Cyber Security Tips to Protect Your Personal Information

The Key Difference Between Non-Plenum and Plenum Jackets

Since most jobs, schools, and utility companies require online accounts, it’s nearly impossible to keep your personal information offline. Using the internet for these things is more convenient, after all. Despite all of the perks of engaging with the online world, there are hazards to think about as well. The prevalence of criminals online makes just about any sensitive information susceptible to cybercrime. Fortunately, as technology has developed, so have cyber security measures. CableWholesale reviews top cyber security tips to protect your personal information.

Go From Wireless to Wired

One foolproof way to protect your personal information from cybercrime is to transform your network from wireless to wired connections. Wireless networks are much easier for hackers to penetrate than wired ones.

To hook up devices to your network, you’ll need Ethernet cables. The Ethernet cables your network requires will depend on the number of devices, network distance, and preferable data transmission speed.

Avoid Phishing Scams

Cybercriminals have honed their craft over time. Some phishing scams are now extremely difficult to identify. However, if an email or text ever appears suspicious, there are a few telltale signs it may be a scam. Here’s what to look out for:

  • The email address is not from the same domain as the entity shown in the email’s text, or the domain name has incorrect spelling
  • The email address contains several random characters
  • You find many grammatical errors in the email, or the writing is simply poor
  • The email or text prompts you to click a suspicious link or attachment (these often infect your device with malware or viruses)

Update Your Password Routinely

One cyber security tip to protect your personal information that you’ve likely heard numerous times already is to change your password. Whether it’s your social media profile or bank account, you should regularly update any online account’s password!

It may be sad to see your legendary password go but upgrading your log-in information with a strong password provides an extra obstacle for cybercriminals. Here are some considerations when it comes to online passwords:

  • Avoid using the same password for several accounts.
  • Include one uppercase letter, lowercase letter, number, and a unique character (&, #, $, %, @).
  • Keep your password between 8 and 64 characters.
  • If you must, write down your password. Be sure to keep this note somewhere private.

Whether you need bulk Ethernet cords, SCSI to SATA converter cables, or cable management supplies, CableWholesale has you covered. With our products, you can create a safe, secure, and efficient network. Look around our website today for premium network components at affordable prices.

The Key Difference Between Non-Plenum and Plenum Jackets

The Key Difference Between Non-Plenum and Plenum Jackets

If you intend to place your cables in testy environments—whether they’re hotter, moister, or chillier than most—you must invest in cables with proper protection from these elements. See why non-plenum and plenum cables are so popular, as well as why understanding the key difference between non-plenum and plenum cables could save you from trouble.

What Are Non-Plenum Jackets and When Should I Use Them?

Electrical cable construction often depends on the presence of non-plenum jackets for bedding and sheathing. Bedding and sheathing provide a protective layer between the inner and outer layers of cables.

Different types of non-plenum-rated cables include riser-rated, CM, and some PVC cables. The benefits of non-plenum-rated cables include the following:

  • Non-plenum jacket cables are flame retardant, which is especially helpful for reducing electrical fire risks.
  • Manufacturers utilize various additives to further improve non-plenum jackets’ thresholds for hot temperatures.
  • Non-plenum jacketing is durable, which helps inner wires keep their structure for longer.
  • Non-plenum-rated cables are often more accessible and cheaper, as they have both a high demand and supply.

It is best practice to use non-plenum-rated cables in the space between your building’s floors or vertical shafts—typically, any space that does not circulate air.

What Are Plenum Jackets and When Should I Use Them?

When a return air vent simply empties into the open space above the ceiling with no ducting, the area is considered a plenum space. Here is where you’ll implement cables with plenum jackets. Building management companies actually enforce building codes to ensure businesses utilize plenum-rated cables in these spaces.

The reason businesses must employ plenum cables in these spaces is that these environments react to fire differently. Manufacturers craft plenum jackets with insulation with lower smoke, flame, and toxicity characteristics. If a fire were to occur, using plenum-rated cables in the right spaces can save your building from an extreme outcome.

