There is a lot of misleading, inaccurate information in the world of fiber optic cables. For such an integral part of any operation’s technology setup, it’s a shame that many core points about fiber optic cables are misrepresented or overlooked. With our simple tips, you can take yourself one step closer to understanding the current technological landscape so that you make the best choices for you and your company.

In the simplest terms, fiber optic cables provide the foundation of your network, whatever the application may be. They transfer data and maintain network connections. They are made of copper and metal and coated with protective plastic that ensures your setup is able to resist elements like harmful UV rays and extreme hot or cold temperatures. Fiber optic cables also provide communication between telephone systems and transfer data over the internet. Although they are often overlooked, fiber optic cables are a crucial part of any productive work environment in today’s world.

There are a few basic considerations when it comes to the types of fiber optic cables that are available to you as a consumer. A zip cord fiber optic cable is often a great choice for a wide range of applications. This cable joins two or more connectors with a plastic jacket. The main advantage to such a design is that signals can be kept separate and you can avoid ending up with a tangled mess of ugly cables that make your workspace more cluttered than it needs to be.

Surge protectors are an equally important component of complex technology setups, whether in offices, small businesses, or home studio setups. Electrical safety should not be neglected, regardless of the size and scale of your endeavor. According to data from the Electrical Safety Foundation International, 82% of surveyed professionals reported that surge protection is a necessary part of protecting expensive equipment. Putting systems in place to ensure that your devices are protected is a simple step you can take upfront that will often end up saving you valuable time and money further down the road.

As you can see, everything from your networking cable to your power protection should be considered as you optimize your setup. If you’re looking for a reliable company to help you as you sort out your cables, then don’t hesitate to get in touch with us today.

As consumers, it’s easy to get distracted by the flashy appeals of modern technology. Often times a bright, colorful design feature can blind you to the functionality concerns of a device. Unfortunately, this means that the quality of things like ethernet cables are readily overlooked in today’s electronic marketplace. If you find yourself neglecting the cables you use to charge your devices and connect to the internet, then our simple tips will get you started on educating yourself so you can be a more informed consumer and make the right choices that will ensure your devices work to the best of their capabilities.

There are a few universal concepts that apply to all different types of cables. Take cell phone charging cables as an example. The quality of cable is as important as how you use the cable. It’s never a good idea to wait until your phone gets close to a 0% battery charge before you recharge it. According to expert recommendations, waiting until your phone gets down to around a 35% or 40% charge and then plugging it into a charger is the best way to charge your phone. Of course, the charging cable that you use will have an effect on the quality of your charge. You don’t want to cut any corners and waste your time with lackluster cables, as a bad cable can quickly short out, die, or even damage your device. In this way, ethernet cables, USB cables, and charging cables for your phone all share similar quality considerations on the part of the user.

Ethernet cables are often overlooked when people install new internet connections or rearrange their setup. Though many types of ethernet cables are available today, a few different classifications are best to be aware of. Cat6 ethernet cables provide higher speeds when compared to their predecessors Cat5e and Cat5. Cat6 cables also deliver more frequencies. However, a common disadvantage to this category of ethernet cable is that they are a bit more difficult to install. Cat5e ethernet cables can provide up to 1Gb/second speeds at 100MHz frequencies, which is excellent for users who like a little more speed on their connections. Cat5 cables are a solid option for those who don’t need the latest and greatest, as they are durable, functional, and tend to last for quite a long time, up to 10 years in fact. Keeping these cables in mind as you shop around will ensure that you have a working knowledge of some basic ethernet cable categories.

Regardless of your usage, choosing the right cables will have a dramatic impact on your overall productivity and workflow. With cables that work at sufficient speeds, last a long time, and provide you with options, you can be sure that your devices get the functional attention they deserve. If you’re looking for quality cables from a company you can trust, then contact us today.

Ethernet is the technology that allows devices in a LAN setting to communicate with each other. To install ethernet, you’ll need a router, switch, ethernet cables, RJ-45 end, and computers. Proper installation and configuration of your ethernet connection increases the productivity of an organization because it makes sharing of data and information fast and conveniently.

However, choosing the right cable can be difficult. When selecting ethernet cables, there are factors you must put into consideration, and they are as follows:

1. Cable Category

Ethernet cables fall into different categories. If you have a small scale business, you will need a Cat5e which transmits 1Gb/s at a frequency of 100MHz. The cable eliminates interference during data transmission, but it’s not shielded. However, if you have a large business and require a larger bandwidth transmission, consider investing in Cat6 cables.

