A Guide To the Different Cables You Need To Run a Business

A Guide To the Different Cables You Need To Run a Business

When you run a business there is much to consider. You must keep track of many parts so your company can keep running. The technological needs are exponential, especially today where many employees may be remote or just coming back to the office. When your business needs an upgrade in the tech department the best place to start is with cables.

Looking at all the different cable options and needs can be intimidating. Check out a guide to the different cables you need to run a business. This helps you stay organized and know exactly what you need to run your business efficiently.

USB

USB cables are a must for any office space. Regardless of your company size or industry, a USB cable is always useful. Ordering USB cables for your business is a great investment and ensures you have what you need to succeed.

What It Is

A USB cable is a versatile thing. Here are some of the main categories:

  • USB 3.0
  • USB C
  • USB adapters
  • USB hubs
  • USB switch boxes
  • FireWire cables

There are multiple different types of USB cables you may need to invest in for your business. They help you keep things organized and ensure everything that needs to be plugged in is plugged in. Adapters help you to work with multiple types without worry.

What You Might Need It For

Since there are many types of USB cables, below is a brief breakdown of the main uses of each.

USB-A

This type is used for computer accessories, a computer mouse, keyboard, connecting in a car, etc.

USB-B

This type is used for connecting two devices together and some older printer models.

USB-C

This type is used for Apple products, some other devices, charging things, etc.

Mini and Micro USB

This type is used for older cameras, MP3 players, some cell phones, and other devices.

USB 3

This type is used for information transfers at high speeds.

Mobile Charging Cables

Mobile charging cables are another essential item for offices and businesses. They keep you and your employees’ devices charged and ready to go. Trying to get things done with a phone that’s rapidly dying is stressful. Keeping mobile charging cables around is beneficial for everyone.

What It Is

Mobile charging cables are cables designed specifically to charge mobile devices. These are essential for ensuring all mobile devices retain power. In today’s business world, mobile devices are essential to the productivity of a company. Having space mobile charging cables around can help increase productivity.

What You Might Need It For

Learn more about the different mobile charging cable types to keep around the office for yourself, your employees, and your clients or customers. The types of mobile devices you may need cables for could include the following:

  • Laptops
  • LG products
  • Samsung products
  • Apple products
  • Headphones and earbuds

HDMI

HDMI cables are another very popular and highly useful cable for any type of office. These are used in a plethora of industries and help ease many pain points in a business. They’re an essential investment for your business to run smoothly.

What it is

HDMI cables have many uses and are an absolute must-have for offices in any industry. They work well with many applications and improve meeting quality both in-person and remote or hybrid. HDMI cables can connect to different monitors.

What You Might Need It For

HDMI cables work well with all of the following devices:

  • TVs
  • Monitors
  • Computers
  • Surround sound audio
  • 4K screens

There are multiple types of HDMI cables you can invest in. You may even need to buy HDMI adapters to help transfer video signals or an HDMI splitter to send a video signal from one device to multiple different outputs. An HDMI switch can help you switch the video source on your monitor or TV and switch between multiple sources at once.

Networking

Networking cables are a wide range of products that are essential to the productive functioning of any office or business. These are cables you need for many areas of business such as phones and other networking needs.

What It Is

Networking cables connect one network device to another. They connect two or more computers to printers, scanners, and other types of devices needed in offices. Every business needs a printer and a computer—if not multiple of each. These networking cables ensure all the technology works together in harmony.

What You Might Need It For

You may need networking cables for many things in your office such as Ethernet cables, RG58 coaxial cables, surface mount jacks, wall plates, and POE. There are countless items you could use your networking cables for. For instance, if you’re setting up landline telephones or connecting your network of computers to a singular printer, you need networking cables.

Fiber Optic

Fiber optic cables are an increasingly popular and needed cable type. They’re effective and have long-distance networking. They’re great for multitudes of applications. They are most renowned for their fast-speed data transferring capabilities.

