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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Our cell phones power our day to day lives, making their charging cables essential to our daily activities. Different phones have different charging ports, requiring different cables that function very differently from one another. These smartphone cables have different abilities, speeds, and characteristics. If you’re in the market for a new cell phone, or just want to learn more about cell phone cables, here are the top 3 types of cables you will encounter and a little information about each.

Micro-B Cables

Micro-B cables are one of the most common versions of micro USB, powering most Andriod cell phones and portable electronics (speakers, cameras, headphones, etc). There are two variations of the Micro-B cable: USB 2.0 and USB 3.0. The most common one is USB 2.0, supporting a transfer rate of 480 Mbps. The USB 3.0 variation is much less common, mainly used for external hard drives because it has higher transfer speeds.

USB C

USB C is one of the newer USB cables on the market. This type was introduced in 2014, and has since become more and more common in both laptops and flagship phones. USB C cables can support up to 100W (20v 4A) of power transfer, allowing laptop manufactures to use this type of cable for both power and data. Speaking of data, USB 3.0 Type C cables can support transfer speeds up to 5 Gbps, with the newer 3.1 version doubling that to 10 Gbps. By using different types of adapters, different cables can pass through, anything from normal USB A cables to Ethernet cables. Using these as cell phone cables allow for both higher transfer speeds from your phone to computer (or vice versa), as well as fast charging capabilities.

Lightning Cables

Almost 395 iPhones are sold every minute, and to power those devices, Apple has their own type of proprietary cell phones cables: the lightning cable. These cables also extend to their line of iPads, powering those alongside many Apple peripherals from their keyboards and mice to pencils and Airpods. On top of the normal power and data transfer, the lightning port can be used to transmit audio, through either an adapter or set of proprietary earbuds. While lightning cables are able to charge the newer iPhones extremely quickly, many consumers are upset about Apple’s choice to use these over USB C, due to the great transfer speeds, universality, and usability of USB C.

Understanding the different cell phone cables on the market can be a deciding factor in choosing a new phone, with how much dependency is placed on charging and data transfer. Regardless of the type of phone you have or cable you need, be sure to choose only the highest quality cables, ensuring the safety of your phone and a long time until you have to search for a new cable.

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

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

1. Cable Category

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

2. Shielded or non-shielded

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

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

3. Length

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

4. Supplier

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

5. Solid or stranded

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

Bottom line

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

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

Depending on your lifestyle, you may not deal with Ethernet cables on a day to day basis. Most people rely on Wi-Fi for internet connectivity in today’s age. However, the Ethernet cable is a cornerstone for everything from home use to corporate servers.

Ethernet started out very modestly, as a means to connect a series of printers to a computer. It has since transitioned into supplying internet to a countless number of people around the world.

When looking at Ethernet cables, you’ll encounter “Cat” on each cable. This is an abbreviation for the word “Category,” and is commonly followed by a number, which can be followed by a letter in some cases. In general, the higher the number, the faster the speeds and the higher the frequencies. The most common categories include Cat5e and Cat6, with Cat8 being defined for use in the server rack and/or datacenter.

The Ethernet cables used for home and work are most likely made up of pairs of wires that are twisted together inside of the cable. Both Cat5 and Cat6 cables use this. By doing this, the wires in each pair balance the surrounding electrical field, as one wire’s current is moving in one direction, and the other wire’s is moving the opposite way. In some cables, a shield is placed around each pair in order to prevent cross-talk between pairs and reduce other sources of outside interference. This helps maintain the base level of performance regardless of what electrical forces may be at play.

Going even further inside of the cable, the individual wires themselves might be different from cable to cable. For the wires, there are two different types: solid and stranded. A solid wire uses one single piece of copper. It isn’t the most flexible, however, it is more durable than a stranded wire. Solid wires are used for “permanent” runs, while stranded wires are used patch cables that bridge devices to permanent links and vice-versa. A stranded wire uses a series of copper strands that are twisted together, allowing the wire itself to be more flexible, being much more conducive to moving.

Whether you connect your desktop at home for faster speeds or use Ethernet at your business to stay reliably connected, these cables have become one of the keystones of internet connectivity. With this knowledge, buying Ethernet cables will be a lot less daunting, and you’re better equipped to understand which will be the best for your needs.

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

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

Cat5 Cables

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

Cat5e Cables

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

Cat6 Cables

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

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

While there are a lot of different factors to consider when it comes to the efficiency of your network, picking the right crossover cables should never be disregarded. With quality network ethernet cables, you can easily eliminate a lot of the troubles that might arise in a workplace setting that relies on high performance internet speed. Dropped connections, poor signals, and fuzzy communication between your devices may all be the result of a lacking network setup. If it’s your aim to facilitate an optimal network in your business, regardless of the industry, then starting with the right crossover cable is the first step to take.

In their most basic form, crossover cables are used to make connections between ethernet network devices. There is a range of applications for crossover cables in the information technology space, but most of the time you will discover that most crossover cable uses are a practical piece of any thorough network configuration. If your office setting has a lot of different devices all vying for their piece of the network, then you’ve probably noticed that crossover cables make communication between the devices possible. Conversely, if you’re having troubles with different devices connecting to each other, then it may be time to do an audit of your cable configuration.

Choosing cables can be frustrating and confusing, especially if you’re not an expert or if you have more urgent tasks on your mind. This is why it’s usually best to consult with experts when it comes to installing and maintaining this important piece of your network configuration. Cost can also be a burden if you’re not sure what to look for. Trustworthy specialists know how to suggest options that limit redundancy in your setup and save you money. It’s always wise to leave ample room in your budget for network installations and maintenance. As an interconnected society, we will only continue to do business and transact on the internet, so it’s wise to keep up on your network so that you can continue to offer the same level of quality in all other parts of your business.

If you do any type of business online, which, let’s face it, everyone does these days, then it’s crucial that your network functions to the best of its abilities. A slow, lackluster connection can cost a business seemingly endless amounts of funds and lost productivity. The degree to which online business continues to grow is easy to observe in day to day activity, but it’s also supported by hard data. Take, for example, the sheer number of people who are now online. As of 2017, there were 3.74 billion internet users in the world. As mobile technology has improved and internet connectivity has expanded, this figure has risen in a significant way. Further developments in all forms of technology will lead to even more people being online. While this is an enormous benefit for business and electronic commerce, it also places an increased demand on the overall efficiency of your network. As your business operations continue to carry weight and importance, your networking cable, including crossover cable, should be assessed to ensure that all of your devices are operating at peak efficiency.

Maintaining all parts of your network, including your ethernet cables and crossover cables is an important part of your IT setup. It’s incredibly helpful to deal with professionals that have years of experience in the field. An expert can assess your situation, take your specific needs into account, and cater solutions that fit both your vision for your business, and your budget. It only makes sense to spend a little more effort up front to ensure your network is the best it can be, rather than running into unexpected complications, headaches, and roadblocks as your business grows and develops.

As you can see, the overall efficiency and well being of your network can either enhance your day to day operations or hamper them. If you want to be sure you’re choosing the right crossover cables for your network, then don’t hesitate to get in touch with us today.

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

1. Costs

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

2. Scheduling

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

3. Owning/Renting Equipment

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

4. Upgrades

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How Does a Surge Protector Work?

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

What to look for when buying a surge protector

1. Number of outlets

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

2. Enough spacing

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

3. Joules

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

4. Differentiate between power strip and power surge protector

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

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

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

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