Ethernet and WiFi have different strengths and can be viewed as complementary rather than competitive. Whether the network is in a home, office, or retail location, relying solely on a wireless network misses out on the significant benefits of Ethernet, and vice versa. Here are five considerations when building a network that includes both Ethernet and WiFi:

Category 6 Ethernet cables Still Support Faster Speeds Than WiFi

Category 6 Ethernet Cables contain four wire pairs. To obtain the highest level of performance, all four wire pairs are used for signaling. As a result, category 6 Ethernet cables support speeds of 1,000 Mbps. The most recent WiFi standard, 802.11ac, supports theoretical speeds of 1,331 Mbps. However, tests have shown that actual speeds do not match the theoretical speed. Rather, 802.11ac WiFi performs closer to 300 Mbps, which is much faster than the previous generation of WiFi, but still slower than category 6 Ethernet cables.

Ethernet Has Lower Latency Than WiFi

Latency is the time for a request to reach a server and for return signal to reach the requesting device. Thus, users associate higher latency with lower speeds because higher latency means a longer wait for a response. While latency can vary depending on network traffic, WiFi has an inherently longer latency than Ethernet because the request must be encrypted at the device and decrypted at the WiFi router and the return signal must be encrypted at the WiFi router and decrypted at the device. Typical latency in an Ethernet network is around 1 ms while latency in a typical WiFi network can range anywhere from 2-80 ms.

Ethernet is More Reliable Than WiFi

There is no measure of reliability. Rather, reliability takes into account a few concepts such as signal strength, signal range, and interference. With WiFi, signal strength and signal range depend on environmental factors, such as the physical layout of the space and the location of the WiFi router. In tests, 802.11ac WiFi has a range of around 13 meters, while the maximum length of category 6 Ethernet cables is 100 meters between powered devices. The signal strength of category 6 Ethernet cables is constant along the entire length of the cable, whereas experience shows that signal strength of WiFi varies with physical barriers, distance, and the existence of interfering devices between the WiFi router and the user device. The twisted wire pairs of category 6 Ethernet cables tend to reduce cross-talk (Ethernet’s version of interference), and category 6e Ethernet cables include splines to further reduce cross-talk.

Ethernet is More Secure Than WiFi

Although WiFi uses encryption to secure the wireless signal, WiFi is inherently less secure than Ethernet. The wireless signals within a WiFi network can be intercepted and, with enough time and effort (or with a stolen password), can be decrypted. An Ethernet signal, by contrast, can only be intercepted by a device physically connected to the network.

WiFi is More Convenient Than Ethernet

Where WiFi clearly beats Ethernet is the convenience, particularly for personal devices such as cell phones and tablets. Aside from being free from cables and an Ethernet connection to the wall, most personal devices configure themselves for the network once the WiFi password is entered.

There is no reason to replace an Ethernet network with a WiFi network. In fact, an Ethernet network is much faster (both in terms of bandwidth and latency), more reliable, and more secure than WiFi. Conversely, there is no reason to replace a WiFi network with Ethernet, particularly with the ubiquity of personal devices. Rather, each can be used for what it is best suited. Ethernet can be used for applications that require speed (such as data transfer of large files, streaming multimedia, or gaming), reliability (such as video conferencing and VOIP), or security (such as transferring confidential business or personal information). Similarly, WiFi can be used for applications that require convenience, such as web browsing on a personal device.

Optical fiber cables, known as fiber optics, are assemblies similar to electrical cables but contain one or more fibers that are used to carry and transmit light. They are network cables that contain strands of glass fibers inside an insulated casing and are designed for long-distance, high-performance data networking, and telecommunications.

Though fiber optic technology is not new, it was quite expensive in the past due to infrastructure and device support issues. Thanks to some new innovations within the sector, however, fiber optics is much more accessible and structures are able to receive high-speed Internet and high-resolution television services across the United States.

How Fiber Optic Cables Work:

Fiber optic cables carry communication signals using pulses of light, which are generated by small lasers or light-emitting diodes (LEDs). The light data is packaged in binary format and is sent using a transmitter. During its journey, the light travels through the cable using compacted glass fibers and bounce around as they travel using total internal reflection. As soon as the light data arrives at its destination, it’s translated back into binary and can be used by a computer or device.