What It Is

Fiber optic cables are great for long-distance, quick data transfers. They are the go-to cable type for most communications companies. They are useful for many different businesses and across many industries because of their versatility.

What You Might Need It For

You might need fiber optic cables for your business if you need to transfer data across long or short distances. You also may need ethernet fiber converters, enclosures, cassettes, or even fibber optic connectors to help your office reach its full potential.

In a guide to the different cables you need to run a business you can see exactly which types of cables are beneficial to your company’s operations, overall staff, and client satisfaction. Contact Cable Wholesale today for more information on our offerings or browse our website if you want to easily buy cables online. We are committed to quality and offer a lifetime warranty on lots of our products.

A Guide To the Different Cables You Need To Run a Business

Wired Internet Connection vs. Wireless: Which Is Better?

Wired Internet Connection vs. Wireless: Which Is Better?

Choosing the proper internet connection for your home or workplace enables you to get the best possible speeds and prevent disruptions at critical moments. Many people may be undecided about whether to connect all of their essential devices to a wired or wireless network. For anyone who has trouble making a decision, read our guide on which is better between a wired vs. wireless internet connection.

Defining the Terms

It’s important to understand what these terms mean before getting into the intricacies of the distinctions between the two connections. While we hear terms like “Wi-F” all the time, many individuals are unfamiliar with details like how the process works or what Ethernet is.

What Is Ethernet?

Many people may be unfamiliar with such an essential aspect of the internet. Ethernet is a catch-all word for various technologies that facilitate networking of any size, from small local networks (LANs) to large-scale wide-area networks (WANs). While its history goes all the way back to the ’70s and spans several hardware iterations, today, twisted pair cables and optical fiber make up the bulk of it.

Ethernet comprises the hardwired connection to the internet from laptops, desktops, and other devices using cables in homes and businesses. These cables, which include Cat5, Cat6, and others, connect a device to an internet router and send data. There are distinct types of Ethernet as well, including fast, gigabit, and 10-gigabit.

Fast Ethernet

This kind of Ethernet connection can reach rates of up to 100 Mbps during transmission. Typically, you’ll need a Cat5 or twisted pair to run this type successfully.

Gigabit Ethernet

When Fast Ethernet isn’t swift enough, Gigabit Ethernet provides around 1,000 Mbps, or 1 Gbps. Because it offers video streaming and other complex functions, this type of connection is gradually replacing Fast Ethernet.

10-gigabit Ethernet

You can achieve rates of around 10 Gbps with this type of Ethernet, but you’ll need to invest in Cat6a, Cat7 twisted-pair cables, or another kind of fiber-optic line. While you won’t find this form of connection as routinely supported as Gigabit Ethernet and Fast Ethernet, it’ll become more common soon.

What Is Wireless Internet?

While wired connections using Ethernet transmit data through cables, wireless internet transmits signals through the air like radio waves. This requires multiple pieces of equipment, including a wireless transceiver, such as a wireless card or antenna, and a wireless router. When you use it, the network will transfer data to your broadband internet connection using these wireless technologies, which employ a proprietary wireless technology (known as Wi-Fi).

Because of this, you can connect to the internet from anywhere within the service area established by the position of your wireless router. Wi-Fi hotspots in a home, office, or public venue, as well as 3G/4G cellular data connectivity from telecommunication companies, are all examples of wireless internet.

Benefits of Wired Connection

We’re always hearing about Wi-Fi these days. However, using a hardwired connection to your devices offers you substantial benefits that you just don’t get with a wireless connection.

Superior Speeds

While Wi-Fi technology and speeds continue to improve dramatically year after year, they still pale in comparison to the types of speed you can get from an Ethernet connection on a consistent basis. When you link your gaming system, smart TV, or computer to an Ethernet cable, you’re creating a one-to-one relationship.