Key Differences Between Non-Plenum and Plenum

  1. Most manufacturers sell plenum-rated cables at a greater price than non-plenum.
  2. Many building codes require businesses to use plenum-rated cords in air-handling spaces, such as ceilings that return air to AC units, since the cable performs well in those environments.
  3. Plenum-rated cables must meet plenum cable insulation and Cat5e cable standards, making them more particular to make than most non-plenum-rated cords.

The key difference between non-plenum and plenum cables that will help your company avoid fires and fines is that you’re required to use plenum cables between floors, walls, in ceilings, and under floors that return air. Neglecting this difference could land you some serious damage and a costly building code violation.

Where To Get High-Quality Plenum Cords

No matter the heat, CableWholesale’s cords can handle it. For equipping larger facilities, consider our selection of bulk Cat5e cables. Not only will our low wholesale prices satisfy you, but our cables’ performance will, too. Contact us today to learn more about how our cables exceed performance and safety standards.

Everything You Need To Know About HDMI Cable Length

The Key Difference Between Non-Plenum and Plenum Jackets

HDMI is short for High-Definition Multimedia. HDMI cables have seen incredible popularity growth thanks to their compatibility with laptops, Blu-Ray players, gaming consoles, and more. These cords transmit high-quality digital video and audio data from one device to another. They allow you to enjoy effortless streaming between multiple devices. When selecting the perfect HDMI cable for your entertainment or work setup, you may have questions about what length to go for. CableWholesale uncovers everything you need to know about HDMI cable length so that you can get the most out of your selection.

The Relationship Between HDMI Cables and Transmission Quality

Audio and video signals must transmit through the entirety of the cable’s length. The greater the HDMI cord length, the more room there is for that signal to experience interference or other transmission issues. Of course, if you have a setup that requires an HDMI cord with more length, there are ways to create a quality signal, as we’ll discuss below.

How To Determine the Right HDMI Cable Length

One of the critical aspects of everything you need to know about HDMI cable length is recognizing how to determine the correct length for you. You must know your desired cable length before you buy HDMI cables online to ensure your setup doesn’t fall short. You also don’t want excess cable length to overwhelm it. Though people often find 20-foot HDMI cables to suffice, we’ve provided an additional guide below for dealing with greater distances.

  • When there are 25 feet between the source and display, use a passive cable.
  • When there are 150 feet between the source and display, use a signal converter.
  • When there are 1000 feet between the source and display, use a fiber optic extender.

What To Do if Your HDMI Cable Requirements Expand

Maybe you want to set up a temporary entertainment system outside or simply have an expansive workstation. Whatever your reason for needing a longer HDMI cable, you have a couple of options for getting the cable length you need.

Acquire Signal Converters

HDMI signal converters allow your HDMI cable to communicate with a different signal with less strict length boundaries. An HDMI signal converter provides optimal video and audio data transmission by converting the signal to either that of either Cat5e or Cat6 Ethernet cables.

Obtain Extenders

With HDMI extenders, you can be much more flexible with your work or entertainment setup. Extenders support transmissions over greater lengths. So, you can expand your system without splurging on new HDMI cables.

In addition to trusty HDMI products, CableWholesale has a vast selection of cables and cable management accessories. We prioritize safety, quality, and value with our products, which is why we’re constantly finding ways to refine our supplies. Enjoy a lifetime warranty on most of our products and utilize our knowledgeable customer service team for a superior online experience.

Ethernet Wiring: Structured Cables vs. Patch Cords

The Key Difference Between Non-Plenum and Plenum Jackets

When setting up your wired network, you need reliable cables to provide a seamless connection. With all the technological advancements released each year, you’re left with a wide range of cables to choose from to establish an Internet connection. Among these options, you’ll encounter Ethernet cable types aplenty. When comparing patch and structured Ethernet cables, it may be difficult to determine which is best for your computer setup. CableWholesale looks at ethernet wiring: structure cables vs. patch cords and what sets them apart.

What Is an Ethernet Cable?

People employ Ethernet cables to establish a connection within a wired network setup. Ethernet cords connect TVs, laptops, and other devices that require Internet connection to their local network with the help of an Ethernet port. There are many kinds of Ethernet cords available to fulfill varying network needs.