Fiber isn’t just for TV and Internet speed, either. It has practical applications in digital signage, imaging optics, spectroscopy, and hydrophones.

Advantages of Fiber Optics

• Fiber optic cables are much less susceptible to interference compared to other network cables.
• Signal boosters aren’t necessary when using fiber optics because light travels longer without losing its strength.
• Fiber is the most expandable and scalable connection available. Dark fiber (unused strands) can be used down the line if the network capacity needs to be expanded.

Fiber Optics Factoids:

1. Fiber optics can transfer 15.5 terabits of data per second.
2. The first international fiber optic cable ever used connected the U.S. to France and Britain in 1988. Since then, hundreds more have been installed all over the planet.
3. Fiber is a binary, digital medium, meaning it sends signals in a 1 and 0 (on and off).
4. The fastest speed ever recorded on a single fiber line is 43 terabit per second (Tbps).
5. Fiber is sustainable and is made from Silicon Dioxide, the second-most abundant element on Earth after Oxygen.
6. There are over 19.2 million miles of fiber optic cabling across the U.S.

Perhaps the most important thing to know about fiber optics is that it’s ever-evolving. New forms of light have already been discovered that could potentially shape the future of fiber technology in revolutionary ways.

The world is run by the internet. As of March 2017, studies showed that there were approximately 3.74 billion internet users across the globe. With the constant use of the internet comes new technologies to enhance user experience. A necessary device is the ethernet cable, which connects to the router to provide internet access. While they are used in homes, they are also used in more high-tech settings to carry broadband signals to a number of devices. There are several cables on the market ranging from a Cat5 to a Cat6 cable, and it can be hard to know which one is right for you. Luckily, we’ve taken the time to do the research and break it down for you.

The Cat5 Ethernet Cable

The Cat5 cable is the “old reliable” cable–it’s been around for a while, but consistently gets the job done. You can find Cat5 cables for sale for cheaper than a category 6 cable, but they still can provide a better connection than WiFi. This is the type of cable you need if you want a little more than a regular ethernet cable, but have no need for something as strong as the Cat6 cable.

The Cat5e Ethernet Cable

The “e” stands for enhanced, so even from the name you can tell you’ll get a little more bang than the Cat5, while still not spending as much as the Cat6 cable. Because of its more advanced technologies, it eliminates crosstalk from other wires inside the cables, and can operate at high speeds.

The Cat6 Ethernet Cable

The Cat6 cable is an ethernet cable that provides the fastest connection and highest technology. While they are rumored to be a little fussy to install, they are perfect for companies with a high demand for internet and broadband. Because of its higher technology, it is more expensive than the Cat5 cable and the Cat5e cable.

Overall, the type of cable you need depends on the type of work you will need it to be doing. When buying cables, look for companies that offer lifetime warranties and tech support both before and after the sale. This will make sure you get what you need out of your cable, and feel supported in your endeavors.

In this age of smartphone devices, we’ve all got a little computer within our reach at nearly all times. And we rely on it quite a bit — it helps us get up in the morning, schedule our day, find transportation if we need it, or order food. We use it for socializing, banking, entertainment, and so much more.

So when the phone’s battery drains after using it extensively, we’re often stuck waiting for it to charge until we can use it again. How many of us have been desperately hunched over their cell phone while it’s plugged into the wall with a short charging cable?

To cut down on that waiting time, here are a few ways you can charge your phone faster.

Use USB 3.0 or Higher

The answer could lie within your USB connection. Most, if not all, cell phone charging cables connect to devices, computers, and wall adapters using a USB connection. Most new devices are equipped with a USB 3.0 port, and most cell phone cables have a USB 3.0 at the end. If your cell phone supports 1.5 amps or more, you can use a USB 3.0, which would result in a quicker charging than a USB 2.0 cable.

The most recent version of the USB standard is USB 3.1. If your device is compatible, a USB 3.1 cell phone charging cable would charge your phone the fastest. As an added bonus, if you need to transmit data from, say, your cell phone to your computer while it charges, a USB 3.1 compliant device can transmit data at 10 Gbps, doubling the data transmission rate.