Data transfers much faster via a direct connection than it can over a Wi-Fi signal carried by radio waves. Wireless transmissions can also suffer disruptions by external factors like physical barriers.

Better Security

Hardwiring your internet gives you increased security. A signal traveling over a hardwired connection is significantly more difficult to hack and capture than a transmission traveling through Wi-Fi.

Reduced Latency

Latency refers to the amount of time it takes for your data from an input to get directly from your device to the internet. The lower the latency, the less time it takes for the program to respond to your input.

Gamers value lower latency because a shorter time between pressing a button and receiving a response from the game offers a more reactive, quicker experience. However, for the average user, reduced “lag” time equals faster surfing, speedier processing of online payments, and faster downloading and uploading of data for things like streaming.

Benefits of a Wireless Connection

Wi-Fi continues to grow in popularity all around the world. It’s hard to find any business these days that doesn’t offer some form of wireless internet for their customers to enjoy. That flexibility and ease of setup are some of several benefits this type of connection offers.

Easy To Set Up

Many people prefer just to set it and forget it when it comes to burgeoning technologies. All you need to do for Wi-Fi is have your modem connected to a wireless router, and anyone within range can start enjoying access to the internet. This can be especially helpful for devices such as televisions and smartphones where it’s not as practical to hardwire them in.

Convenience When Moving Around

Where do you want to use your devices? This can sometimes affect whether you should use Wi-Fi or Ethernet. While Ethernet will always give you the highest speeds, sometimes you may prefer Wi-Fi’s convenience. If you work from home, you should opt for a hardwired connection to prevent potential lagging and other disruptions that can cause problems.

However, if you’re someone who likes to move around the house and even go outside for part of the day, you may want to choose a Wi-Fi setup with an extensive range so you can freely come and go.

In Conclusion

So, which is better between a wired vs. wireless internet connection? The answer is that a wired connection is far more reliable and faster than Wi-Fi. You should use an Ethernet connection for gaming, streaming, video chats, browsing the web, and much more whenever possible.

However, there are certain instances where Wi-Fi is more valuable than Ethernet, such as taking your devices with you all around the range your wireless connection offers. The best solution in these cases is to use a hybrid system where you can hardwire your devices at any time.

When you’re installing a wired connection throughout your workplace, you want to know the products you’re using are incredibly reliable. CableWholesale offers bulk Cat6 Ethernet cables to attach any number of devices directly to the internet and ensure everyone can effectively access online resources. Feel free to contact us with any questions about our products.

Wired Internet Connection vs. Wireless: Which Is Better?

How To Know If Your Coax Cables Need Replacing

How To Know If Your Coax Cables Need Replacing

A coaxial cable is an electrical wire that transfers radio frequency (RF) signals from one site to another. Cable operators, telephone companies, and internet providers generally employ them to deliver data, video, and voice services to people all over the globe.

If you use any of the above services in your own home or workplace, you more than likely use a coaxial cable, also known as a coax cable. When the wiring gets damaged or degrades, you can lose access to necessary cable, phone, and internet functions, and you’ll need to diagnose and fix the issue right away. Read the guide below to learn how to know if your coax cables need replacing.

How Do Coaxial Cables Work?

Coaxial cable transmits high-frequency signals via a core conductor sandwiched between a shield made of braided or solid metals. The two conductors separate due to the insulating material between the central conductor and the shield. You’ll also find a secondary jacket surrounding the entire assembly.

The shielding prevents unwanted RF noise from meddling with any signals coming from within the cable. It can also serve as an electrical ground, provide power over long distances, or transmit additional messages. Because the form and integrity of both the shield and the conductor are critical, even minor flaws can result in a significant loss in signal quality.

Where To Use Them

You use coax cables to transmit radio frequency, video, and data signals to different devices. These devices can include connecting radio transmitters and receivers to antennas, hooking up to the internet, relaying digital audio, and communicating with cable television signals.