2. Shielded or non-shielded

Why is shielding important? Shielding is necessary when your data is at risk of noise and magnetic energy interference. Therefore, if you are setting up an ethernet connection in a high interference environment, you will need a shielded cable like Cat6a.

If your data transmission is low or isn’t a priority, then you can consider an unshielded cable. It might not reduce interference since it lacks shielding, but cancels out electromagnetic interference.

3. Length

Depending on the size of your room, you can buy a 75ft ethernet cable to 500ft ethernet cable. The point is, buy a cable slightly longer than you require because someday you might need to reroute it or move further in your room.

4. Supplier

Shopping online for ethernet cables allows you to compare the same product from different suppliers. Besides, you get to pick the best cable at a fair price.

5. Solid or stranded

Solid ethernet cables use one piece of solid copper for each conductor, while stranded combines several intertwisted wires. Solid cables should be used where there is less or no movement expected to avoid breakage. On the other hand, stranded cables are flexible and therefore can be moved frequently. You can use solid for permanent runs such as from a patch panel to, say, a surface mount box/faceplate, while a stranded is used for patch cables, which bridge permanent links.

Bottom line

The internet has become a necessity in running any business, whether on a large or small scale. Besides, a research that was conducted by the Pew Research Center stated that 77% of Americans use the Internet daily. Clearly, the internet is becoming a necessity to achieve daily goals.

Additionally, employees can share data and information over a network, which reduces paperwork. Besides having an internet connection, there is a need to install it correctly to maximize speed and uninterrupted data transfer. Whichever reasons you choose to establish an ethernet connection, do it right, and above all, invest in good cables.

As a digitally connected culture, how we work is as important as what we choose to work on. The technological setup and network configuration is a crucial piece of any business environment in today’s world. With a bad setup, you easily lose valuable chunks of time, energy, and resources. But when you ensure that your technology is up to date, every aspect of your business enjoys tremendous returns in the form of extra time, increased productivity, and an improved potential for upward growth. When it comes to ethernet cables, it’s easy to get confused and misled, which typically leads most businesses to cutting corners that end up costing them in the long run. When you understand the three main types of ethernet cables, and the unique advantages offered by each, you will be much more prepared to make the choices that enable and empower all parts of your business.

The invention and implementation of fiber optic cables have revolutionized the way the world conducts business, regardless of the industry. The very first fiber optic cable in recorded history was used to connect the U.S. to France and Britain in the year 1988. Since that point, hundreds more have been installed all across the globe. This is important because there have been vast improvements to cable technology since the invention of the fiber optic cable.

Cat5 Cables

Perhaps the most common type of cable that you will encounter in today’s market is what’s known as a Category cable, more commonly referred to as cat cables. In the world of Cat cables, Cat5 cables are the most basic option and are not readily available as they have been replaced by Cat5e. While they are not the newest variety of cable, and they don’t offer the advantages of Cat 6 cables bulk (more on that later) they are far superior to connecting to the internet with a WiFi connection. If your business is not in need of all the latest features, then Cat5 cables are a great option, as they deliver adequate speeds and last up to 10 years when properly installed and handled. Unfortunately, it is becoming more and more difficult to find Cat5 cables for sale.

Cat5e Cables

If you’re in need of a slightly better networking cable, then Cat5e Cables are a great option. This category is differentiated in name by the “e” which stands for enhanced. Why are these cables enhanced? Well, they offer better connection speeds, up to 1GB/second at 100MHz frequencies. These cables are a great option if you need something faster than Cat5, but don’t have room in your budget for Cat 6 cables bulk. Cat5e is a great choice for businesses that have more network demand than the typical business environment.

Cat6 Cables

As you have probably guessed, Cat6 cables offer speed and performance that you won’t find in the other two cables we’ve discussed so far. With these cables, you can enjoy higher speeds and less crosstalk over your network. While they are a bit more expensive up front, and take a little more work to install, they are your best option if you want the best performance from your connection. To offset some of the costs associated with purchasing and installation, it’s wise to use a dealer that offers Cat 6 cables bulk.

Regardless of your business goals, using the right cables is an important piece of network infrastructure. By informing yourself and purchasing cables through a reliable company, you can be sure that your network performs to meet the standards of your operation.