Shut Your Phone Down While It Charges

This may be a no-brainer to some, but your phone will charge faster if you’re not using it. It’s tempting to use your phone while it’s plugged in, especially if you’ve got to finish an episode of that Netflix show you’ve been binging. But if you can, shut your phone down completely while it’s charging. Without background apps eating up the battery, it will be fully charged before you know it.

If you need the phone to be on — maybe you’re awaiting a phone call — then lock your screen. At the very least, letting the screen go black will get more power to the battery.

Plug It Into a Wall

If you don’t have access to a USB 3.0 compliant device or computer, plugging your cell phone charging cable into a wall will charge your phone faster than plugging it into a computer with an older USB connection. The wall adapter that came with your phone will do. If you need to use your phone while it charges, and don’t want to be hunched over it while it’s plugged in with a short cell phone cable, invest in a 6 ft. cell phone charging cable for your charging and entertaining needs.

Use Lightning Cables (for iPhones)

If you’re like the 64% of Americans in 2017 who owned an iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, iPod product, you probably know what a lightning cable is. If not, it’s the cell phone charging cable that comes with your iPhone or iPad that doesn’t seem to last very long. If something happens to the cable provided to you, there are lightning cables for sale online. Just be sure that you’re purchasing lightning cables MFi certified by Apple. Those are the safest and most effective cables as far as charging goes.

Data taken in 2016 showed that there were 3.5 billion internet users at that point. Also, research by the Pew Research Center has shown that 77% of Americans go online daily. As many as 43% reported going online several times per day, and 26% said that they are online nearly constantly. One major way that people access the internet is through smartphones and tablets. While some people understand the technicalities of all the available charging cables and cell phone cable accessories, some people can be confused by the differences among all the different options. Lately, there have been two charging cable types that have emerged as the leaders: Lightning and USB-C. While many know that the major differences are the companies that use them and the way that they look, there are other differences beyond just those two. Below is a brief description of the two and the differences between them.

Lightning

Lightning was introduced by Apple in 2012, coinciding with the iPhone 5, iPod Touch (5th generation), and others. The specifications of the lightning cable are possessed by Apple, so that other manufacturers wishing to make third party lightning cables have to pay a large sum to Apple. There is actually a chip in each lightning cable that tells the device that the cable (or cell phone cable accessories such as adapters) was manufactured either by Apple or an Apple-licensed company. Although it may sound simplistic, the biggest advance of the lightning cable was that it could be inserted in either direction. It still performs up to the standards of the competition, however for some the excitement of the public over being able to insert the cord either way has worn out somewhat. One of the main reasons that lightning is so commonly used is the fact that Apple refuses to allow any other cords to be used with their devices (with the exception of one type of Macbook). If you only have one option for the device that you want to use, then you are going to buy that option. In summary, Apple is able to legally “corner the market” on cables and cell phone cable accessories that work with their own products by only allowing their cables to work with their products.

USB-C

Many brands of cell phones use USB-C chargers. According to many, they offer more than the lightning cord. The USB-C is capable of completely charging a smartphone in minutes and has 24 pins (compared the lightning cord’s eight pins). USB-C is also capable of supporting up to 100 watts, while the lightning cable supports only a fraction of that total. Apple is even likely conceding defeat, as they announced last year that all their new iPads will use USB-C connectors, rather than lightning. However, it remains to be seen whether they will only support cables made by Apple or not.

It is a good idea to decide what type of cord you wish to use before purchasing your device of choice. If you are looking to sell cell phone cables or cell phone cable accessories, many customers recommend CableWholsale as a competitively priced wholesale outlet for all your cell phone cable and cell phone cable accessory needs. Consider giving their website a look today.

Although many of us rely on secure wireless, Ethernet, or Broadband connections in our homes or at work, we may throw caution to the wind when we’re out and about. In public places, we still feel the need to check our social media channels, reply to emails, and access important information. Often, that means depending on public Wi-Fi access. One recent study found that approximately 70% of tablet owners and 53% of mobile phone users used free, public Wi-Fi hotspots to obtain an internet connection. What’s more, 53% of people surveyed said they used public Wi-Fi access about once per week.