Advantages of Using Coax Cabling

Many people opt to use coax cables because of the numerous benefits they offer. For instance, installing them is effortless and requires simple tools, and you can readily split and extend the wires as needed. Furthermore, since their coaxial cable is metallic, it’s easy to link a tone generator to the shield and locate underground or behind-the-walls wiring. They can also support incredibly high bandwidth levels, which helps to reach consistently elevated internet speeds and data.

Why Do Coaxial Cables Become Damaged and Degrade?

People tend to believe that their wires and digital peripherals are essentially indestructible; many of them fling them all over the place and pay little attention to proper handling and storage. However, coaxial cables, in particular, are prone to breaking and degeneration. That’s why it’s essential to take adequate care of them and watch out for the most common ways they can get damaged.

The Cables Get Physically Harmed

The most prevalent types of damage are those caused by harsh or incorrect handling, as well as sudden accidents. Because coax has a wide minimum bend radius, it’s vital to keep the gap between the interior conductor and the shield as stable as possible throughout the wiring length.

You need to make sure you’re correctly coiling the wires when disconnecting them and getting them ready for transportation. It’s also essential to keep the cords away from high-traffic foot areas since they can become seriously damaged if people step on them. Sometimes, damage can be unavoidable as age can catch up with them and cause slow but steady degradation.

Water Clogs Inside Them

Unless explicitly stated by the manufacturer of a particular product, most coax cables are not waterproof. That means that if they become wet on the inside, the water can change the electrical properties of the wires, leaving them unusable or causing them to malfunction.

It’s important to keep cables out of the rain and away from bodies of water such as a sink or pool. Even though the connectors have a plastic jacket covering them, water can still get in through minor chipping in the external sheath. You should also never immerse them in water.

Excessive Heat

Coax uses two polymers for insulation: polyethylene and polyvinyl chloride. They both have a relatively low melting point and can weaken at around 150 degrees Fahrenheit. The positioning of the center conductor relative to the shielding may fluctuate if the insulation is subjected to low heat for an extended length of time as the polymers start to give out.

Once the center conductor and shielding come into contact, the signal is lost. You need to keep heatsinks, stage lights, heating lamps, and other hot sources away from them.

How To Know When It’s Time To Discard and Replace Coax Cable

Coax cables—just like most things in our universe—have a finite lifespan no matter how well you take care of them. They’ll eventually deteriorate and go bad. When that happens, replace them to restore service to electronic devices.

Your Television Doesn’t Display Anything

When you’re using a cable or satellite box to access TV channels, and you can’t get a signal, it could be a sign that faulty wiring is at play. The most likely cause is an improper connection of the coaxial wire to the F connector. If you’re not getting any channels to show on one television, but you can on another one, you may have bad coaxial cables.

Internet Connection is Spotty or Non-existent

Attach your internet modem to each coax outlet with a coax cable and test each one separately. You’ll have to wait and see whether your modem can establish a link, which is generally shown by the lights on the front of the device. If you fail to see a connection, it could be a problem with your coax cables.

Use a Coax Cable Tester

A coax cable tester is the most reliable method of quickly finding out if your wire is damaged or malfunctioning. They’re inexpensive and easy to use. Most of the testing devices employ a basic lighting scheme to show if a cable is okay or defective. Simply connect the wires to the tester, and you’ll know whether or not you need to replace the cabling.

Understanding how to know if your coax cables need replacing helps you to better diagnose and solve problems that may arise with your phone, internet, or cable connections. When you’re ready for a replacement, CableWholesalers are your trusted coaxial cable suppliers. We have a comprehensive range of high-quality products and knowledgeable customer service. Feel free to contact us today with any questions.

How To Know If Your Coax Cables Need Replacing

Tips for Creating a Secure Home Office Network Connection

Tips for Creating a Secure Home Office Network Connection

Millions of people started working from home shortly after the COVID-19 pandemic began. It doesn’t seem like this trend will be slowing down any time soon, either. Employers have become much more flexible with their scheduling, given the current circumstances. Since so many individuals have begun working from home, they need to secure their network connection. If you’ve been working from home for a while now, read these tips for creating a secure home office network connection. You can never be too careful when it comes to protecting your work information and your employment status.

