Ethernet Cable Accessories
Ethernet cable accessories play a role in the installation, expansion, and day-to-day management of data networks. They come in many shapes, types, and sizes--from keystone jacks to patch panels and racks--but they all serve the same basic purpose of making it even easier for you to set up and maintain cables that carry Ethernet signals.
In a wide range of environments, like homes and offices, people commonly use small wiring components called keystone jacks. These items provide a way to terminate an Ethernet cable into a wall plate or panel without making the whole network look messy.
In complicated setups seen in enterprise environments or data centers, patch panels are a mainstay device. They sit at the center of a very straightforward concept: bringing all the various ports, connectors, and cables used in a network to a spot where they can be easily accessed and maintained.
Also known as strain relief boots and cable boots, these boots slide over the connector of an RJ45 assembly, as well as part of the connected cable. Cable boots increase the bend radius at the end of the cable assembly and keep its wires from being forced out of the back of the connector (a situation called a "dislodging") or otherwise damaged.
Industrial Wire Types: Part 2
Twisted Pair Wire
Twisted pair wire is most commonly seen in scenarios where data is being transfer to and from certain locations. It uses two separate conductors, twisted together, for a single circuit. The two conductors are twisted together to reduce electromagnetic interference or “cross talk” between the two wires. It is common to use twisted pairs in place of a coax cable for data transfer. Coax can be fairly expensive and can be more difficult to run whereas twisted wire is not as thick or rigid and can easily be maneuvered in tough to reach locations. Twisted wire will always come in pairs, but there are no limits to how many pairs can be included in a single cable. For instance, CAT5 or CAT6 cable, which is commonly used in home and office networks, uses twisted pair wire. This type of cable has four different pairs of communication lines.
Shielded Wire
Shielded wire is different from regular wire insulation in that it is made of a conductive material. This conductive material includes, braided strands of copper (or other types of metal), non-braided aluminum and copper tape. The purpose of this shielding is to protect the signal passing through the wire from any outside interference. Unlike twisted cable, which is trying to eliminate interference among wire being used in the same circuit, shielded wire needs protection from outside interference and from other electrical circuits in the area.
Tray Cable
Tray Cable is a factory assembly of two or more insulated conductors, with or without associated bare or covered grounding conductors under a nonmetallic sheath, for installation in cable trays, in raceways, or where supported by a messenger wire. It is common to see tray cable that has many different conductors that can be used for control wiring, instrumentation and signal wiring as well as many other applications. Tray cable is often rated for use in direct sunlight applications, as well as direct burial applications. Because of the potential weight of tray cable when suspended, it will need to be supported properly to avoid hazardous environments.