Today, you’ll learn about the ins and outs of data wiring… Shall we!?
Are you interested in building out a new internet infrastructure or looking to upgrade your business’s IT network to get a faster connection but don’t know which wires are used for data?
Let’s see what data wiring is, how it works, which types of data wires exist, and more.
What is Data Wiring and How Does It Work?
In simple terms, data wiring is simply the cables that support your business’s IT infrastructure.
This includes both the design and installation of a data cabling system either for a data center or business. It’s often “wired” to computers and telephones and is used to connect to the Internet as well as to transmit audio, voice, and video communications on a private network.
Such data lines are also useful to enable IoT connectivity between workplace equipment and devices such as printers, security cameras, Wi-Fi routers, smart lighting, and thermostats, among others.
As you can guess by now, data wiring makes high-volume data/bandwidth a reality.
We could say it allows you and your team to get the work done with next-to-zero downtime, in an organized way (when properly installed and labeled, of course).
Types of Data Wiring
Since there are specialized network cables for different applications, there is no “one size fits all” approach to data wiring.
For example, we talked about the two major types – Cat5e and Cat6 – in our recent “UTP Cables” guide. Besides these two, there are other commonly used categories.
Different types, support different kinds of use and are governed by strict standards.
Fiber Optic
Built with a rubber outer coating, a thing glass-fiber core, and both layers of protection and buffer, these use light to transmit data over long distances, quicker than any other type.
We’re talking about 100 Gbps or higher.
The Fiber Optic category is also divided into two types of core diameters: MMF (multi-mode fiber = short reach) and SMF (single-mode fiber = long reach).
Twisted Pair
As we just mentioned, we already talked about the Twisted Pair cables, so let’s be brief.
Either shielded or unshielded, Twisted Pair cables are considerably more affordable than Fiber optic cables but don’t work too well for long distances.
Coaxial
Now, this is the first time we talk about Coaxial cables (or just “coax”), which are commonly used by data service companies to install both cable internet and cable television in the same building.
They transmit radio frequencies (or RF signals). That’s why they’re also used for telephones, radio transmitters, antennas, routers, and more, providing decent-enough speed of communication to each user.
How To Install Data Wiring
It may come as a surprise, but we won’t give you step-by-step instructions on “how to install data wiring” today. On the other hand, what we’ll do, is recommend you: get any amount of data wiring you want and need from a professional who ensures reliable speed.
Why risk yourself with all the complexities, standards, and regulations that surround data wiring when you can have it done for way less (avoiding downtime and other issues)?
That is right. If you try to install data wiring yourself, then you or any of your team members would be responsible for everything, from designing and planning, adding, labeling, and removing any wiring in or off your infrastructure, without causing electromagnetic interference.
That’s what we, LayerLogix, got you covered – with ever-going support. Our experts will design and lay out your new system while anticipating your business’ future needs.
After reading today’s article and before investing in a data wiring solution, you should be able to know if you need data wiring or not. The answer is likely a big YES.
But you may be worried about how expensive it could get. So, how much do data wiring services cost?
While we cannot give you a specific amount as an answer (because the cost depends on your office’s size, the types of cabling, and the amount of bandwidth needed, among other variables), we invite you to contact us and ask for more information.
