In a time when entire school districts are proud to announce they are going one-to- one for technology, it is difficult for the average consumer to understand the need for Ethernet cables. And while personal laptops that rely on wireless connections no longer use Ethernet cables, the large data centers that serve as back-up centers for the most profitable companies in the industry around the country rely on thousands of network Ethernet cables.

We love to think that we are a wireless nation that can find a way to be connected no matter where we are. In fact, one of Hillary Clinton’s campaign promises that she discusses is that every child should be connected to the Internet so that the educational playing field in America can be a level one. Giving every child, and furthermore every American, access to the internet by creating hot spots around the country is a noble goal and an even greater indication for the future need of network Ethernet cable. As more and more people find themselves connected to the Internet, more and more people will have digital data that they want secured and backed up.

When the Old is New Again

Former communication moguls are now the companies leading the way in the acquisition of the world’s newest live streaming services. It is difficult to ignore the continued presence of the country’s major communications providers when they appear to be the companies who are on the forefront of purchasing and promoting the communications and entertainment companies of the future.

It is difficult to deny the impact the communication companies that helped connect the world are having on the future of today’s entertainment industry. And while many of the live streaming customers use wireless technology to live stream their latest entertainment obsessions, the companies that provide and fund these services rely on the bulk fiber optic cables that were invented and produced for the first communications industries.

Staying Connected in the Digital Age

All wireless technology relies on the data and power that is provided through traditional cables and cords. From the cell phone cables and cell phone accessories that Americans gobble up more than any other purchases, to the power strip surge protectors that recharge today’s communication essentials, it is obvious that the wireless world cannot operate without the traditional power sources and computer cables.

It’s hard to believe there was a time when entire families would live under one roof, literally. Not terribly long ago in American history, it was common for entire families with multiple children to live under the roof of a single room home. And in many cases, families shared a single mattress and even shared bath water! That gives another meaning to the old saying “sharing is caring”. Needless to say, things have clearly changed for the better, but unfortunately not all’s well that ends well. While it’s extremely uncommon for American families to share single room home anymore, the amount of material possessions that each member of a typical American family has is much, much more. And with so much stuff, clutter is bound to happen.

Regardless of how large or small a space is, clutter can have a huge impact. This can be problematic for families. Not only is clutter unsightly, but it can also be a physical threat by increasing the risk of a slip or fall. This can be potentially dangerous for everyone, but especially elderly family members. On top of that, clutter also makes everything more difficult to find, which can be frustrating in its own right. Furthermore, several research studies have confirmed that clutter can increase a person’s stress levels, making them irritable and less productive at work. That’s because clutter bombards the brain with constant visual stimuli, making it harder to process information.

Since so many families have a ton of gizmos, gadgets and other tech that requires the use of cables, today’s American homes are more cluttered then ever when it comes to wires! Whether it’s USB cables, high-speed HDMI cables, 100ft HDMI cables or fiber optic cables, today’s homes are literally tangled up in 100ft HDMI cables! Not only is this a potential safety hazard, but it doesn’t look that great either. In addition, it makes the simple task of finding a 100ft HDMI cable into an impossible task.

Here are some ways that homeowners can organize their 100ft HDMI cables and other cables to reduce clutter.

Put it in Writing

Have you ever gone to find a cable in the attic or wherever you store excess cables only to forget what it was supposed to look like? Not only that, but you have to fight with a ball of tangled wires just to get to the one you might need? You can avoid this hassle and stress simply by taking a moment to label each wire properly before storing it. Even if you don’t organize them, at least each of the wires will be clearly labeled with their name and use, making the task of finding the right cable a lot easier. It doesn’t matter if you use a fancy label maker or a marker and some tape, the point is to just do it!

Recycle Toilet Paper and Paper Towel Tubes

Not only are toilet paper and paper towel tubes great toys for pets, they’re also great for organizing cables and wires, especially longer ones such as 100ft HDMI cables. It might sound a bit odd at first, but try it and it’s easy to see why it makes perfect sense! One of the best parts is that this method is extremely low-cost and very environmentally sustainable.

