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For smartphones, laptops, and tablets we prefer WiFi as the go-to option for connecting with local networks. Wired ethernet cables like cat5e ethernet cable still are the fastest and stable way to connect to the internet.

A wide array of cables, adapters, and various keystone jacks like cat6 keystone jack and many more makes for faster connection options.

We all know the number of ethernet cables we use in our everyday lives and its advantages. So, to understand them better, let's dive deep into the ethernet cables.

Brief History of Ethernet Cables:

"Ethernet" means a collection of technologies that are useful to connect computers and other devices together. It forms a connective branch of local area networks (LAN) and wide area networks (WAN).

The early standard of ethernet networking originated in the early 1970s, drawing inspiration from early networking tests. It went through a continuous iteration throughout the 70s and then went on to become commercially available and standardized in the early 1980s.

During coaxial cables, the dominant form of connective technology has a bit rate of 10 megabits per second across local networks. In the decades that followed, the cables got higher bit rates and bandwidth as well. A slow transition made with twisted pair and fiber optic hardware, along with a new technology switch. It enables speeds up to 400 gigabits per second.

There are thousands of networking technologies that have come up over the years. Today ethernet networks are the strongest wired network connection in the world and provide better stability and speed by connecting billions of devices, homes, data centers, and many such things.

Going further, let's understand importance of ethernet cables in our homes:

It is widely useful in a variety of industries but best known for its use in general public cables which connect home networks to the wider internet. Cables with RJ45 header or cat6 keystone jack connect desktops and laptops to local routers.

There are various types of cables such as cat 5, cat 5e, cat 6, cat7, and many more. These different types have different importance and play different roles based on their capabilities.

Categories older than Cat 5 provide low speed and fewer features. Whereas, modern ones provide better features and high bandwidth.

Which one to pick, Cat 5e or Cat 6?

The two most famous ethernet cables in current time are Cat5e ethernet cable and Cat 6 twisted pair cable. Picking the right cable is difficult as there are many variations with different features.

So, here we will be discussing some of the specifications of both cables and help you choose the right one. Let's first understand the acronyms i.e. TP stands for Twisted Pair, S and U stands for Shielded and Unshielded, F stands for Foiled.

So, when you see a word UTP, then it stands for unshielded twisted pair, FTP means foiled twisted pair, SFTP is a shielded and foiled twisted pair.

I know understanding tech stuff is very difficult and sometimes investing in them is costly too. But, data integrity is important, and investing wisely can help you get the most of your buck:

2. Cat 5e:

    

4. It's an old but enhanced version of Cat5 specification and overcomes the limitations of Cat5. It provides improved bandwidth capabilities and reduced crosstalk.

   It expands the maximum network speed to 1000 Mbps or one gigabit per second. It has a wire gauge of 24-36 meter and the cable 100 meters long.

6. Cat6:

    

8. Cat6 has overcome the limitations of Cat5e. It uses long cables for better performance and decreases crosstalk. It supports frequencies up to two and half times of Cat5e cables.

    

10. They can deliver up to 10,000 Mbps or 10 gigabits per second over lengths of cable up to 55 meters. It maximizes length of 100 meters with the longest cable length of Cat6 cables.

     

12. Apart from speed, Cat6 cables give less crosstalk and system noise mitigation. To provide these features, manufacturers use spline, a longitudinal separator within the cable to isolate individual wires within ethernet cabling.

     

14. Cat6 wires twist tighter and provide extra protection from external noise sources. This provides an extra benefit by preventing a Cat6 cable from stretching.

Further, there is a variant available of Cat6 like Cat 6a which is an enhanced version of Cat6 in terms of speed and cross talk.

Remember, even if Cat 6 is a new standard and provides improved features over Cat5e, it is backward compatible. It means they are available with the same endpoint connectors.

Thus, you will not run into problems while buying a Cat6 cable. If your network previously uses Cat5e or Cat5 cables and you are thinking to upgrade them then you can do so easily.

Final Words:

Cables or wires are very difficult to understand initially. But, once you know, you can handle them with ease. Today not a single infrastructure can exist without ethernet cables; be it internet or intranet. Hence, it's very important to understand the various types, differences, and uses of each.

