Reliable cables are what keep our digital world spinning. Shielded twisted pair cable (STP) and unshielded twisted pair cable (UTP) are the most employed cables for network connectivity. Below, we uncover the difference between shielded and unshielded cables that make them functional for varying digital tasks.

Difference in Structure

There are slight differences in the structures of STP and UTP cables. STP cables are composed of individual pairs of wire twisted together. These coiled cables are then wrapped in either foil or a copper braided jacket. UTP cables differ in that they have their pair of wires twisted together but get wrapped in tubing without additional protection. STP is the more expensive option of the two, making UTP cables the more popular, inexpensive choice.

How To Choose Your Cable

There are two factors considered to determine which cable to use per application. You must know the amount of protection the application needs from electromagnetic interference (EMI) and power frequency. These numbers indicate whether a shielded or unshielded cable should be utilized.

When Shielded Cables Get Used

STP cables minimize EMI and frequency interference from external electronic devices. STP cables’ ability to prevent electronic intrusion makes them the optimal choice for a steady connection. The three types of STP cables are braided, spiral, and metal-coated mylar. They have varying percentages of EMI shielding. Braided cables shield 90 percent of EMI, while spiral serves 98 percent EMI shielding, and metal-coated mylar, also known as foil, serves 100 percent EMI shielding.

Environments that have a greater risk of electronic interference typically use shielded cables. Places like radio stations and airports are susceptible to interference, so they apply shielded cables to reduce interrupting connection chances.

Because security systems must be protected from power and radio frequency interference, they use STP cables. Shielded cables prevent noise from leaving the cable, reducing the odds the connection gets picked up from unwarranted devices.

When Unshielded Cables Get Used

The difference between shielded and unshielded cables lies in how they function. Instead of utilizing shielding to diminish electronic intervention, UTP cables’ structure serves that purpose. The way the wires are twisted inside of the cable limits EMI.

UTP cables are the preferred choice for simpler network settings for their versatility and lightweight features. They are also comparatively inexpensive cables, which makes them the more accessible option.

For all your shielded and unshielded cable needs, contact CableWholesale. We have a vast range of digital accessories that include varietal selections of home, office, and even outdoor Ethernet cable, so you can stay connected everywhere you go.

This year has seen a major influx of people working from home. Now more than ever, folks are banking on reliable home networks to get through the day. Network topology is the arrangement of a network’s components. There are five different types of typology, each serving unique purposes that adhere to varying connection needs. Of those topology types, bus topology is one that is easy and cheap to install.

How Does Bus Topology Work?

You can adjust your bus topology to connect several tech devices at home or in the office. Printers, workstations, and servers are connected to the main run of cable. This linear cable, known as the bus, has terminators at each end that absorb signal to prevent signal bounce. Signal bounce can cause collision of multiple signals, resulting in poor network performance.

Its Advantages

The advantages of bus topology are convenient for people looking for low-maintenance connection at home or work. It is important to ensure proper bus topology setup to promote optimal connection. The perks of this type of topology include:

• Easy installation—This is a major convenience considering the number of devices that you’ll need to hook up to the linear cable.
• Bus topology requires less cable length than star topology. This makes for a cost-efficient network that can still cover the workstations you need it to.
• When one station fails in the network, it does not affect the other connected devices.
• Though bus topology is usually limited in size and range, you can always extend your network with a repeater or connector when necessary.
• Terminators do not have power requirements, as they are passive devices. This allows you to set up an effective network virtually anywhere.

What To Keep in Mind

While the advantages of bus topology are remarkable, it is important to reflect on your home or office network’s needs to determine which topology is right for you. Some hiccups of bus topology are that the more devices added, the slower the network. Try to limit your bus cable to high-priority equipment. If you must have additional nodes attached to the bus topology, be aware that the chances of signal collision increase.

Whether you’re looking for a 100ft cat6 ethernet cable to expand your topology or simple office supplies, CableWholesale has you covered. We offer ample digital accessories so you can keep up with the new demand for high-speed at-home Internet.

Have you ever looked at a bundle of cables and wondered about its assortment of colors? Colors per cable indicate a particular system or application. Wire jacket colors help technicians and engineers navigate cables to confirm they’re working with the appropriate equipment.

While they don’t have anything to do with the performance of the cable itself, understanding Ethernet cable colors can be the difference between proper or lagging connection.

Varying Standards

The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) has continued to issue recommended standards of cable design. The standards encouraged by the organization does not, surprisingly, cover wiring and power cables.

