FAQ's
What is Structured Cabling?
Structured Cabling Systems, Structured Wiring or Network Cabling all refer to the cabling and components installed in a logical, compatible and of course, an organised way!
Designed to be independent of the type of active equipment that essentially "plugs" into the network, structured cabling offers a truly universal way of connecting computers, printers and other active devices together.
Why Use Structured Cabling?
A structured cabling system can use the same cabling system for everything. That means that Ethernet devices, telephony including VoiP, printers, access control, video can all successfully utilise structured cabling.
A well designed and installed structured cabling system will give many years of service and as such, can be seen as an investment that will last for the long term.
As structured cabling references international standards, users are assured that Ethernet applications and hardware will essentially work, assuming the cabling has been installed correctly and tested to prove its functionally. That means that even if the cabling and components are from different manufacturers, they are all compatible with each other.
What is the difference between CAT 6 and CAT 5e cable
There is a great deal of confusion among cabling installers, cabling technicians and customers, who are faced with the choice of purchasing Cat5e or Cat6. Some of this confusion comes from a misunderstandings of how cabling performance is defined by the active equipment that will be utilising the structured cabling system. In the belief that CAT6 cabling will give them an "all gigabit" network, many companies have had upgrades on their cabling systems, based purely on the assumption that the "network will be faster" - sadly, this is not the case.
Unless every single network interface card, every component and every switch in the network is gigabit rated, then you will never have a gigabit network, because your network will always run at the speed of your slowest device.
Cat5e cabling system is capable of supporting gigabit - it just cannot be "certified" for this use. By comparison, Cat6 is designed specifically for gigabit, and as such, is certified to operate at the requisite capacity, but do remember that all patch cords, outlets, patch panels must all be rated at Cat6.
What is the difference in performance between fiber optic cables and traditional copper cables?
Essentially, fibre optic cable is made out of a solid "rod" of extremely pure glass; this central "rod" or core is itself encapsulated within a second layer of glass called the ‘cladding’. The cladding protects the fibre and helps prevent light loss. It looks to the naked eye, like one solid piece of glass.
By sending millions of pulses of light every second, fibre optic cable is capable of transmitting far more information, for longer distances, in less time than conventional copper cabling, such as Cat5e or Cat6 or even the higher capacity Cat6a media. Furthermore fibre optic cable is totally secure, they are not affected by adjacent electrical cables, or for that matter affected by radio interference.
Is the training you offer qualified in some way?
Yes it is - Total Comms Training Limited is a fully approved City and Guilds Centre. In addition, we are active members of the Fibre Optics Industries Association, achieving several certifications including FIA Approved Training Provider at all levels. All of our trainers hold the A1 Assessors award.