Structured Cabling Archives - Les Olson IT https://lesolson.redpeppersoftware.net/blog/category/structured-cabling/ Your Office Technology Partner Wed, 07 Jun 2023 21:32:58 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.1.6 https://lesolson.redpeppersoftware.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/cropped-LO_ITfavicon-1-1-32x32.png Structured Cabling Archives - Les Olson IT https://lesolson.redpeppersoftware.net/blog/category/structured-cabling/ 32 32 Copper Vs. Fiber Optic Cabling – Pros and Cons for 2023 https://lesolson.redpeppersoftware.net/blog/copper-vs-fiber-optic-cabling-pros-and-cons/ Tue, 09 May 2023 21:12:30 +0000 https://lesolson.redpeppersoftware.net/?p=18935 Date: May 9, 2023 Author: Barry Preusz     Copper wire and fiber optic cables are common cables for modern

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]]> Date: May 9, 2023
Author: Barry Preusz

 
 

Copper wire and fiber optic cables are common cables for modern data transmission. For decades, copper wire ruled as the standard for Network Cabling. Fiber optic wiring is the newcomer that increasingly becomes the cable of choice for many businesses. However, some companies transmitting large amounts of data find that older copper systems are no match for the requirements of modern technology. Both approaches have positive and negative considerations.

Numerous studies have examined the advantages and disadvantages of copper and fiber data wiring. For example, one study in Mdantsane, South Africa published in the Journal on Innovation and Sustainability found the initial cost of deploying fiber optic networks was the biggest hurdle in choosing fiber cabling.1  Another study by Logeshwaran in the Journal on Communication Technology indicates some essential considerations in choosing the best network cabling system—first, versatility in accommodating data, voice, and video, second, compatibility with active equipment, third, ease of maintenance when updating the configuration, and 4) reliability during the entire service life of the system.2  In our research of the two cable network systems, most indicate the high cost of fiber as a prohibitive factor for implementation. However, a study by Jim Hayes published in the Electrical Contractor concluded that you should consider the cost of a complete network, not just its cabling costs to determine its cost-effectiveness. When doing so, fiber cabling systems are comparable to those of Cat 6 copper cabling.3  This article explores the pros and cons of fiber and copper and the virtues of using one cabling system over the other. Below are the pros and cons of the two wiring systems.

 
 

Copper Ethernet Cabling

 
 

Top 4 Pros and Cons for Copper vs. Fiber

 

Best 4 Copper Wire Pros

 

Cost-effective

Copper wire is less expensive, making it more economical for small businesses or home networks.

Availability

Copper wire is reliably available from local retailers, making it a popular choice for network applications.

Compatibility

Copper wire is compatible with most existing infrastructures, providing an easy upgrade for outdated networks.

Durability

Copper wire is durable and a reliable option for outdoor applications.

 

Top 4 Copper Wire Cons

 

Limited bandwidth

Copper wire has a restricted bandwidth, which is unsuitable for transmitting large amounts of data over long distances.

Electromagnetic interference

Copper wire is susceptible to electromagnetic interference, which can cause data loss or corruption.

Signal degradation

Copper wire can experience signal degradation over long distances, which can cause data loss or errors.

Limited transmission distance

Copper wire has a short transmission distance, often less than 300 feet, which is unsuitable for long-distance data transmission.

 

Best 4 Fiber Optic Pros

 

High bandwidth

Fiber optic cables possess an elevated bandwidth over copper wire, making them desirable for transmitting large amounts of data over long distances.

Immune to interference

Fiber optic cables are immune to electromagnetic interference, making them more reliable in noisy environments.

High signal quality

Fiber optic cables provide high-quality signal transmission, reducing the risk of data loss or errors.

Distance transmissions

Fiber optic cables transmit data over long distances without signal degradation, making them superior for long-distance transmissions.

 

Top 4 Fiber Optic Cons

 

Cost

Fiber optic cables are generally more expensive than copper wire, making them a less economical choice for small businesses or home networks.