If you’re like most Americans, you have a setup for Internet and cable in your home. How else would you be able to connect your wireless devices to the world wide web? In fact, products such as iPods, Macs, iPads, Apple watches, and iPhones were owned by 64% of Americans in 2017. But is it time to install a new system? Here are some pros and cons for a do-it-yourself network installation.

1. Costs

If you decide to take on your network installation, whether it is a 500 ft ethernet cable, a 75 ft ethernet cable, or bulk fiber optic cables, you will save yourself the cost of having a professional come to your home and do the installation. However, you will probably have to purchase an installation kit, which costs money. And if there is a problem that comes up, you will be on your own.

2. Scheduling

Arranging to have a technician come to your home and do a network installation is not an easy process. There are limited appointment times, and limited days during the week that the company may be able to come to your neighborhood. Often it is extremely inconvenient to have a professional come to the house and do an installation. It may even require you to miss work, or to let the technician in unaccompanied or unsupervised. However, if you are a do-it-yourselfer who knows what to do with a 500 ft ethernet cable, for instance, and you can do the network installation on your own, then you can decide what a convenient time is. Then, it can be done when you want it done, and when you have time to do it yourself.

3. Owning/Renting Equipment

If you decide to do your own installation, you will be able to purchase the equipment that you need based on the requirements of your household. Don’t need a 500 ft ethernet cable? Then you don’t have to buy one. In addition, you will not have any monthly payments and you will keep the equipment for yourself. However, this is possibly a bit more expensive up front since you have to pay for the equipment yourself. Also, further down the road, it could be a little bit more difficult to get technical support appointments because many internet and cable companies are reluctant to repair equipment that they have not installed themselves.

4. Upgrades

Most of the time with an internet and cable company, upgrades are done as part of the service. However, if you install your own network connection, any upgrades that you are interested in will be entirely up to you. This may result in incurring extra costs. And as previously mentioned, it may be much more difficult to get tech support.

So, if you’re at the point where you’re shopping for a new Internet service provider, you have two choices for installation. You can either do it yourself, or you can have a professional from your service provider do the installation. Maybe you are a pretty good do-it-yourselfer and think you can tackle a network installation. Great, then, go ahead and good luck. Many folks do installations using a surge protection service, power lightning cables, or even cell phone cables successfully. But, if the prospect of a 500 ft ethernet cable seems a bit daunting to you, you may be wise to call and have a professional do the installation for you.

Congrats, you brave pioneer of media! You’ve upgraded your TV and DVD player and can now enjoy Ultra High Definition content, otherwise known as 4K content.

4K Ultra HD basically has quadruple the pixel density of 1080p, its predecessor. For now, 4K runs 24 frames per second, because nearly all of the currently available content is either TV or movies, which are virtually all 24fps. However, there could come a day when content that has a higher framerate — like a sports broadcast — could be shown in Ultra HD. What’s more, considering the previous leaps in AV technology — from black and white television to color to high definition — the sheer quality that this latest jump delivers is truly awesome.

Now, in order to enjoy your new toys, you’re going to need to be able to make them talk to each other, which means you’re going to need the right cables.

You’re more than likely familiar with HDMI cables, which are basically what you need to get your system set up. The key is understanding the specifications and the bandwidth rating.

According to the HDMI Forum Technical Working Group, there are four, basic video resolution guidelines:

• Standard HDMI runs up to 720p or 1080i at 30Hz
• High-Speed HDMI runs up to 4K resolution at 30Hz
• Premium High-Speed HDMI runs up to 4K resolution and has an HDR (high dynamic range) at up to 60Hz
• Ultra High-Speed HDMI runs up to 10K resolution with an HDR at 120Hz refresh rate

You also need to consider the bandwidth rating. Choosing the wrong one means you’re not going to get quadruple the pixel density, which would be more than a shame. The various bandwidth ratings include:

• High Speed equates to 10.2Gbps
• Premium High Speed equates to 18Gbps
• Ultra High Speed equates up to 48Gbps

Although it might seem common sense, it bears saying: your 4k Ultra HD equipment will require an HDMI cable capable of 4K. Just follow the connection instructions in your equipment’s owners manual, and you’ll be off to the new frontier of content!

Surge protectors are devices used to control the frequency of the electrical current flowing to your computers, televisions and all other electronics. It is a device often forgotten, but, it’s necessary to have one in every homestead, computer lab, and office.