Repurpose Foam Pipe Insulation

Not many people like the look of cables and wires under their desks, in their living rooms, or anywhere else where a computer, television or gaming system is used. It makes a room appear messy, even if it’s perfectly clean and organized otherwise. A great low-cost way to combat this is to use foam pipe insulation to conceal the mess of cables around a power strip. This super affordable and easy to do hack is a great way to prevent a tangle of cluttered wires from forming, while minimizing their visual impact on the overall aesthetics of a room.

Wireless Internet is undoubtedly easy, convenient, and ubiquitous. When it comes to checking email on the go, or watching Netflix from any room in your house, Wi-Fi is your best bet. Connection speeds are faster than ever, and more and more places offer hotspots around the globe.

But that doesn’t mean that the network Ethernet cable is dead and gone. Wi-Fi might be easy, but there’s still a time and a place for the fast, instant and safe promises of Ethernet. If you find yourself frequently in need of a high-speed data transfer, zero-latency connectivity, or ultra-secure network, then you might think about plugging into a sturdy network Ethernet cable instead of hooking up to wireless. Still not sure when to use cables and when to roam with Wi-Fi? Here are three common scenarios where it’s better to stick to Ethernet.

Transferring Files Between Computers

It’s not necessarily true anymore that Ethernet cables actually provide faster Internet speed than Wi-Fi — that has more to do with the bandwidth of your Internet service provider than your wireless or cable system. However, what Ethernet cables do still provide over Wi-Fi is the power to transfer large amounts of data directly between computer systems without having to float up through the Wi-Fi and back. Remember that the quality and capacity of your cables can make a difference. Cat6a cables have the highest maximum frequencies and transmission abilities: 500 MHz and 10Gbps. Cat6 cables can be used for networks and multi-line phone systems, with 250 MHz frequency and 10/100/1000Mbps. A cat5e Ethernet cable will also give you 10/100/1000Mbps with a 100 MHz maximum frequency.

Gaming

When you’re just streaming movies or surfing the web, the latency or ping of your Internet connection isn’t a huge deal. But when you’re working with a special ops force or fighting dragons — OK, even if it’s just simulated ones — that small lag might make a huge difference. You need your response time to be as instantaneous as possible, which is why it’s best to go with cat6 or cat5e cables. Another pro tip: Always go with a cable a bit longer than you think you’ll need. Better to invest in a 75-foot Ethernet cable and have some extra length than to find yourself running short.

Secure Business

Wi-Fi connections easily provide access to a lot of people, but networks can be hacked and passwords stolen. If you’re doing business with highly sensitive information, a network Ethernet cable is going to provide you with better security than any open-air wireless connection could. Don’t take chances; just go with Ethernet.

While Ethernet is still a great option for anyone who prefers working at a desktop or stationary workplace, it’s not for everyone. Now we want to hear from you. When do you take a seat and plug in, and when do you just opt for Wi-Fi? Let us know in the comments section below!

If you and your family are device fanatics who stay constantly plugged in, you may want to consider investing in bulk USB cables. They can simplify your life a good deal, and they’re small enough to keep at home, in the car, at work or tucked in your bag when traveling. Never worry about not being able to connect your device to a power source or to another device ever again when you invest in bulk USB cables you can bring anywhere! Many USB cables now come in fun colors, a variety of lengths, and can be relatively inexpensive to purchase. With some easy research, you can find them at good prices and stash them wherever you need one. Plus, they’re good to have on hand especially if you have an active family and your USB cables are always getting broken or lost. Always have one on hand for emergencies! With the new colors available, you can avoid fights over whose cable is whose — simply color code according to family member!

Why Are USB Cables So Important?

USB cables power many of our most used devices — from our phones to our tablets — and can be used to connect them to computers. For example, our printers and scanners are often hooked into our computer by way of USB cables, and we hook our phone and cameras into the computer to transfer pictures using USB cables. Without USB cables, we would need a wider variety of cables (and arguably) a more complicated process to transfer information from device to device.

Where Can I Find USB Cables?

You can find USB cables pretty much anywhere these days. Because they’ve become so common as cell phone chargers, you can even pick some cheaper options up at your local drugstore! Office supply stores, electronic stores, and other retailers may also have USB cables that fit your needs. However, your best bet is often to go online to find higher quality USB cables. You can also find more specialized cables, like ones that have a longer cord. You can either go directly to the company that made the device you need the USB cable for, or you can search other retailers who offer less expensive options that perform the exact same function.

