Choosing the right cable type and media for your project can seem daunting, getting it wrong can cause a whole host of problems including performance issues, network disruptions, lack of compatibility and scalability problems, to name a few. Our resource pages are here to help make sure you have all the information you need to make informed choices for any project.
Guides in this section
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Data Cable Types
Twisted pair, coaxial and fibre: the main types of data cable and where each one is used. Read the guide
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The simple differences between Cat5e, Cat6, Cat6e, Cat6a, Cat7, and Cat8 Cables.
Not sure which cable to specify? Compare Cat5e, Cat6, Cat6A, Cat7 and Cat8 on speed, distance and cost, and see what UK offices need in 2026. Read the guide
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What is Fibre-Optic Cable?
What are fibre optic cables and what are they used for? Fibre optic cabling specialist Active Communication Company Ltd explain everything you need to… Read the guide
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Cat6A explained: when to upgrade
Wondering when to upgrade to Cat6A? This guide covers 7 signs your office is ready, when Cat5e is still fine, and what an upgrade actually involves. Read the guide
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Mixing Fibre Optics
Why mixing 62.5-micron and 50-micron multimode fibre causes high loss and lower bandwidth, and what to do instead. Read the guide
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Copper Vs Fibre: Choosing the right backbone
Copper or fibre for the permanent backbone links between equipment rooms, floor distributors, data centre rows and campus buildings. Read the guide
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Single-Mode vs Multi-Mode Fibre Explained
Practical advice on single-mode and multi-mode fibre from the team that designs and installs both across London and the South East. Read the guide
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STP Vs UTP: Shielded Vs Unshielded
Shielding is a surgical tool, not a box-ticking exercise. Over-specify and you waste budget; under-specify and you risk packet errors. Read the guide