Source: https://www.sooperarticles.com/communications-articles/broadband-internet-articles/what-ethernet-cables-1782920.html

As a restaurant owner, you need to take care of thousands of things including your staff, customers, food quality, hygiene, the interiors, and many more. One of the major things you need to care about is the proper flow of electricity and earthing of cables.

Electrical power is part of the modern lifestyle. But, if we don't handle them with care then there are chances of electrical hazards. It often leads to burns, shocks, and electrocution. It is necessary to be aware of any potential electrical risks.

Food service industries are the biggest users of electrical equipment and appliances. Long term and frequent use can cause wear and tear in appliances making them dangerous. This gets compounded by the fact that the staff is under immense pressure to get materials and prepare them all the time. It is one of the major reasons why restaurant owners give the least importance to safety and maintenance.

But as an owner, you need to understand the importance of keeping your restaurant secure and away from electrical hazards.

Below are some of the things you need to take care of as a restaurant owner:

2. Keep electrical appliances away from water:

    

4. We all know how dangerous it can be if water and electricity get mixed. Remember to turn off the appliances if they are near wet areas. If by mistake water spills near the electric box, then make sure to clean it immediately.

   Additionally, remember not to touch electric appliances with wet hands as you can get shocked and consequences can be bizarre.

6. Proper installation of electric appliances:

    

8. If you are renovating your restaurant or even starting a new one, then make sure that professionals properly carry out installments of electric appliances. You should never try to do the installation or play with wires on your own. Ensure that the equipment inspection, testing, and tagging are proper. These are a few of the things you need to do to avoid any electrical hazards.

10. Be alert and aware:

     

12. While working with cables like c7 power cord or c13 to c14 power cord, you need to be alert and aware. Ensure that there are no exposed wires, frayed wires, or signs of smoke coming out of any wires/appliances. If any of these things are happening then make sure that you immediately call your electrician. Additionally, also make sure to remove faulty electrical equipment from the kitchen if any, and make sure not to reuse them unless you've had them checked out by professional.

     
13. Avoid overloading of power points:

     

15. Don't plug thousands of cables into one outlet or extension cord. It can damage the electrical system or cause a fire. Keep electrical items switched off if you are not using them on a regular basis. Provide proper power points and make sure that power boards are not overloaded and increase protection. Being the owner of a restaurant company, avoid using double adapters and extension leads as well.

17. Hire electricians:

     

19. Hire an electrician to install and repair decommission electrical equipment. You should never do an installation or repair cables or power cords like c13 to c14 power cord, c7 power cord, or any other on your own. There are specially trained electricians who help you with proper wiring, installation, earthing, soldering, and many more.

21. Install safety switches:

     

23. Install safety switches in your restaurant as it helps you in balancing the load of the electricity. Not only has this but also because of proper load balancing, it reduces the risk of electric shock as well. This in the end helps you in having proper safety of your restaurant and also visitors.

25. Provide staff training:

     

27. Make sure that your staff is wearing proper rubber-soled footwear. Train them to turn off the main power if any emergency like situation occurs. They should not touch any person who is shocked while the main power is on.

29. Extension cords:

     

31. Keep power cords away from other equipment while using them. If you use extension cords, store them away from water, hot surfaces, chemicals, and walkways. Avoid using extension cords which are permanent as in future you might face issues removing them. You also need to understand when your extension cord overloads so you can stop working at that time.

Final Words:

Following these steps are necessary to overcome electrical hazards. You need to understand that playing with electricity can turn into the worst of scenarios. Take the necessary precautions while people are around it. As a restaurant owner, you are not only responsible for your employees' safety but also for the customers.

Source: https://www.sooperarticles.com/shopping-articles/electronics-articles/electrical-safety-guide-restaurateurs-1782784.html

This article gives insights about the ways USB printer cables and USB monitor cables are useful, different types and their uses. Read more to know in detail.

Today computers and printers have become household items. We cannot imagine our lives without them at all. Printers and computers go hand in hand. Some companies sell them along with cables while some sell machines and cables separately.

Talking about printers, you can connect them not only to computers but also to other devices like cameras, laptops, pen drives, etc. With the advancement of technology, you can now find wireless printers and connect them easily over the internet. But nothing beats the good old cable connection. So, in this article, we will see different types of cables for printers as well as monitors.