Other Than Bulk USB Cables,
Are There Other Cables I Should Keep Around?

Buying bulk USB cables may not be the only thing you want to think about purchasing! An HDMI cable — whether it’s a standard HDMI cable or a high speed HDMI cable — is also an essential purchase for your home. You can choose from regular HDMI cables, to HDMI cables that come with Ethernet or are specifically designed for your car, and high speed HDMI cables with Ethernet.

Like USB cables, the price of HDMI cables has come down significantly in recent years, as more and more consumers use them to connect audio/video content from one to device to another. (A common example is streaming a movie from your laptop onto your TV screen using an HDMI cable.) Don’t believe people if they tell you that your HDMI cable has to cost $50 or more. You can certainly find an HDMI cable well under that price that’s good quality and performs well. Similarly, there are plenty of lengths of HDMI cables available, so you’re sure to find one that fits your needs. Length does not effect the audio and video quality will come through your HDMI cable, as a 100ft cable should work just the same as a ten foot cable. If a 100ft HDMI cable suits your needs, there’s one available! If you only need a 25ft HDMI cable, you can find that too! You’ll never have to complain about using a smaller screen again with an HDMI cable in hand.

Between USB cables and HDMI cables, your home will have everything it needs to be well connected and efficient! Buying in bulk can help reduce the annoyance of losing or damaging a current cable and there are plenty of retailers that can help you find them for a relatively inexpensive price.

Since its release this month, people are going insane over Nintendo’s Pokemon Go. If you are one of the few who are in the dark about the craze, we will bring you up to speed.

There has been much controversy over Pokemon Go, due to distracted Pokemon players that are not paying as much attention to their surroundings as they should. There have been multiple incidents reported so far of various incidences. This week Pokemon made the evening news when of a player crashing into a cop car while playing and driving. A few weeks ago it was reported that a teenager had stumbled upon a dead body while trying to capture water Pokemon in a creek. There have also been various reports of real killing kidnappings and robberies that have been arranged by other players.

In a nutshell, the game is location-based, meaning that it is fueled by your phone’s GPS. Your mission is to capture Pokemon in real time, and the game uses your surroundings as part of the adventure. The missions to find Pokemon can be near or far, and the game uses real-life destinations in your area. Pokemon is being credited by some for getting gamers off the couch and out in the real world getting exercise. Most games don’t require you to leave your couch. Some players are using it as a social tool as well. Players can seek out other gamers in the street, as it is pretty easy to tell who is playing with the app. There are also hangouts throughout the app that will get you connected with other players.

The game is uber popular in big cities, where there are plenty of Pokemon hot spots and what they call “Pokemon gyms” available. Not so much for small-town players, or yet at least. We are sure that there is a little bit of a culture barrier when trying to describe the characters. Who is JigglyPuff? So far, we know that in Japan, he is known as “Purin”. He (or she?) is known as a balloon species that is pink with cat ears and a furry forehead. Then there is Pikachu, who it the most recognizable Pokemon character. You can tell you are hunting this character when you see their characteristic yellow color and black-tipped bunny ears. There are hundreds of characters in the Pokemon empire, as you go through the game you get to meet more and more.

We’ve all likely had bad experiences with cheap, flimsy cell phone cables and accessories. You know that ones that start to fray after just a few months of use? Not only are cheap quality cables annoying, they can be dangerous. Damaged charger and USB cables can create a hazard for electrical fires, which in 2008, damaged some 53,600 homes, killed 500 people, injured 1,400 more, and caused $1.4 billion in property damage. While it’s important to be safe, it’s a pain to have to go to the store every time you need a new charger.

What if there was a cell phone charger that could withstand anything — and we mean anything? The Nonda company is now taking pre-orders on a new charger cable called Zus, claiming that these Kevlar-enforced cables (that’s the stuff bulletproof vests are made out of) are the last cell phone cable accessories you’ll ever need.

