An Overview of Communication Cabling

Types of Communication Cables that are Available
Communication cables include optical fibres, blown fibre cables, copper cables, coaxial cables, fire survival cables and twisted paired wires. There are 2 types of communication cables that are commercially available namely, multi-conductor communication cables and multi-paired communication cables. Multi-conductor communication cables are available in shielded, unshielded and braid shielded varieties while the multi-paired communication cables are available as unshielded paired audio and control cables, and individually shielded paired communication cables.
Data applications, in general, require transmissions that are free of any external interference as this helps in protecting the integrity of the data being transmitted. You should therefore install communication cables that are flexible and ones that can be effortlessly soldered. The cables you use should be of the highest quality. They should be Vertical Tray Flame Test approved and CSA approved. Communication cables can also be custom made to suit your specifications. So if you’re looking for any specific product you can’t find online or in stores, visit your nearest cable manufacturer to have them custom made for you. Read more about data cable types.

Important Things to Note
The data communication cabling system is the heart of the telecommunications system in your office/university. Data, voice, control, and video signals will be transmitted over this cabling system from one room to the other or from one building to another. The data communication cabling system serves as the physical link between source equipments and terminal equipments. Since businesses may expand or change over a period of time, the communication cabling system should be designed in such a way that it should be able to handle upgrades or changes that are likely to take place in the future. The data communications system you implement should also have the flexibility and the ability to run multiple applications.
You should consider purchasing and installing communication cables that belong to a single brand as opposed to mixed brands because you will be offered a longer warranty (nearly 15 to 20 years) from the equipment manufacturer/supplier. Mixing brands can retard performance and cause complications in the future so it’s best to stick to a single brand. If you do intend to install additional equipment in the future, make sure it matches the current equipment you’re using, unless of course it poses a safety hazard.
Guidelines for Installing Communication Cables Externally
Fibre optic cables should be ideally installed externally because of their capacity to support applications with higher transmission rates, and increased bandwidth. Fibre optic cables are also more resistant to voltage spikes, lightening, and electrical noise. These cables should be installed in underground pathways for enhanced safety. Composite or single mode fibre optic cables should be used when you’re required to connect to older network systems which communicate using LED transceivers.

Complying with State/National Regulations
You must ascertain that the noise levels that emanate from the telecommunications closet are in compliance with the limits set forth by the State. The communication cabling system should be tested for possible electromagnetic radiation. Certain cables are known to radiate when they’re interfaced with active devices like wireless Internet. To prevent this from occurring, the communication cabling layout should be designed with due care. The cabling system that has to be implemented should be able to withstand environmental conditions at the installation site. For optimal performance, the equipment manufacturer’s guidelines should be strictly adhered to.
Besides this, due consideration has to be given to the earthing system that’s installed at the site, particularly in areas that are more susceptible to lightening. In addition, communication cabling equipment should be protected from chemical corrosion and exposure to heat or salt. Cables that are installed externally should be protected by ducting and conduit.
Fibre optics, copper cables and coaxial conductors can be installed in inter building pathways, trenches, pits, tunnels, underground pathways, and underground conduits. The type of communication cable that’s installed in any of these locations depends upon numerous factors. When communication cables like telephone services have to be installed, over voltage lightening equipment should be used on the cables that are laid.