Another critical thing about surge protectors is that they have ratings in terms of joules. The number of joules for each protector dictates the absorption of energy. Therefore, if you need a surge protector for computers and home theaters, choose one with a joule rating of 2500 and above.

How Does a Surge Protector Work?

When you connect a surge protector into a power source, you can then insert a computer charger into outlets on the device. So, when electric voltage spikes or surge, the device directs the excess voltage to a grounding wire. Inside the power surge, there is a metal oxide varistor that is between the grounding wire and the current wire. The MOV diverts the excess voltage into the grounding wire.

What to look for when buying a surge protector

1. Number of outlets

Chances are, you will always add more electronics. Therefore, invest in a device that has more outlets than you require for purposes of connecting more electronics in the future. For example, if you have four electronics, choose a power surge protector with six outlets.

2. Enough spacing

The spaces between outlets should be large enough to accommodate large plugs. Therefore, when purchasing a power surge protector, consider the space between one socket and the other.

3. Joules

Surge protectors protect your gadgets in the form of units called Joules. If a surge protector has a rating of 1000 joules, it can protect many small electronics. The higher the value, the more likely that the device will handle huge power surge and spikes that might put your equipment at risk.

4. Differentiate between power strip and power surge protector

A power strip is like a wall socket. The only difference is that it has several outlets on it. To use it, you have to plug it into the wall socket then connect your device’s cable on it. It’s essential to have it when you have a few wall sockets that can’t serve all your electronics. But, since it has several outlets, it can conveniently serve all your electronics.

However, it doesn’t protect your electronics from power surge and spikes. It only has a circuit breaker, which is not enough to protect your electronics.

The importance of identifying the difference between surge protectors and power strip is to ensure electronics like fridges are safe. A power strip surge protector seems like the perfect combination to handle power spikes in your home.

It’s advisable to have a surge protector for your computer. It might save you from incurring losses in amounts of hundreds of dollars when the computer’s hardware succumbs to a power surge. Above all, source your surge protectors for computer from a reliable supplier — contact CableWholesale today.

Lag can often make or break your gameplay. But once it sets in, what can you do to fix it? Here are a few things you should know and a few suggestions to help you live your best lag-free life.

Fast Facts About Lag

Everyone has experienced lag at some point or another. Whether it’s cost you the win in a video game or not, this phenomenon means something is probably wrong. And you’d be surprised at how fast you notice it, too. While the average lag time on a computer is 0.2 seconds, some gamers will notice a delay as small as 0.05 seconds.

As far as what’s causing your lag, there are three possibilities. It could be that your ethernet cables aren’t functioning properly, your router doesn’t have the capacity you need, or your computer’s ethernet port just isn’t capable of hosting the bandwidth you need.

How Can You Fix Lag?

Fortunately, there are a few easy suggestions that might help you fix your laggy connection. First and foremost, you should adjust one of two settings on your computer: video and audio quality. It could be that your quality settings are just too much for your network to handle.

Next, you should check up on your latency. Keep in mind that any latency under 100ms is acceptable for gaming, but between 20ms and 40 ms is typically ideal.

And if none of that is working out for you, consider that your network might be the problem. If you haven’t changed out your ethernet cables in a while, investing in a new set could be handy. And when you think about the fact that Cat 6a cables can handle twice the bandwidth capacity of their predecessor, Cat 6 cables, upgrading seems like a solid solution.

Don’t let video game lag get you down.

For technical professionals, differentiating the various types of ethernet cables is an easy task. But, for the untrained eye, all cables look alike. However, there are different types of network cables on the market, all with different bandwidth capabilities.

Cat 5e cable

Cat 5e cables have been in the market for over 15 years. During its initial release, the hardware that would support certain speeds was limited because they were prohibitively expensive. But in the recent past, high-performance hardware has become more affordable, and now it is possible for more businesses and individuals to use Cat 5e cables.

Cat5e supports speeds of up to 1,000 Megabits per second (1Gbps) Ethernet at 100MHz. The Cat5e cable is an improvement of the Cat5. The “e” stands for enhanced due to the reduced crosstalk. Additionally, the Cat5e cable is flexible and good for setups that require frequent changes. Cat5e is available in either shielded or unshielded wires as well as stranded and copper wires.

