Network cables are used to connect and transfer data and information between all kinds of devices such as computers, routers, switches and storage area networks. These cables are the ‘carriers’ or media through which the data you’re transferring flows. Different kinds of network cables are used and what is chosen will generally depend on the network's physical layout, topology, and size. In some cases, the devices you’re connecting will be separated by just a few meters, such as in the case of Ethernet in an office. But they could be connecting devices over huge distances, such as in the case of the Internet.

So we know that data cables are used to transmit information between systems such as servers, personal computers and other hardware. But they also include any media that allows baseband transmissions from a transmitter to a receiver. In the case of business, just about every modern company relies heavily on their internet connection, this allows employees to share data and work effectively, so whether your organisation has various office locations or numerous departments on one site, your business will require a network system capable of connecting all employees and their hardware. Data cabling can ensure everything runs quickly and efficiently, with a well organised structured data cabling system ensuring that your business communications will stand the test of time.

There are several standard types of network cables that exist, and each of them is designed for specific purposes. In the early days of networking, cables were always coaxial which you’ll likely recognise as they’re the same type used to connect a TV aerial. However as you’ll be aware if you’ve ever installed a tv aerial, coaxial cables are bulky and stiff which can lead to difficulties with the installation. Over time, these have gradually been upgraded to twisted pair cables such as UTP and STP.  These offer improved ease of use due to their thinner and more flexible design; twisted pair cables can also be used for other functions besides networking, such as connecting telephone equipment. Fibre optic cables are increasingly popular in today's networks due to their higher data throughput capacity, which are more and more in demand by today's applications. Some networking professionals use the term patch cable to refer to any kind of straight-through network cable used for a temporary purpose, and coaxial, twisted pair and fibre optic types of patch cables exist. These cables share the same physical characteristics as other types of network cables although the patch cables tend to be a shorter length.

Structured cabling systems can be divided into six parts. These include:

1. Work area

Work area components extend from the telecommunications outlet/connector end of the horizontal cabling system to the work area equipment. The elements used in work areas usually include station equipment such as computers, data terminals and telephones. They include patch cables such as modular cords, PC adapter cables and  fibre patch cables. They also include communication outlets.

2. Horizontal cabling

The horizontal cabling system extends from the work area's telecommunications information outlet to the telecommunications room. The main components of horizontal cabling include cable terminations, telecommunication outlets and a maximum of one transition point. It includes cross-connections, a cable from the patch panel to the work area and cross-connects in telecommunication rooms.

3. Backbone cabling

Backbone cabling provides interconnection between things like telecommunications rooms and equipment rooms. Backbone cabling usually includes components such as backbone cables which are generally optical fibre cables, mechanical terminations, intermediate and primary cross-connects, and patch cables that are used for backbone-to-backbone cross-connections.

4. Equipment room

The equipment room (as you can probably guess) holds equipment which works inside the building. This usually contains the main cross-connect, intermediate cross-connects, or horizontal cross-connects.

5. Telecommunication room

A telecommunication room is home to the terminations of horizontal and backbone cables, which connect hardware including any jumpers or patch cords. It consolidates all connectivity from the enterprise network and building control systems and distributes it to predetermined areas of the company

6. Entrance facilities.

Entrance facilities consist of the telecommunications service entrance to the building and backbone pathways between buildings. The components of this part contain the cables, connecting hardware, protection devices and other equipment that connect to the access provider or private network cabling.

Wondering what a structured cabling system is? This is a complete system of cabling and it’s associated hardware- a comprehensive telecommunications infrastructure containing the cabling and connectivity products that integrate the voice, data, video, and various management systems of a building. It can include things like security alarms, security access, energy systems and more. The structured cabling system is based on two standards, the first being the ANSI/TIA-568-C.0 of generic telecommunications cabling for customer premises. The second is the ANSI/TIA-568-C.1 of commercial building telecommunications cabling for business infrastructures. These standards define how to design, build, and manage a structured cabling system. (source)

