Optical Fiber and Copper Cabling

Fiber Optic Connectivity

A technology that allows for the transmission of data across networks using light.

Twisted Pair Copper Cable

A type of cabling commonly used for wired ethernet connections, consisting of pairs of wires twisted together.

Multi-Mode Fiber

Fiber optic cable used for short-range communication, typically up to 2 kilometers, utilizing a larger core and inexpensive light sources.

Single-Mode Fiber

Fiber optic cable designed for long-distance communication, allowing signals to travel up to 100 kilometers with a smaller core.

RF Interference

Radio frequency interference that can affect data transmission, which fiber optics are immune to.

Plenum

The space between a drop ceiling and the actual ceiling, often containing networking cables and other infrastructure.

Plenum-Rated Cable

Cables designed to produce less smoke and hazardous fumes in a fire, made from materials like FEP or low-smoke PVC.

Category Cables

Standards such as category 5, 6, and 7 that specify the minimum requirements for ethernet cabling.

Coaxial Cable

A type of cable where multiple conductors share a common axis, often used for internet and television connections.

Twinax

A type of cable associated with 10 gigabit per second ethernet that contains two conductors, used for short-distance connections.

Transmission Modes

The different paths that light can take to transmit data through multi-mode fiber optics.

Core and Cladding

The central part of a fiber optic cable (core) that transmits light, surrounded by a layer (cladding) that reflects the light back.

Ethernet Standards

Technical standards that define the specifications for ethernet networks, including minimum cabling requirements.

LED Light Source

A light-emitting diode used in fiber optic connections to transmit data over short distances.

Laser Light Source

A device that emits coherent light, capable of transmitting signals over long distances in single-mode fiber.

Ethernet Backbone

The main connectivity path that connects various parts of the network and allows data to flow efficiently.