Cat6 cables

Cat6 cables are an improvement on the Cat5e cables in terms of both speed and reliability. The Cat6 cables have more twisted pairs, which give them less crosstalk than Cat5 and Cat5e cables. Cat 5e and Cat6 ethernet cables have the same size jacket size, despite this. Some Cat6 manufactures will place a spline in the cable to allow for fewer twists and more separation, thus requiring less copper. Since the Cat6 has the potential for higher speeds and less crosstalk, many home and business owners are opting for a network with Cat6 cables.

Like the Cat5e, the Cat6 can also achieve speeds of 1 Gbps, but the main difference is that the latter achieves these speeds at a bandwidth of up to 250 MHz. The cable is more tightly woven than the Cat5e.

Cat6a cable

The other category of ethernet cables is the Cat6a cables. This cable was created to support 10Gbase-T networks, as the Cat5e and Cat6 cables are only able to support a max of 2.5 Gigabit and 5 Gigabit data rates, respectively. The “a” stands for augmented which mean it performs at higher speeds over a long distance, and it is also backward compatible with Cat5e and Cat6. It also has very minimal crosstalk. Because Cat6a cables have better performance, they can support bandwidth frequency of up to 500 MHz which is double the capabilities of the Cat6 and five times the capabilities of the Cat5e.

The cables have more shielding which enables them to eliminate crosstalk. The Cat6a cables have a thicker jacket than the Cat6, but is grooved to help guide the twisted pairs around each other. Cat6a is often constructed with a spline to help with cross talk. Cat6a cables are best suited for more demanding setups like industrial environments, or anywhere you have greater than a Gigabit network connection.

Understanding UTP, S/UTP, and F/UTP

• UTP – UTP stands for Unshielded Twisted Pair. This is a baseline cable, where there is no shielding. In this type of cable, there is an outer jacket and insulated conductors configured in pairs.
• S/UTP – S/UTP cables are fairly standard. They are similar to the previous cable, except this has a braided shield in it. This creates a barrier to resist outside interference.
• S/FTP – This stands for Foiled Unshielded Twisted Pair. As a more complex cable, it is both designed to reduce outside interference through the braided shield, and internal interference through the foil. This foil is wrapped around each pair inside of the cable.

Which Type Of Ethernet Cables Should You Use?

The type of cable that you decide to use will ultimately be informed by several factors. They include cost, the life expectancy of the cabling, network speeds and lastly the environment of the system. Cat5e cables are the most affordable and in most cases will get the job done. However, for heavier usage, you should use Cat6 and Cat6a cables.

The world is largely operating with wireless technology but local area network (LAN) tech is still in use for many people today. There are at least 3.5 billion global internet users in the world (as of 2016) which means that 45% of the world population accessed the internet. In fact, many of them may be using a LAN connection. In today’s article, we will look at the advantages of using this method of connection.

1. Bandwidth efficiency: Networks are generally designed to use fixed bandwidth circuits. This restriction contributes to the complexity and operation inefficiencies in the majority of the network since the allocation is rigid. Ethernet, on the other hand, is flexible. During peak hours, for instance, users tend to oversubscribe for network bursts, which combined with network rigidity, results in inefficient use of a network’s capability.
2. Reliability: Ethernet delivers consistent speed which is perfect for downloading large files. If you are working in a field that requires finer granularity, scalability, and superior transparency, then a LAN connection will be perfect for you. Using fiber optic cables makes it easy for your business to scale its need and maintain high internet speeds, and granularity. You can purchase speed increments, adding more as your needs increase.
3. Flexible network: Using a bulk fiber optic cable for industrial communication also comes with another advantage. Other networks such as SONET/SDH networks tend to use fixed ring-based designs. These designs make it cumbersome to add any changes in the network. If changes need to be made, you would have to configure the entire system. Ethernet, however, supports ring, tree, mesh, and string-based topologies which make it flexible to accept changes.
4. Low-cost: Ethernet enjoys the economies of scale and low equipment cost which is a plus for many smaller companies. This is primarily because of the large production volumes and the fact that is found almost everywhere. Although its advantages are many and profound compared to other networks, installation and maintenance is fairly priced which make it a great option for industries and homes alike.

Using fiber optics has a lot of advantages for your business especially if you plan of scaling your capability. The flexibility of using fiber optics, it’s reliability and the simplicity of use make this technology hard to do away with especially in the commercial industry where protection of data is vital.