subject: Network Cabling, And How To Use It [print this page] Two things you need to bear in mind if you are planning to install a home network. One a home network is a superb way to get your net working to its absolute top capacity. Secondly. For Gods sake plan things in advance before you get the drill out! It is entirely possible that installing a new network will mean taking up the floorboards, and perhaps burrowing into a wall. Under no circumstances install network cabling without planning, or a nearby expert. You have been warned.
As with many situations in life, too much is a bad thing. A network cable is essential for good internet. It is, however, not something that should be spread over every inch of floor like green spaghetti. If you are installing at home, then the chances are you wont need more than one cable per room easy to keep tidy. However, if you are adjusting your systems at work then do try and keep things organised. Label every cable so you can locate the right one, keep them tied up (there are plenty of cable clips available from your average retailer). If you dont stay on top of your cabling, youll be snowed under before you can say help.
Choice is a wonderful thing, and you will be happy (or terrified, depending on the amount of experience you have) to know that there are a few different types of network cabling you can use, and that they all work fine. As is the want of the internet, there are A LOT of pages that are out there to help you make the right decision, with UTP, STP, FTP Solid and stranded all available. Needless to say, they all have their own traits, ups and downs, and will all suit different types of connection. Get online, do your research and try to find the right set of cables for you.
Finally, it is important to understand one thing: if youre going to learn the ins and outs of network cabling, you will need to understand the lingo that comes with it. For the world of the network is one of more unusual terms and code than the Lord of the Rings trilogy. For instance: CAT 1, CAT 2, STP, COAXIAL, USB, IP, DSL. Have all these terms made you nervous? Scared even? Well, get used to them, because network cabling is going to mean learning more Acronyms than youd get on a rap album. Do your research, however, and youll find the whole area is actually a bit simpler than you might think.