Unfortunately, the urge to stay on top of those posts and updates can come with a cost. Hackers tend to love Wi-Fi networks (especially unsecured ones) because they’re prone to vulnerabilities that criminals can easily exploit. That means if you’ve connected to public Wi-Fi that doesn’t require a password, it’s far more likely that a hacker could access your personal information.

Shockingly, that’s a fact a lot of people seem to realize — but it doesn’t stop them from connecting anyway. Approximately 60% of consumers believe that using public Wi-Fi is riskier than using a public restroom. However, one recent survey found that 39% of the U.S. adults who used public Wi-Fi said they accessed or transmitted sensitive information during their session. Of those, 26% said they checked their bank account, 19% said they paid a bill, 8% said they sent an email containing sensitive information (like an account number or Social Security Number), and 6% said they filed their taxes. Even more telling is the fact that an overwhelming number of survey participants knew the risks of using public Wi-Fi may include identity theft, compromised accounts, and fraudulent tax filings.

Public Wi-Fi is certainly a convenient perk, so it’s understandable why we don’t want to give it up. The reality is that we don’t have to. As long as you know how to use it properly, you shouldn’t have much to worry about.

When Using Public Wi-Fi…

DO:

• Connect only to secured networks: Unsecured networks allow you to connect without a password, account, or term agreement. It may seem easier, but it’s also a lot less safe. It could even be a rogue hotspot, which is a connection set up by hackers specifically to take your information. Take the time to find a protected Wi-Fi network whenever possible.
• Use a VPN: A virtual private network acts as an encrypted barrier between you and the Wi-Fi network. Any data that you send or receive during your session will be protected from others connected to the same network. In other words, your information will be inaccessible to criminals.
• Disable Bluetooth Connectivity: Bluetooth connections can be useful in certain circumstances, but you won’t want any of your devices to be discoverable when you’re in a public place. You should also disable file sharing and automatic connectivity settings.

DON’T:

• Access or Input Sensitive Data: Even if you’re using a VPN and a secured network, you should never access your bank accounts, enter sensitive personal information (even to log in to a site you use regularly), or shop online when you’re on public Wi-Fi. Although a website may have an “https:” address, it’s still better to err on the side of caution and wait until you’re back home.
• Use Your Apps: According to the U.S. Federal Trade Commission, researchers have found that many apps don’t encrypt information in the way they should. Any app that requires your login information or other data should be avoided when you’re connected to public Wi-Fi. That may put a damper on your planned activities, but it’s better to be safe than sorry.
• Leave Your Device Unattended: If you’ve gone to all the work to secure your network but leave your laptop open while you grab another cup of coffee, you’ll probably end up kicking yourself later. Someone could easily steal your device or access your information without ever having to hack into a network.

Although public Wi-Fi can make your life easier, it can make the lives of hackers easier, too. If you want to protect your private information, these tips can help you browse the web safely — no matter where you are.

In the modern world, we rely on electricity to power our homes and businesses. But while most of us feel like we couldn’t do without electricity, this source of power can often be a dangerous one. That’s especially true when power surges come into play.

Electrical Safety Foundation International defines a power surge as “a sudden and unwanted increase in voltage that can damage, degrade, or destroy the sensitive electronic equipment in your home or business.” In the case of electricity, there can definitely be too much of a good thing. When voltage delivery exceeds a certain point (typically, 169 volts), this can be too much for your devices to take. This surge can result in excess heat being generated in the arc of electrical current within an appliance of device, which can cause significant damage to the internal electronic components. Some estimates suggest that power surges cost $26 billion a year in lost time, equipment repair, and replacement costs.

What’s more, power surges may be much more common than you’d think. You may not even realize they’ve happened until you take note of poor device performance. One survey conducted by the National Electrical Manufacturers Association found that 41% of participants reported damage or catastrophic failure of electrical or electronic equipment due to a voltage surge or lightning event. If you fail to protect your devices from the start, you could be faced with the possibility of lost data or the need for expensive device replacement.

It may help to gain a better understanding of what exactly causes these voltage spikes. There are three main causes of power surges: internal overvoltage operations (like electrical load switching), utility company issues (such as downed power lines or increased power demands), and natural events (like lightning strikes). Some of these instances are more common than others, but all have the power — literally and figuratively — to cause lasting damage.