Change the Password On the Router & Wi-Fi

So many of us use a wireless router to connect to the internet at home. You must change the password on the router to prevent other people from gaining access. Anyone on the same IP address or Wi-Fi network could go in and change the password without your knowledge if you aren’t careful. The last thing you want is to be unable to access the router when you’re trying to work from home. In addition, there are essential things to keep in mind when creating a router password. It’s unwise to create a password that includes your name or other personal facts. Instead, try to think of something obscure with special characters that would be hard to guess.

You’ll also need to change your Wi-Fi password so that not just anyone can get on the network. Changing the password and network name is especially vital for those living in apartment buildings with multiple networks. Again, make sure the password is hard to guess so that no one can get in.

Get Automatic Security Updates

Just like our phones, our routers have to be updated on a regular basis to protect them from getting hacked. Systems must be updated on the regular to keep up with new security updates implemented by the manufacturer. Try your best to set up automatic security updates if you can—doing them on your own may be a little tricky. If your router doesn’t allow for updates, you should get a new one. It’s crucial that the systems can be updated against the constant malware that comes in.

Invest in Anti-Virus Software

You can never be too careful when it comes to protecting your work information. For this reason, you should invest in anti-virus software to keep your documents safe. Check with your manager first, though. There may be a company-wide anti-virus solution you don’t know about. So, check with them before you purchase software.

Establish Multifactor Authorizations & Beware of Users

Another tip for creating a secure home office network connection is to use multifactor identification. Don’t simply use one password to get into the computer. Instead, set it up to where you need multiple identification factors to get in. Perhaps set up a pin number and don’t give it to anyone else.

Also, beware of where the computer is within the house. Most companies will give out laptops so that workers aren’t using their personal computers. If this is the case, keep the computer away from other people in the household. That computer should only be used for work and nothing else.

Encrypt Messages

Companies want to prevent other people from reading their private communication. One way to ensure this doesn’t happen when people are working from home is by encrypting the messages they send. Employers can make it so that only staff members can read certain messages. Bosses can give the team a special key they can use to translate the notes they receive. In addition, data encryption should be used for all the data you save and send on your computer. These special languages will make it harder for hackers to get the information they want.

Use Solid Storage Options

You shouldn’t save sensitive work information on a computer you use at home. Instead, follow your company’s policies regarding storage options. Try your best not to store things on a public cloud where anyone could access them. Selecting the right storage option is crucial when trying to backup files for work. Companies should use a monolithic storage option throughout the entire business so that employees have access whenever they want. For example, One Drive on Microsoft 365 is a great option because people can access files on different devices.

Secure Your Physical Workspace

Securing your home office network connection isn’t just about keeping things safe virtually. You must also ensure your physical workspace is clear so that nothing gets damaged. Now, not every home office can have a scan-in security system where the doors open only under certain guidance. Yet, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t do anything to keep the equipment safe. For example, make sure the equipment is high up so that you can’t bump it or spill anything on it. Also, ensure that every cable and connector is solid so that you don’t lose connection while working.

Avoid Email Scams

The final step in securing your home office network is to avoid email scams. Hackers target big companies by sending emails that look legitimate. For this reason, you should only open emails from people you know. Never open an email from a corporation you’ve never heard of because hackers are only trying to gain your information. Also, keep in mind that hackers pose as people you may know so it’s important to be extra stringent.

Working from home has its ups and downs. While you may be able to get away with a more casual wardrobe, there is a chance your internet connection can become compromised. For this reason, you need to try your hardest to keep all data safe by following this helpful advice. It’d also be helpful if you got the best equipment out there to ensure nothing goes wrong. Here at CableWholesale, we sell bulk Cat6 ethernet cables that’ll have your internet running quickly while you’re at home. So, you won’t need to stress about freezing during a meeting.