Specialized installation

Fiber optic cables require specialized installation and handling, which can increase installation costs.

Availability

Fiber wiring, connections, and network equipment are more difficult to obtain, are often out of stock, and are often prioritized for large bulk orders.

Compatibility

Fiber optic cables are incompatible with existing copper wire infrastructure, making them a more difficult upgrade for older networks.

 
 

Fiber Optic Cabling

 
 

Top Selection Considerations for Network Cabling

 

Copper Cabling Top Selection Considerations

  • Cheaper
  • Slow transmission speed
  • Heavier and thicker
  • More difficult to install
  • The most common type of cabling
  • More widely available
  • Easier to cut and spliced
  • Susceptible to interference from EMI
  • Signal loss
  • Distortion
  • Disruptions
  • Limited bandwidth
  • Easily subject to becoming outdated b/c of technological advances
  • Lower installation price currently
  • Tensile strength of 25 pounds
  • Copper is subject to corrosion, degrades with age, and may need replacement in as little as 5 years
  • Weight per 1000 ft = 39 lbs
  • Loses 90% of its transmission signal at 100 meters
  • Low security, easily tapped
  • Higher maintenance, interference, risk of tampering, and replacement cost

 

Fiber Optic Cabling Top Selection Considerations

  • Faster transmission speed
  • Longer distances
  • More reliable
  • Most durable 50 years
  • Thinner and more lightweight
  • Weight per 1000 ft = 4 lbs
  • Higher security
  • Tensile strength of 200 pounds
  • Not affected by EMI (electric motors, power lines, and microwaves
  • Less susceptible to signal loss, distortion, or disruption
  • Less likely to become outdated b/c of technology
  • More likely to meet the heavy demands of growing businesses
  • May be a lower cost option for the long run
  • Loses only 3% of its transmission signal per 100 meters
  • Better for supporting a LAN
  • Higher upfront price
  • High security (does not carry electrical signals)
  • Easily submerged in water

 

The chart below compares the 14 most important differences between copper and fiber wiring. Fiber has the advantage in all comparisons regarding performance. Copper has the edge with lower cost, accessibility, and compatibility with existing networking systems in many established business enterprises. However, the high price for improved technology can often outweigh the advantages of increased performance. For high-tech companies with high bandwidth requirements, performance is a necessity.

 

Comparison Chart Copper vs. Fiber Optic Cables

 

Feature Copper Cables Fiber Optic Cables
Speed Limited to a few Gbps over short distances Can transmit data at speeds of up to 400 Gbps over long distances
Distance 300 Ft. @ 1 Gbps 12 Miles+ @ 10 Gbps
Bandwidth 10 Gbps 60 Tbps +
Interference Prone to electromagnetic interference, RFI, crosstalk, noise, and voltage surges Full immunity
Security Vulnerable to tapping and interception Difficult to tap or intercept without specialized equipment
Size Relatively large and bulky Much smaller
Flexibility Flexible, but experiences signal loss with significant bending Highly flexible, low signal loss with bending
Weight (per 1,000 ft) 39 lbs. 4 lbs.
Installation Thicker diameter, more routing issues, low pulling strength Easy to install and maintain, thin diameter, strong pulling strength
Energy Consumption >10W per user 2W per user
Lifecycle 5-years 30 to 50-years
Future Proof Continues to fall short of the increasing network demands and technological advances Expected to stay ahead of technology advances for some time
Compatibility Most compatible with the pre-existing network and communication systems Often requires replacing old networking communication systems
Availability Easily accessible and almost always in stock More challenging to find the correct item in stock
Cost Less expensive compared to fiber optic cables More expensive compared to copper cables

 

Fiber optic cables offer superior performance compared to copper cables, especially over long distances. They provide higher data transmission rates, larger bandwidths and are immune to electromagnetic interference. Copper cables, however, are still widely used for short-distance networking since they are less expensive. In addition, network devices that require more bandwidth, higher speeds, and more reliable internet connectivity, such as security cameras, digital signage, and VoIP phone systems, make fiber optic cable the obvious choice for those who provide telecommunications and internet. To determine the best option for your business, it is best to have a Low Voltage Cabling Expert to visit your office and assess your specific networking needs. Call Les Olson IT at 801-922-5060 to schedule a free network analysis.