Roughly 60-80% of power surges are caused by events or problems within the home where the electrical and electronic equipment are kept. When a large appliance (like an air conditioner) turns on and off, this can result in a potentially damaging power surge. Wiring issues within the home can also lead to power surges. In addition, utility company problems can cause voltage spikes. A downed power line, for instance, or a blown transformer can lead to power surges, as can increased demands for electrical power during the summer and winter.

And then there’s the risk associated with lightning storms. Although power surges attributed to lightning are relatively rare, accounting for only 2% of all power surges, these events can still be very catastrophic. Lightning actually strikes the earth roughly 100 times per second, according to the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety. When lightning does strike, it can create some of the most powerful surges of all.

Your homeowners insurance may or may not cover the costs associated with power surge damage — but even if they do, you’ll want to be proactive about protecting your electronic devices and household appliances. By investing in high-quality surge protectors, you can divert these power spikes away from your household devices and safeguard them from damage.

One of the reasons why we love technology is that there’s always some new and exciting development. Of course, that can be frustrating for some people — especially when the latest advancement seems unnecessary, doesn’t live up the hype, or actually causes more problems than it solves. The jury is still out on whether wireless charging will really catch on a widespread level. Though it might sound like a great invention in theory, it may still have a long way to go in practice. Let’s take a closer look at the main pros and cons of wireless charging — and why you won’t want to get rid of your cables for cell phones and other devices just yet.

What Are the Benefits of Wireless Charging?

• It’s convenient: It’s hard to argue that having a way to wirelessly charge your phone or other device is incredibly convenient — and that’s something that tech-lovers are drawn to more than almost anything. Although you do need to plug in the charging station itself, you won’t have to worry about plugging in your phone, tablet, or other device or misplacing your cell phone cables. That said, you’ll still need to carry around the actual wireless charger with you if you go somewhere — so it’s really only convenient if you plan to charge in one general location (like at home or the office).
• It’s versatile: One benefit wireless charging can provide is the ability to charge a number of different devices, either individually or all at once. That’s not something you can do with a conventional charging cable. In that sense, you’re really investing in several different charging solutions in one, without any of the mess that comes with cables for cell phones, tablets, and other devices. Because the wireless charging station can seamlessly integrate with all kinds of phone versions and brands, you won’t have to worry about having the right cable to fit the right type of port. That said, some people have noted that wireless chargers can have incompatibility issues with certain types of phones, meaning that they might not always be as versatile as you’d think.

What Are the Drawbacks of Wireless Charging?

• It’s inefficient: A main disadvantage of wireless charging is that it’s actually pretty inefficient compared to traditional charging. Not only can you not use your phone while it’s charging, but you’ll also wait a lot longer to obtain a full charge. Experts recommend that you charge your phone when the battery gets down to 35% or 40%. Some people estimate that using a wireless charger will take anywhere from 30% to 80% longer to completely charge a device than what you’d experience when you use a conventional cell phone charging cable. If you don’t like waiting around (and who does?), you’ll be better off if you charge your phone the old fashioned way.
• It’s expensive: Even the highest quality cables for cell phones are fairly affordable. But wireless charging isn’t exactly accessible to the masses. They can cost up to $100 in some cases, which is a substantial investment to consider on top of the costs of your phone, case, and other accessories. While one would hope you never have to replace an expensive wireless charger, it’s important to note that the technology is still new. If you invest in one of these chargers now, there’s a good chance that the technology will improve pretty soon — and then you might end up wasting money on an inferior product. If you don’t mind spending a pretty penny on your charger, it might not be a big issue. But there’s no doubt that cables for cell phones are a lot more financially feasible.

Wireless charging technology might seem enticing, but the reality is that the quality of your charging experience will suffer if you invest in this option. For most people, traditional charging cables are still the way to go. To learn more about our cell phone cable options, feel free to peruse our website or contact us today for further information.