First, we need to understand precisely what backbone cabling is; we use the term ‘backbone’ to describe the cables handling the significant network traffic. Within structured cabling systems, there are two main kinds of cabling that are utilised: backbone cabling (sometimes called vertical cabling) and horizontal cabling. Backbone cables are used to provide interconnection between telecommunication rooms, entrance facilities, equipment rooms or buildings. Backbone cabling consists of the transmission media, primary and intermediate cross-connects and terminations at these locations- this system is mostly used in data centres. As the name implies, these cables are used to develop a kind of ‘skeleton’ for the network. The cables often run from floor to floor to provide connectivity. While backbone cabling can be done with many different kinds of cables including coaxial, fibre optic cabling is the most appropriate choice thanks to the higher bandwidth. In contrast, horizontal cabling runs from a telecommunications equipment outlet to the telecommunications room or enclosure. This may be used to connect a variety of workstations and devices to information outlets, which then run to the telecommunications room.

As with anything, when you’re doing your research into a topic it’s good to know what the golden rules are- and data cabling is no different.  If you want your network to run as smoothly and efficiently it’s worth finding out exactly what you need to do- and not do, an introduction knowledge of network cabling can be helpful. The first rule of data cabling has got to be- future proof your efforts!

Always install more cabling than you currently require

Remember, those extra sockets will more than likely come in handy one day. It saves you having to go back in and make a mess out of things later on if you plan for future growth and expansion.

Get a professional data cabler

Only use someone that has had proper training and obtained their cablers licence. Using an unlicensed cabler can result in your insurance policies and product warranties becoming void. Another reason to only use a licenced data cabler is that if the wrong type of cabling is used, it can put stress on the network, causing your service or hardware to be underperforming. Do your research into trusted tradespeople in your area, for example electrical contractors south east London if you’re in the capital. Check reviews and make sure you’re using someone that’s knowledgeable, experienced and insured.

Always go with quality

Use high-quality cabling and cabling components. Cabling is the foundation of your network; if the cabling fails, nothing else will matter. For a given grade or category of cabling, you'll see a range of pricing, but the highest prices don't necessarily mean the highest quality. Buy based on the manufacturer's reputation and proven performance, not the price.

An Ethernet cable connects your electronic device such as computer, tablet or gaming console to a network via a wired connection. Instead of getting Wi-Fi to your device by manually connecting to the network and connecting wirelessly you’re using a cable instead and YES, it is faster. While wireless gear is popular, particularly in a home setting, the backbone of any network should be connected via an Ethernet cable. In a business environment, wired connections are preferred as they offer higher and more consistent throughput, with less interference and more reliable connection. You can view Ethernet cables as the ‘fast lanes’ you need, as unlike wireless, they don't suffer bottlenecks due to range. Wireless connections are not infallible, Wi-Fi can be down or damaged by some interfering factor such as the distance between you and the network, an interfering object such as a brick wall or something messing up the connection speed. When this happens in business it can affect productivity, the Ethernet cable on the other hand gives you the guarantee of being connected to the network. Even if you do you use wifi, ethernet provides a useful backup option when the Wi-Fi is down.

Google has tried to make fibre optic the new standard when it comes to internet connections, for both home and scaling industrial applications. However, somehow Ethernet has managed to keep on going against the odds, and new versions arise every few years that continue to push the boundaries of what traditional copper wires can achieve. Cat 7 cables were previously the latest to hit the networking market, and enable impressive speeds of up 10 gigabits per second. Cat 7 is shielded and requires a GigaGate45 connection, but the speeds are incredibly fast at shorter distances; they max out at 100 Gbps at less than 15-meter distances, and revert to 10 Gbps at longer distances. Category 8 (Cat 8) is the newest kid on the block, standing apart from the previous generations. It supports a frequency of up to 2GHz (2000 MHz) however it is limited to a 30-meter 2-connector channel. As with cat 7 it requires shielded cabling as well, and this can be expensive which is something to bear in mind. The reason for the increased cost is because it becomes increasingly difficult to shield higher frequencies from interference and crosstalk, and as you go up in scale, the cost of raw materials for shielding starts to cost more. (source) Use a data cabling cost estimator to figure out if this would be the right direction for your business to go in depending on your budget, or whether a lower yet cheaper ethernet connection would work better for you. Cat 8 is compatible with all its backward versions, and you can use it with the standard connectors of previous releases such as Cat 7.