 

 

 

 

Footnotes

The post Copper Vs. Fiber Optic Cabling – Pros and Cons for 2023 appeared first on Les Olson IT.

]]> Why Choose Low Voltage Cabling Experts https://lesolson.redpeppersoftware.net/blog/why-choose-low-voltage-cabling-experts/ Tue, 03 May 2022 14:41:42 +0000 https://lesolson.com/?p=16912 Les Olson IT is poised to handle any network cable installation job you have. Our Structured Cabling Division is growing and has staff with BICSI certifications. Reach out directly to our Structured Cabling Manager or talk to your Les Olson IT rep today with any questions, or to get a bid on your next job.

The post Why Choose Low Voltage Cabling Experts appeared first on Les Olson IT.

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What is a Low Voltage Cabling Specialist?

Electricians can perform network cable installation, but most Electrician’s expertise are based around power and not necessarily with data cables. Network cable installation is best if it is performed by a Structured Cabling Specialist. A Structured Cabling Specialist is knowledgeable about all the different physical components that make up a network, how they work together, and what to implement for a network’s top performance based on a client’s given needs. Structured Cabling Specialists install Fiber Optic cabling which is most often brought in from the outside of a building to a network server inside.  Structured Cabling Specialists build server racks and make end-runs from the server to computers and other devices that are on the network such as cameras, and wireless access points. Structured Cabling Specialists also are very knowledgeable about telephone systems and run telephone cables as well.

 

A Structured Cabling Specialist with a BICSI (Building Industry Consulting Service International) certification will have expertise that qualifies them to assess a client’s needs and make infrastructure recommendations that will deliver your optimal data performance. A BICSI certified Structured Cabling Specialist is also qualified to perform work for the State and Federal Government contracts.  When you need network cables installed ask your contractor if you are working with someone who is BICSI certified. Ask us about our BICSI certified Structured Cabling Specialists and get a cabling consult today.[/cz_title][cz_gap height_tablet=”15px” height_mobile=”10px”][cz_button title=”Get a Consultation” btn_position=”cz_btn_block” btn_effect=”cz_btn_fill_right” sk_button=”font-size:17px;color:#ffffff;font-family:Assistant;background-color:#ba0230;border-style:solid;” id=”cz_13846″ link=”url:%23consult|||” sk_hover=”color:#ffffff;background-color:#e9283b;”][cz_gap height_tablet=”15px” height_mobile=”10px”]

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Go From Disorganized

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To Organized

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What is Fiber Optics?

Fiber Optic cables utilize extremely thin strands of glass or plastic fiber to transfer light pulses from one data source to another. Currently there isn’t another method faster and more accurate than fiber. Single-mode Fiber can go 40 km or more without hurting the signal and is great for connecting buildings that belong to the same network. Multimode Fiber, a data cable that consists of several strands of fiber delivers optimal performance between 300 and 400 meters which makes it great when connecting servers within a building. Unlike Cat 6 cables and Wi-Fi, Single-mode and Multimode Fiber has almost no attenuation issues.  Attenuation is what happens when data travels and loses signal strength due to distance and disturbance.  With wire cables the decibel level will weaken over distance, and if wire is next to other wire some frequency can escape from one line and add confusion to the line it’s next to.  This can be a problem that occurs right at the server where a tangled rat’s nest of wires is often the norm.  Ask us about organizing your server cables to deliver better performance[/cz_title]

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Why use Cat 6?

Cat 6 Cables are the current standard for network cables today. These cables deliver better performance than their predecessor Cat 5 and are much less expensive than Cat 7 and Cat 8.  The cables are used typically to make end runs.  An end run is typically a computer, a security camera, or a wireless access point, but can be any device connected to a server that receives and transmits data on the network.