Management of wire jacket coloring has been monitored by the Telecommunications Industry Association. Their breakdown of wire jacket colors is followed by some organizations, but not all.

The purpose of jacket colors vary by country and industry. Some businesses set their own color standards for the cables they utilize. Their standards might look like the following:

• Blue= security
• White= camera
• Green= interconnections/jumpers
• Black= network connectivity

Understanding Ethernet cable colors is a vital part of technical engineers’ jobs. It can also be helpful for employees with cable connected devices to know should they run into any problems with their connectivity.

Changes Per Year

Occasionally, vendors will color code wire jackets to signal the year the cable was made. For example, a network cable vendor may adjust from blue to yellow in a year. This informs technicians of how certain colored cables will interact with new or old devices.

Building Codes

Prior to running cables, companies must check with their building manager to confirm the wires they employ are compatible with the building. There are standards and building codes in place that demand proper labeling and organization of cables, regardless of color and purpose.

CableWholesale has bulk cat5e cableand other wires in various colors so you can find cables compatible with your network needs.

A strong digital network is a crucial aspect of any productive business. Because of the vast improvements digital devices have made, companies have become increasingly dependent on reliable technology. As wireless systems have become a convenient source for mobile devices, wired networks are still the preferred option for an optimal connection. Read why the advantages of wired network systems make them the better choice for business devices over wireless.

More Secure

Though advances have been made to Wi-Fi and mobile devices to improve security, wireless connections have more gaps for cyber criminals to exploit. With a wired network system, networks are more secured.

Wired systems require a physical connection with the network source. This makes unsolicited connection interception harder to come by, as cyber criminals must find a way to physically attach to the business network port. Of course, additional safety measures can be made to further protect even a wired connection, as tech-savvy hackers continue to find new ways to breach valued networks.

Reliable Connection

High Speed

When reliable speed is a necessity, opt for wired network systems. Wireless connections commonly max out at one gigabit per second, while wired Ethernet can provide up to five gigabits per second. Having a speedy connection is a crucial factor of workplace productivity, hence why most businesses choose wired systems.

Less Prone To Interference

Because the network connection travels through cables, wired systems are much less prone to radio interference than wireless setups. Frequency interruption perturbs office device functions and can result in an inconvenient crash of necessary applications. A wired setup permits more data to efficiently and securely get transferred.

Flexibility and Range

The advantages of wired network systems that influence workplace setup are their flexibility and range. Because wireless networks have a limited range, wired systems are typically employed in offices. The use of wires in networks allows companies to expand their office layout.

Your business can splurge on cables that promote safety to diminish the chances of device damage or workplace injuries. The number of and distance between office devices will indicate how much and which type of cables your business will need. The cost of multiple networks and routers throughout a company may be pricey, but the more expansive and stronger connection makes them a worthy investment.

At CableWholesale, we have an abundance of digital accessories to formulate a successful wired network system. We have all the necessities to get your business better connected, from cat5e plenum cables to HDMI connectors and cable management products. Contact us today to discover which accessories will suit your business best.

Companies have joined the digital landscape to take advantage of its vast opportunities. Technology has enhanced communication between businesses and clients while boosting companies’ productivity. Though the world of technology offers immense benefits for businesses, there are obstacles that they must be aware of. Companies can take certain measures to improve their relationship with technology, such as maintaining upgrades and increasing network accessibility.

Why Does It Matter?

Before you invest in essential technological upgrades for your business, you may be wondering what difference they will make. Securing the proper tech equipment for your company has substantial advantages that would be negligent to overlook prior to making purchases. CableWholesale has broken down how your company will benefit from making a few fundamental upgrades to its technological domain.

Improve Security

The evolution of technology has created some serious improvements for business security. You can protect your company from internet hackers with various technological upgrades. Cases of cybercrime have increased along with businesses’ digital presence.

Hackers and cybercriminals who crawl the web seek out vulnerable business data and may violate your company’s security on three different levels: network, system, and data. Your business should take different approaches to secure all three areas, as they each pose differing threats.

A breach in cybersecurity can leave a company with malware on their devices and a damaged status. A simple update in software can prevent losses or exploitation of tons of precious company data. Exposed company data can lead to serious legal consequences that are costly to your business’s budget and reputation.

Increase Productivity

Technological upgrades boost productivity. Most companies employ a multitude of applications and programs that employees can utilize. It is necessary that these apps run as efficiently as possible to promote maximum productivity in the workplace.