Many of us rely on USBs (that’s short for Universal Serial Bus) to allow one device to communicate with another. We use USB cables and connectors to charge our phones, transfer data, or to connect our mouses and keyboards to our computers. The good news is that we’re continuing to improve upon USBs, as well. While USB 2.0 cables and compliant devices can reach a maximum transmission rate of 480 Mbps, the newest USB cables and compliant devices can theoretically offer much faster speeds and better reliability.

Still, that doesn’t mean that the technology — or our use of it — is perfect. In fact, you might be making some mistakes with your USB use that can be easily rectified. But if you don’t follow these tips, you could become extremely frustrated or even risk damaging your devices. Here are just a few mistakes you’ll want to avoid when working with USB cables and compliant devices.

MISTAKE: Using the Wrong Kind of USB Car Charger

Given the fact most of us can’t stand the thought of being caught out of the house without our mobile devices, it’s no surprise that the majority of motorists have a car charger in their vehicle at all times. But you probably haven’t given much thought to the quality of that charger — especially since they’re often available for affordable prices in gas stations and convenience stores. Using a low-quality or incompatible car charger might mean that it’ll take a lot longer to charge your device. In some cases, this could actually damage your phone. Make sure to do your research and buy USB cables and chargers from reputable brands and sellers that are compatible with your device.

MISTAKE: Trying to Use a Corrupt USB Device

If you’ve tried to plug in a USB drive or device into your computer and have gotten an error message, it could be due to an issue with the drive itself or with your device. In some cases, the drive may be corrupted or unstable in some way — this could happen if you’ve purchased a poor quality drive or it’s been damaged. It’s also possible that your computer may need updates (or that its recent updates are no longer compatible with your USB drive). You may be able to fix the issue by uninstalling and reconnecting your external hard drive or by resolving computer-related issues. But it’s also possible that you may need a higher quality external drive or have an incompatibility issue between the drive and the main device.

MISTAKE: Blaming the USB Port Instead of the Cable

A lot of people are quick to blame a faulty USB port in their computer or other device when the connection isn’t working. While this certainly could be the case, it may also be something much simpler. USB cables are more likely to fail than the port is, especially if the cables you’re using aren’t exactly the best quality. You can check to see whether the cable might be the cause by plugging in the cable to another USB port on your computer or on a different device altogether. If none of these connections are successful, it’s very likely the cable’s fault. Fortunately, it’s easy enough to find a replacement that won’t bail on you when you need it most.

Whether you need the best USB 3 cables on the market or want to invest in some replacement charging cables for your phone, we’re here to help. For more information on our various products, please contact us today.

Cell phones are all around us. Though they’re more like miniature computers than anything else, they’re how we communicate with our friends and with the world. So when we see that battery percentage drop, getting to a charging cable becomes the most important thing in the world.

But what if your cell phone cables are broken?

Broken or worn out cell phone cables can be a huge pain. If you’re ready to learn how to take care of your cables, keep reading.

Store your cables properly.

It’s easy to crumple up your cell phone charging cable and shove it in your bag, pocket, or glove compartment. While this might be the most convenient manner of storage, it’s definitely not good for the lifespan of your charging cord. When you need to pull it out of that space and inevitable untangle it, you’re risking a lot of damage. Instead of shoving your charging cable into the first open space you find, make sure you’re coiling your cable before storing it away. Securing your coil with a small clip or twist tie can help prevent tangling, as well.

Coil your cable carefully.

Whether it’s USB cables, ethernet cables, or cell phone charging cables, proper coiling is essential to extending their lifespan. After you’ve finished charging your phone, don’t crumple your cable or scrunch it up. Instead, wrap it gently around your hand with the natural curve of the wire. After that, you can secure your coil with a clip or a twist tie. This way you’ll avoid any excess tugging, tangling, and damage to the outer coating (and inner workings!) of your cables.

No sharp tugs!

We’ve all charged our cell phones at awkward angles. While this is a common phenomenon, it’s not a healthy one for our charging cables. If your outlet is in a place where your charging cable needs to pull at a sharp angle to reach your phone, you’re risking damage to the cord. As much as you can, charge your phone on a flat surface where the outlet is as level to your phone as possible.

Considering that roughly 400 iPhones are sold every minute, cell phone charging cable horror stories are quite common among Apple users. If you want to keep your phone charging cable in prime condition, make sure you follow these tips.