Although not as fast as fiber Cat 6 cables connected directly to a device allow users large amounts of data enabling them to have multiple internet sites open and even stream content all with minimal to no buffering. Cat 6 cables add a level of security to a connected endpoint that Wi-Fi can be susceptible to.  If network security is a concern to you check out these helpful tips from our blog. [/cz_title]

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When to Invest in a Server Rack?

Server Racks are an integral hardware component to a robust network. Some businesses don’t need a rack to hold their server, but once an organization has more endpoints than a typical household it makes sense to invest in a rack.  Server Racks come in many configurations and for a small business are typically located in a utility room, or sometimes in a mail room. They can also be found in Server Rooms if an organization needs multiple servers. These rooms will often have a drop floor or drop celling to give easy access to the cables connected to the server. This type of room will typically be protected by secure access that requires a prox card, or some other method of monitoring the rooms traffic while granting access to authorized individuals. Very often these rooms are under surveillance with multiple security cameras as well. Finally, these rooms tend to be highly controlled for temperature. The hardware components installed in the Server Racks runs hot and could easily overheat if cooling isn’t taken into consideration. If you need updated security cameras, ask us about Verkada Security Cameras. [/cz_title]

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Invest in Wireless Access Points

Wireless Access Points are not a luxury for your network anymore. Organizations are either providing mobile tools like laptops, tablets, and mobile phones, or are allowing their employees and customers to bring their own device (BYOD) and connect to the network. So Wireless Access Points not only need to be fast and reliable, but they need to be strategically located throughout an organization to eliminate coverage holes. It’s an expectation today that while people are moving from one area of their workplace to another that they can be connected to the network so they can communicate while on the move. While doing this they don’t want to experience the frustration of losing their connection. Especially if they were doing something important and lost their connection at a critical time. Want a network assessment to see if your Wireless Access Points are doing the job, you need them to do? [/cz_title]

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Phone Cables are Important too!

While most people have a mobile device now, for work a desk phone is still an important tool not to be overlooked. Many phones take both cat 6 data cables and your standard RJ-45 telephone cable. A Structured Cabling Specialist can help recommend and install the best cable for your desk phones. Desk phones are not just for call centers and receptionists. For interoffice communication they are still one of the best ways to stay in touch. They are ideal for customer interaction as well. Les Olson IT provides Elevate Cloud Systems.  If you’d like to learn more click here[/cz_title]

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When should you reach out to a Structured Cabling provider?

While anytime is a good time, there are a few optimal times. One is when you and your Architect are planning your space for a new build or remodel. Time spent during this planning phase consulting with a Structured Cabling Specialist will result in making sure that the proper infrastructure is provided to accommodate the data cables you will need. A Structured Cabling Specialist may make recommendations about installing items like Smurf Tubes hidden in wall studs between the drywall that make it easy to fish cables from a device like a wall mounted monitor to another device like a Workstation Dock for a clean organized work environment. Other examples include making provisions for where fiber can be brought into the building and where to locate the Server Room. While all these things can be done after construction has taken place if they are planned for in advance things like patching drywall and repainting can be avoided. Another great time to consult with a Structured Cable Specialist is when you upgrade servers. Imagine updating your server and seeing no increase in performance.  A Structured Cabling Specialist can run a diagnostic test on your current network infrastructure to see if you should consider upgrading your existing cables to better technology like Cat 6.[/cz_title]

[cz_gap height_tablet=”10px” height_mobile=”5px”][cz_gap height=”100px” height_tablet=”10px” height_mobile=”5px”][cz_title id=”cz_75064″]Les Olson IT is poised to handle any network cable installation job you have.  Our Structured Cabling Division is growing and has staff with BICSI certifications.

Reach out directly to our Structured Cabling Manager or talk to your Les Olson IT rep today with any questions. 

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Get a Cabling Consultation Today!

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