Tips for Creating a Secure Home Office Network Connection

When and Why To Use Plenum Cabling in Your Space

When and Why To Use Plenum Cabling in Your Space

Plenum cabling is an important asset in large buildings. Designed with a smoke- and flame-resistant outer casing, these cables help minimize damage in the event of a fire and protect individuals in the process. However, you don’t need them in every part of a complex, and they’re often too expensive to install where they aren’t the most useful. Therefore, read on to learn when and why to use plenum cabling in your space.

In Newly Constructed Buildings

Many modern building designs include several features that accommodate plenum airspace. You can see this in low-drop ceilings and expansive air duct systems. Because of this, plenum cabling is the right choice for any newly constructed project. Installing this protection during construction ensures that a complex remains safe and eliminates the need for this addition down the line.

For High-Tech IT Centers

Plenum cabling is also common in high-tech IT or data centers. Since these rooms remain constantly charged with electricity, protection is of the utmost importance to prevent extreme accidents. So installing these products in these areas is the key to keeping your business’s network online and reducing the impact of a fire.

To Accommodate Air Handling Space

Another instance of when to use plenum cabling in your space is whenever your building contains an air handling area. These regions are the parts of a building that enables pressurized air circulation. They’re also known as plenum spaces and require the most protection from explosive conditions like fires and smoke.

When Building Codes Require It

Above all, though, you must use plenum cables in your building whenever and wherever your local building codes require them. The guidelines that dictate the proper safety protocols for all newly constructed and existing buildings determine where you need plenum cables the most. For this reason, you must follow these standards to stay compliant with safety regulations.

If you need quality plenum cables that keep your building protected, CableWholesale has you covered. Our bulk Cat5 ethernet cables resist all extreme hazards, including fire, smoke, and subzero temperatures. They also prevent the catastrophic aftermath of these events. Additionally, we sell them at low wholesale prices that are sure to please your wallet. Contact us for more information about their superior performance and safety.

Different Types of Coaxial Cable Connectors and Their Uses

The Main Advantages of Using Custom Molded Cable Assemblies

Setting up a home entertainment center is no easy feat. You have to make sure all the wires and cables are right to get the experience you want. You’ll also need coaxial cable connectors to get the job done. Though not every coaxial cable connector is used on a regular basis, it’s vital to consider all your options so that you’re ready for whatever situation you’re in. Here are the different types of coaxial cable connectors and their uses.

BNC & TNC

One common coaxial cable connector is the Bayonet-Neil Cocelman (BNC). BNCs are typically used by the military for transferring radio and video signals. Similarly, the Threaded Neil- Concelman (TNC) operates like a BNC, though it’s designed differently. BNCs have a quick connect and disconnect design. TNCs, on the other hand, are threaded and a little more complex.

7/16 DIN & SMB

The 7/16 DIN is best used in industrial settings and for building antennas. One interesting fact is that the 7/16 DINs are manufactured in Germany. Subminiature version B (SMBs) are used in telecommunications and have a simple snap design. SMBs are popular because their design is relatively simple, and they’re easy to use.

QMA & MCX

QMA connectors are similar to SMAs, except for the fact that they have a locking mechanism. This locking mechanism is perfect for industrial settings because they need something that’ll be fixed into place. Finally, MCXs are the smallest connectors of all. As a result, they’re perfect for areas that have space restrictions.

Now that you know the different types of coaxial cable connectors and their uses, you can determine which one is best suited for your project. The truth is, you probably won’t use any of the connectors mentioned above. Rather, you’ll use an RG6 and SMA to set up an entertainment center at home. Whatever project you’re attempting, CableWholesale has the equipment you need. We’re one of the superior coaxial cable suppliers out there, so there’s no doubt you’ll find what you’re looking for at CableWholesale.