Old computer systems often lag and have inconvenient wait times for uploads, downloads, and reboots. Help your devices run faster and smoother by maintaining updates and opting for high-speed internet when available. Doing so will save you time and money in the long run.

Maintenance

Another way your business can save time and money is by opting for low-maintenance technology. Old devices tend to be temperamental and wear out over time. After a while, some equipment will become virtually useless if not if you do not maintain it through proper upgrades. A device that runs poorly poses a major disadvantage to your company’s productivity levels. Avoid investing money on repairs for nearly obsolete tech systems—you are better off with a full replacement.

Compatibility

When old devices and new software collide, things can get chaotic. Old equipment often fails to be compatible with new updates or systems. This can lead to excessive downtime or inconvenient and detrimental crashes in your company’s data system. Upgraded devices ensure compatibility with the ever-changing technology and promote a stronger connection with local networks.

How Should You Upgrade?

Now that you have considered how essential technological upgrades for your business will be advantageous in the workplace, it is time to learn about your options. CableWholesale has listed a number of upgrades that you can apply to your business to improve productivity and overall success.

Replace Software and Hardware

Outdated devices that use old software in the workplace result in slow productivity rates. Before office technology starts to impact your company’s workflow, replace your software and hardware.

Invest in high-quality tech equipment to avoid costly maintenance issues in the future. Keep your software updated to ensure your programs work as efficiently as possible.

Boost Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity companies have enhanced their approaches to keep business data even safer than before. The more present your company is online, the more likely it is there are weaknesses in your data system for hackers to violate. Protect your business online by allocating a portion of your company’s budget toward cybersecurity. Routine IT assessments and risk management programs are a great way to increase your digital materials’ safety.

Utilize the Cloud

Many companies utilize cloud computing for digital storage. Uploading files to cloud storage removes the need to keep as much data on company computer systems, thereby freeing up space and streamlining processes. Consider upgrading your storage to a cloud system to improve business flexibility and work efficacy.

Consider Mobile Interface

Customers everywhere have transitioned to using their smartphones to make purchases. When your business upgrades its interface, be sure that it is mobile phone friendly. Grow your business by updating your webpage. During the configuration process, verify that your website is compatible with mobile phone screens. Mobile web design leads to a greater audience reach and, eventually, a larger profit.

Upgrade Broadband

Unreliable broadband creates many limitations on effective business strategies. Have a strong network in your office to decrease downtime and prevent any connectivity issues. Employ a cat5e Ethernet cable or invest in faster broadband to develop a better and faster internet connection to workstations.

Focus on SEO

Search engine optimization is a key way to get your business noticed. Ranking high in search results will increase your company’s visibility to potential customers. Your business can gain tremendous familiarity and name recognition just by showing up on the first page of search results. The better your company ranks in various searches, the more reliable your site appears. Digital marketing utilizes online features such as email, social media, website ads, mobile apps, and, of course, search engines to improve your company’s reach.

Update Your POS

Point-of-sale systems should be just as up to date as the rest of your business. You want to have a trustworthy and well-encrypted POS system to assure customers that their information is protected. There are also new innovations in POS tech that enrich interactions between company and client.

A Final Note

With the inarguable presence of technology in the modern world, it is vital to most companies’ success that they stay up to date on the latest upgrades. Technology is ever-changing, making it that much more important for companies to keep updating systems incrementally. Maintaining technical equipment in the workplace is a crucial aspect of business productivity and device efficacy.

No matter what items you need to maintain your tech system’s high quality, CableWholesale has an extensive catalog of digital devices to help you find what you are looking for. Time waits for no one, so get in touch today to see how you can best upgrade your company’s digital features.

USB type C cables have created waves in the digital world. The USB-C wires strive to curtail the need for an abundance of wires. It’s a multifunctional, increasingly popular cable amongst device owners.

The 2015 Apple MacBook release first introduced the USB-C. Since then, the port has been a popular feature on technological devices. It’s is compatible with various gadgets and has changed the expectations of cables and tech devices. USB-C connectors and ports have changed the digital landscape for years to come.

Its versatility can get complicated for new users. That is why CableWholesale has put together a definitive guide to USB-C Alternate modes.

