computer network or data network is a telecommunications networkwhich allows computers to exchange data. In computer networks, networked computing devices exchange data with each other along network links (data connections). The connections between nodes are established using either cable media or wireless media.

We have been in business for the past 15 years with thousands of successful installations. We will complete any project with competitive pricing and no company can provide you a smoother process from a FREE Quote and on-site assessment.

We provide the following services:

  • NETWORK CABLING, DATA CABLING, FIBER OPTIC CABLING
  • VOICE WIRING, AUDIO/VIDEO CABLING
  • NETWORK CABLING INFRASTRUCTURE DESIGN, INSTALLATION & CERTIFICATION
  • AUDIO DISTRIBUTION, VIDEO DISTRIBUTION & CONFERENCE TABLE DATA SYSTEMS

Network speed is not always dependent on the cable it’s running on. This may or may not surprise the passionate techy who is always trying to achieve break neck speed, but the reality is that too much credit is sometimes given to the standard of network cabling the infrastructure is running on. If a network is slow, Cat 5 data cabling may not be the problem, and Cat 6 may not be the solution.

There are several issues that need addressing in a decision to upgrade data cabling, because after all, upgrading can be expensive. First of all, are the modem, router, server, switches, and other equipment new enough and fast enough to have outgrown Cat 5? Is the network primarily used for surfing the net, database entry, video streaming, or graphics design? How much traffic is on the network? Is network traffic expected to grow in the future?

Data Center

A quick rule of thumb among specialists is to plan for the future on new installs. If there is no existing network, use the best cable finances will allow, in anticipation of future technology advances. Assume that business demands will continue to grow, and network traffic will increase. On the contrary, if there is an existing network, but it is experiencing slowdown, investigate the reason for slowdown before replacing all of the network cable. Replacing cable is a time consuming and expensive project. Often, the culprit behind slowdown is deteriorating equipment, or bad cable connections, and replacing either one will probably be less expensive than tearing out old cable and installing new.

If the network is experiencing crosstalk or interference, replacing the cable might be the answer. The older Cat 5 cable was not the best for noise cancellation, and is very susceptible to interference. Find out which standard was used in the current network installation. Cat 5e was designed to address the crosstalk issue, and is much better cable for that reason. Cat 6 took it a step further and has an even better signal to noise ratio.

Twisted pair cable came into existence when Alexander Graham Bell discovered EMI could be reduced by twisting the two wires of a single circuit. It was further discovered that twisting neighboring pairs in different ratios or tightness, would prevent crosstalk. Crosstalk is when transmissions from one circuit bleed over to another, or in this case, to another pair of wires. This causes signal degradation.

Here are the basic differences of Cat 5, Cat 5e, and Cat 6 cables.

  • Cat 5: This standard was the first to attempt 100 Mbps data transfer. It is usually unshielded, so EMI has a greater influence on the signal. It is rated up to 100 MHz, but because of the noise issue, it is not used very often in new installs. The wire will likely be thinner than newer standards, making it easier to run, but offering less surface space for conductivity. The more copper surface available to electrons, the higher the speeds and bandwidth possible, so less is not better.
  • Cat 5e: This standard can be purchased as shielded – STP, or unshielded – UTP. Shielded twisted pair is essential in environments where interference is likely. For instance, if the cable will be laid in a cable trough running perpendicular to other signal and power carrying cables, interference will surely alter an unprotected signal. Other factors are RF, and wireless transmissions. Use shielded when possible, even in a clean environment because interference could become an issue in the future. Cat 5e is rated at 100 MHz, or 350 MHz, but in actuality, there is not much difference between the two. As long as it is good quality wire and shielded, it should work in any current application.
  • Cat 6: This was developed as an upgrade to Cat 5e by using better insulation and typically a 22-24 AWG wire. It is rated at 200 MHz. Installs might be a bit more difficult because the thicker wire and insulation take up more space in the conduit, and don’t bend as easily as the smaller Cat 5, and Cat 5e cable. However, if it’s a new install, don’t let that stop you. The noise cancellation and EMI protection will be well worth the trouble, and as technology advances, Cat 6 will be able to keep your network running fast and smooth.

Computer Networking
Keep in mind that Cat 5e STP should be sufficient to run any current network. Even with the rigorous demands of graphic design and streaming video, a quality installation should provide a network highway able to keep up with the devices that control it. Los Angeles Data Cabling has the expertise to install any UTP or STP cable to the highest industry standards, giving the network the foundation it needs for many years.