These cables come with a lifetime guarantee — which is a lot better than the average two-year lifespan of a typical smartphone. The Zus’ Indiegogo campaign says they’re cat-proof, puppy-proof and even get-run-over-by-a-car-proof. They say the cable can be used to pull 4,000 pounds and lift 50 pounds of weight. They’ve been tested at up to 15,000 insertions and still function, which is more than even the standard RJ45 plug’s excellent 1,000 to 2,000 capacity.

The folks over at DigitalTrends.com decided to put all of these Zus cable claims to the test. In their video, they seem to verify that these cell phone cables can, in fact, lift 15 pounds. This is a lot more than the average cell phone cables’ tensile strength of four pounds. It can also withstand voracious animal chews from a cute dog, but can it tow a car or get blown up and still function? Watch the video to find out.

The Zus comes in three types: Micro USB to USB, lightning cables to USB, and USB-C to USB. Is it really the last cable you’ll ever need? That might depend on how often you need to use it for car towing or exploding dynamite.

Technology changes so fast that sometimes it’s not easy to keep up with the latest products on the market. When Apple switched their standard cables from the 30-pin dock to their new Lightning cables, it left a lot of people confused. How will this affect your phone or tablet? Will you need to purchase all new plugs and cell phone accessories? Is your phone suddenly obsolete? If you’ve got questions about Lightning cables, we’ve got all the answers covered here.

What are Lightning cables used for?

As of September 2012, Lightning cables are the standard connective for linking iPhones, iPads and iPods with chargers, host computers, screens and other peripherals. They’ve completely replaced the old 30-pin dock. Today, iPhone chargers generally come equipped with cell phone cables and a 5-watt charger. There is a better option though. With a 12-watt charger, you can power up your phone in half the time. With 12 watts, the iPhone 6 will take an average of one hour and fifty minutes to charge the battery, while an iPhone 6 Plus takes two-and-a-half hours.

Are Lightning cables backwards-compatible with my old device?

Unfortunately, the answer is no. You can still use a Lightning cable with an older Apple product that used the 30-pin dock, but you’ll need to purchase an adapter to connect the two. Since the average lifespan of a smartphone is only two years, though, you’ll likely need a device upgrade sooner than later anyway. Adapters are also available for other connectors like USB cables and other peripherals.

How much do Lightning cables cost?

Purchasing cables through Apple directly can cost you anywhere from $19 to $29. However, you can buy cables in bulk from wholesale retailers for a fraction of that price. That way you can keep your devices charged no matter where you go: at home, at the office, in your car or while you travel.

Ultimately, the switch in hardware from the 30-pin dock to the Lightning connector’s simplified 8-pin dock was a smart move. The new cables are now standardized across devices from the iPhone to the iPad Air and everything in between. Stock up on Lightning cables for all of your devices and accessories so you’ll never be left without a charge again.

Quality cables are a smart investment for any computer user, but to get the most out of your money, you need to treat your cables right. Improper handling of cables can quickly cause damage or decrease efficiency, which might force you to buy more cables.

Your cables can actually last a lifetime if you know how to treat them right. Follow these easy care tips to get the most use and function out of your cables.

1. Be Gentle.
   Be careful not to twist your cables too tightly, and don’t ever bend them at sharp angles. Rough handling could lead to breaks or frays, which in turn presents a serious fire hazard. In 2008, there were around 53,600 home fires as a result of electrical failures or malfunctions. These resulted in 500 deaths, 1,400 injuries and $1.4 billion in property damage. Something as small as frayed cell phone cables can lead to much more serious issues than simply having to buy replacements.
2. Stay Organized.
   Many of us have a whole mess of cables running around our desktop workspace, from USB cables to Cat5 cables. Keeping your wires organized and untangled will help prevent unnecessary wear and tear from tugging around. The simple force of gravity on hanging cables can also cause them to stretch out. Cat5 cables made out of quality material should last five to ten years, but a messy desk space might slowly impact their usability.
3. Know Your Limits.
   In general, the length of a cable shouldn’t affect the quality of audio or video transfer. However, there are limitations to this rule. If you need an HDMI high-speed cable to run 100 feet or more, you should purchase a 100 ft HDMI cable specially designed for that purpose.
4. Get Reinforcements.
   If you want your cables to really last, consider buying reinforced cables, or adding reinforcement over existing cables yourself with some materials around the house. Shrink tubing or pen springs, for instance, can add extra stability to your cable body, preventing it from bending, twisting, breaking or fraying.