The Structure of a USB-C Cable

To understand the usability of the USB-C, we must consider how it’s structured. The anatomy of a USB-C cable gets relatively complicated to compensate for its vast versatility. The term “USB-C” is a reference to the physical connector, which is a rounded rectangle that contains 24 pins inside. The pin layout is three times the amount offered by previous USB cables. Of the structures in the layout’s design, two lead to USB-C functionality. One primary piece supports USB 2.0 standards, while the two direct components of the layout allow for high-speed data. The third piece supports USB 2 standards.

This three-piece breakdown of the 24-pins is what separates the USB-C from the previous USB 3.0.

Unlike standard USB cables, the -C type is reversible. You no longer must worry or frustrate over plugging in a connector incorrectly. Talk about convenience!

The Data Transferring Standards USB-Cs Are Built On

Many USB-C ports are built from second-generation USB 3.1 data-transfer standard. These typically serve data up to 10Gbps (Gigabytes per second). This rate is faster than that of the USB 3.0 and first-generation USB 3.1, their data-delivering speeds maxing out at 5Gbps.

What Is Alternate Mode?

As you explore the world of USB-C cables, the phrase “Alternate modes” or “Alt mode” often arises. An Alternate mode is a purposeful extension of USB-C lines. The anatomy of USB-C cables allows for device manufacturers to enable this mode.

A definitive guide to USB-C Alternate modes would be obsolete if it didn’t mention its perks. Alternate mode permits the cord to interact with and carry non-USB signals. The cable can then use alternate data protocols for direct device-to-host transmission. With the help of compatible adapters, you can output HDMI, DisplayPort, Ethernet, and other connection types. Technologies can be transmitted with this unique version of USB-C ports and connectors; previous USB wires did not allow this.

Alt mode diminishes our need for an abundance of cables and wires. Of course, the connectors and cables we use must be high-quality to reap the maximum benefits of Alt mode, since it proves just how multifaceted USB-C cables are.

What Can You Do With USB-C?

• A single USB-C port can serve the functionality of many laptop ports. The initial transition to USB-C ports called for the use of dongles, adapters, and docks. Now, however, its presence in technology has diminished the need for various cables.
• Connect to a USB-C monitor to reap some of the most valuable benefits of USB-C. The USB-C can feed images to the monitor while it functions as a USB hub. If the USB-C monitor has its own power source, you can charge your laptop at the same time. It creates the optimal docking situation, enabling up to 4K at 60 frames per second on two monitors or 5K on a single monitor at the same rate.
• Tech manufacturers’ removal of the headphone jack forced consumers to upgrade their listening devices to accommodate for new models. For those not up to date with Bluetooth technology, USB-C can act as the wired solution. USB Audio Device Class 3.0 was released in response to the removal of headphone jacks and offered USB-C audio options that align with the old standard headphones. These stabilized existing port use and added new features such as hotword detection and noise cancellation.
• USB-C can handle significantly more power than its USB precursors. It’s able to maintain considerable power while transferring data at high speeds, all supported by one cord.
• Bidirectional charging is another perk of USB-C connectors, improving charge efficiency. You can charge one device through another with the use of this connector.
• You can enhance your laptop’s performance with USB-Cs as well. The USB-C port allows hard drive plug-ins that allow for more storage and encourage higher functioning speeds.

What Comes Next?

USB-C has been accepted as the premier connector in digital technology right now, but that hasn’t stopped professionals from creating the next best thing. USB4 is in development and on track to deliver data at up to 40Gpbs.

Aside from its intense data-transfer rate, the USB4 can provide accessories with 15 watts of power and support 8K displays. USB4s are intended to be compatible with older devices with the use an adapter. It utilizes the same oblong connector made popular with the USB-C to provide convenience to users.

USB4 will have Power Delivery by default. This feature boosts charging speeds but isn’t currently implemented on a consistent basis.

Power Delivery

Power delivery has a significant impact on device charging. It can support 20 volts at 5 amps and has a maximum output of 100 watts. Power Delivery ensures that connected devices receive the appropriate wattage. Some USB-C cables have Power Delivery, but not all. Those with the feature can charge a laptop and transmit an image simultaneously.

The development of new connectors and ports in the digital environment has led to the multifaceted use of devices. Our appreciation for tech has stemmed from its reliability. Of course, proper function relies on the use of high-quality cables and devices. CableWholesale is the premier provider for network cable needs. We have everything to accommodate your tech ambitions. Our catalog spanns from a selection of 100-foot Ethernet cable to cable adapters. Review our extensive technological inventory today to find supplies that suit all your home and office devices.