Different Categories of Ethernet Cables

There are three main categories of Ethernet cables to choose from, listed below. You will find both patch and structured cables made to suit each category’s standards. Each cable category is considered an evolution of its predecessor, though each has its advantages for both home and office networks.

  • Cat5e
  • Cat6
  • Cat6a

What Is a Patch Cable?

Patch cables are considered a type of Ethernet cable. When looking at Ethernet wiring and comparing structured cables vs. patch cords, the difference is that patch cords are made from stranded cables, making them much more flexible. Stranded cables are comprised of small, twisted wire strands that form a single conductor and are considerably durable.

Another standout distinction between structured cables and patch cables is that patch cords are best for short distances. Patch cables function to connect devices to one another within a network system. It’s common to use a patch cable to simply hook up a computer to a network port or router, which is helpful for small office spaces and home networks.

What Is a Structured Cable?

For more complicated network setups, businesses often employ structured cables. Structured cabling utilizes solid cords, which have a solid, copper core in comparison with stranded cords.

Structured cables are less portable than patch cords, which should be taken into consideration when setting up your network. You may install structured cables for wall-in installations or throughout other aspects of your expansive building to create tidy, optimal connection.

Which One Should You Use?

To determine whether you should use a patch cable or a structured cord, you’ll need to consider the distance of your entire network. For networks that span entire office floors, you’re best off selecting from CableWholesale’s assortment of bulk cat5e Ethernet cables for a structured cabling system. If you simply need to connect your laptop to your router nearby, a patch cable will do the trick.

Single Mode vs. Multimode Fiber Optic Cables

Single Mode vs. Multimode Fiber Optic Cables

High transmission speeds, EMI resistance, impressive distance—fiber optic cables are incredibly capable wires used by a wide variety of industries. Single mode and multimode are two different types of fiber optic cables that tech professionals often find themselves choosing between. Each fiber optic type has its own set of advantages and drawbacks for different applications, which greatly impact network distance, budget, and bandwidth. CableWholesale looks at single mode vs. multimode fiber optic cables and explores both of their specificities so you can make the right call.

Single Mode Fiber Optic Cables

As their name indicates, single mode fiber optic cables utilize single optic fibers. This type of optical fiber has a tiny core—with a roughly 9-micrometer diameter—that carries light. That’s 91 micrometers tinier than a strand of hair! To make single mode fibers more visible and for quality protection, manufacturers give single mode fiber optic cables cladding that bumps up the overall cable diameter to 125 micrometers.

Multimode Fiber Optic Cables

Multimode fibers have a core with a diameter of 50 micrometers or greater. Due to its larger core, a multimode fiber can transfer more rays of light at once. Multimode fiber optic cables also have cladding for protection, leaving the cables with a diameter of 125 micrometers as well.

Keep in Mind…

There are a lot of misconceptions about single mode and multimode fiber optics that are worth noting before you start your search for the right cable. We disclaim some of those common misconceptions below:

  • You cannot discern the difference between single mode vs. multimode fiber optic cables visually.
  • Their names are not correlated to the number of optical fibers in the cable. Single mode cables can contain hundreds of optical fibers, but we still consider them single mode since that’s what kind of optical fibers are inside.
  • Some folks automatically assume multimode is the better of the two fiber optic cables. However, your preference will rely on your application, as we’ll discuss below.

Which Fiber Optic Cables Should You Use?

When choosing between single mode vs. multimode fiber optic cables, you’ll first need to consider the application you intend to use the cables for. While multimode may transfer more light, it also experiences modal dispersion, as the varying light rays reach the other end of the multimode fiber at varying rates. Multimode cables are not ideal for great distances, but they are ideal for companies with limited budgets.

With single mode fiber optics, you can send high bandwidth signals over longer distances. For any installations over 1000 ft, and if your budget allows, opt for single mode fiber optics. Purchasing wholesale fiber optics helps make the cable more affordable.

If you’re looking for optical cables to buy online, refer to CableWholesale. We have a vast selection of fiber optic products, including bulk fiber, converters, and connectors. Create the network you need with our wide variety of high-quality cables and cable management products. We offer a lifetime warranty on much of our inventory to ensure that you get the most out of your investment in your network.