Cable maintenance is easy. Treat your cables like you would any other part of your technology system — with care and grace — and they will serve you for as long as you keep them.

Microsoft and Facebook will be teaming up to construct a new Transatlantic cable system stretching some 6,600 kilometers from Virginia Beach to Bilbao, Spain, according to WIRED.

The fiber optic cables will help speed the transfer of data from the U.S. to other parts of the world. There are already current undersea cables in existence from the likes of Google and other telecommunications industries. However, Facebook and Microsoft are purposely looking to streamline the transfer of large amounts of data directly from their operations in northern Virginia and North Carolina, rather than having to go through hubs in New York City first. The other end location in Spain will also help facilitate the spread of information to Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and the rest of Europe.

“If you look at the cable systems across the Atlantic, a majority land in the Northeast somewhere,” explained Najam Ahmad, Facebook’s Vice President of Network Engineering. “This gives us so many more options.”

The proposed fiber optic cables promise up to 160 terabits per second of bandwidth. That’s 16 million times more than the average home connection, which usually only gets measured in megabits. Every terabit, by contrast, is equal to 1 trillion bytes.

For home and office connections, the length of a cable doesn’t usually have any bearing on video or audio quality. Although, if you’re looking to stretch high-speed HDMI cables over great lengths, it’s usually recommended you invest in a 100ft HDMI cable equipped for the job.

Transatlantic data communication is something entirely different, though. Microsoft and Facebook are reportedly working with “dark fiber,” that is, unused terrestrial cables, to retain better control over data transfers.

“We’re starting to see more of the large Internet content providers looking to build more of their own networks — whether they are leasing dark fiber or laying down new cables to build new routes,” said Michael Murphy, president and CEO of telecom consultant firm NEF. “It makes sense.”

Fiber optic cables have been traversing the Atlantic ocean since the 1850s, though early attempts lasted only a couple of weeks — far less than the five-to-10 year lifespan of even quality cat5 cables today! But current, more-lasting technologies have impacted the way modern Internet companies can conduct their business.

“You’re stuck with whatever system was built initially,” Ahmad said. “And if there has to be an upgrade, all the partners in the consortium have to agree to that upgrade. A new line built just for Facebook and Microsoft “gives us more control of our own destiny,” Ahmad said.

Information and data are at the heart of medical advancement. Around the world, state-of-the-art medical centers, research facilities and doctors depend on the ability to share and distribute information to one another as they treat serious diseases and illnesses that face modern society. To do that, they need the best technologies available. Whether it’s developing the world’s latest life-saving vaccine, screening for early cancer detection with an MRI scan, or simply maintaining timely and accurate records for each and every one of their patients, a hospital’s connectivity and services are only as good as its cabling network system. There are many ways Ethernet and fiber optic cables benefit the health industry and medical community every day. Here a just a few of the most important.

High Speed Data Transfer

Time is of the essence when it comes to health care. For the best performance, most medical technologies recommend the use of Cat6a cables, which is the fastest Ethernet cable currently available that is recognized by the TIA/EIA. These cables are capable of speeds up to 10/100/1000Mbps with a maximum frequency of 500MHz.

Varied Applications

You’ll be likely to find fiber optic cables and advanced network Ethernet cables in every arena of the medical world, from the record-keeping office to the operating room. Medical facilities require tons of data transfer, which today can be measured in speeds of megabits — or millions of bits — per second.

Bigger Data Size

Medical procedures like x-rays and radiology imaging take up lots of file space when processed and stored digitally, so hospitals and labs need more connectivity than ever. New cat6 cables with a high bandwidth have the ability to transfer within seconds what would have taken older models minutes or hours.

Reliability

Because hospitals are operating around the clock, there is a high demand for reliable and dependable cabling. High-quality Cat5 cables can last five to ten years without a need for replacement. Even bulk fiber optic cables used for health care and medical industry purposes must be subjected to a high degree of quality standards to ensure their efficiency and suitability for hospital or operation room settings.

As both cabling and medical technologies advance, so too will our health. The partnership between the realms of information and medicine will continue to inspire new ideas, new solutions and a better tomorrow.