Network Wiring Information

a Network Cable is the medium through which information moves from one network device to another, other than wireless networks. There are several types of cable which are commonly used with LANs. In some cases, a network will utilize only one type of cable, other networks will use a variety of cable types. The type of cable chosen for a network is related to the network's topology, protocol, and size. Understanding the characteristics of different types of cable and how they relate to other aspects of a network is necessary for the development of a successful network.

Coaxial Cable: Used primarily for TV, Satellite, and Cable Modems. 3 coaxial wires together can also be adapted to work as component or composite wires. Coax can also be used for security cameras or for digital audio.

There are 2 types of Coaxial Cable: RG-59 & RG-6. Since everything is already moving to digital, you should only use the higher quality RG-6 cable. For longer runs, you may want to consider a Quad-Shield cable over the standard Dual-Shield for less signal loss.

Category 3 Wire: Used as phone wire. Each pair of twisted wires handles 1 phone line. Typical Cat 3 wire contains 2 pairs of wire for 2 phone lines, but the plugs can handle 3 pair for 3 lines. For future proofing, it is best to use Cat5e or better as phone wire and leave the extra conductors unused.

Category 5, 5e, 6, & 7 Wire: Used for Internet networks. Your Cable or DSL modem will output this network wire, with Category 5 being the lowest quality and the proposed Category 7 standard the best. All 4 types basically look the same, but the extra twists and better shielding in the higher categories allows for greater amounts of data to be transmitted.

Alarm/Security Wire: This wire is thicker than your Cat 3 cable. It is used to wire Security Systems: Alarm Panels, Window/Door Sensors, Motion Detectors, Sirens.

Network Cabling Help - The aim of this site is to provide IT Managers, Network Installers and IT students with the answers to solve cabling problems and the more common causes of network failure. Help topics range from the very basics of structured cabling systems, to how different systems work. 

Networking Protocols - a free service for the data communications and telecommunications industry. Includes a library of technical presentations and white papers about networking protocols.

Tech Target - Info Centers offer IT professionals in-depth news and technical advice on the hottest topics in the Networking industry.

Network Cabling Tutorials - Tutorials and helpful guides for network cabling and wire running. There are also informative diagrams and tips.

Since 1987, Progressive Technology has offered high quality security system installation services, now we are offering Network System infrastructure services. This is not new to us, throughout the years, we have run cables for many ethernet and structured cable networks.

Our Commitment to Our Customers

Specializing in Low Voltage systems, Progressive Technology has always gone the extra mile to meet a client's needs. This ideal has led us into the network cabling field, and we offer the same great service and expertise. We will run all cable and networking wires from any orgin to destination.

If you need network cabling services in your home or business, Progressive Technology can help. We have over 28 years of experience in low voltage electronic hard-wired installation. We can run wires in a small home network, or in a large office building or warehouse set-up. We pledge to each customer is complete satisfaction, and to complete each network cabling installation to the pre-arranged specifications.