2. USB Printer Cables:

    

4. They come with a USB connector and have a data transfer capability of 480mbps which perfect speed for bulk printing. There are different USB printer cables; they are USB Type A, Type B, Type B, Mini B4, and B5 pin, and Micro USB A-B.

6. Parallel Printer Cables:

    

8. These are the most traditional printer cables which consist of two parallel connectors that hook up dot matrix printers to computer devices. These types of cables have become outdated and are rarely available at IT shops today. If you want to replace the usb printer cable then look for professional help instead of doing it on your own. And if you don't want to replace all the cables then you can use the converters and modify the old pins.

10. Serial Printer Cables:

     

12. A serial printer cable has a 25 pin serial cable on its end, while others have 9 pin cables. It allows easy data transfer but then there are only some devices that are compatible with them.

Now, comes a big question:

Which is better to use USB Parallel or Serial Printer Cables?

USB Printer cables are probably the most useful printer cables invented. They deliver data at 480 Mbps which is better than the old 2 Mbps data transfer rate of parallel or serial printer cables. The major benefit of using USB printer cables is their capacity to work on multifaceted platforms. They are highly compatible with any device as long as the device has the USB port. Such printer cables work well with Macintosh, Linux, and UNIX systems.

Printing becomes an easy and less time-consuming process as they deliver data quickly. The plug and play feature of these cables offers a hassle free installation process.

But, sometimes USB printer cables are not the perfect choice in spite of having thousands of advantages. The short cable length is one of the major shortcomings of USB cable but USB extender overcomes this issue.

Apart from different printer cables, let's now understand different types of cables used in monitors.

When we are using desktop computers you need to replace your CRT monitor with LCD. While replacing monitors, you will observe that monitor cables play an important role to connect monitor and CPU.

Even for a TV set, you need the cable to connect your TV and video player. The development of gadgets and computers will find different types of cables in the market. Computer monitor cables include HDMI connector, VGA cable, USB cable, and many more.

Let's see each of them and understand them:

2. USB Cable:

    

4. USB cable for monitors is mostly useful to connect with other devices like digital cameras, cell phones, and so on. However, this can also be useful to connect computers with secondary displays. But, it is not advisable to connect the CPU with the main monitor using USB because the resolution of the USB cable monitor is limited.

   Apart from this, usb cable for monitor is useful to replace a laptop screen if you want to use another display or if your laptop display is broken.

6. HD 15 Monitor Cable:

    

8. HD 15 cable is the most common connector for monitors. Most people know that this cable is standard VGA cable and is easy to recognize. It communicates the image data to the monitor processor directly. This cable is commonly useful to many devices but usually, the technology of desktop computer and other devices are popular in the same area.

    

10. However, the VGA cable has a limited resolution feature. It only supports 640x480

    resolutions. As a result, it cannot support the newest devices and gadgets that require great resolution.

12. DVI Cables:

     

14. They are more complete since it transfers both digital and analog video data. It is the most common monitor cable useful for connecting digital monitors. It supports image resolution of 1920x1200 and 2560x1600 video resolution. When we use it with an LCD monitor, it can reduce the digital noise. Over a glance, it looks similar to VGA cable. The only difference is its flat pins are comparatively longer than other VGA cables.

Final words:

Various cables are useful to connect printers and computers with each other and also with other devices. Initially, these cables are very complicated to understand but play a major role while creating connections with the internet.

Source: https://www.sooperarticles.com/shopping-articles/electronics-articles/different-types-usb-printer-cables-monitor-cables-1782746.html

Buy a variety of keystone jacks such as cat5 keystone jack, cat5e keystone jack, cat6 keystone jack, cat6a keystone jack, rj45 keystone jack, ethernet jack, network jack, keystone connectors and rj11/12 keystone jack online from SF Cable.

I don’t remember any part of my childhood without computers. From painting things in MS paint, searching for things on Yahoo to now doing everything from mobile phones, and being super-dependent upon for everything Google, we all grew up.

We know all there is to do with computers but what do we really know about computers? Its components and especially the computer cables.

We All Know About The CPU, Its Parts, Mouse, Keyboards, Etc. But, Here In This Article, We Are Going To Talk About The Types Of Cables And Ports Computers Have, Their Features And The Best Ways We Can Use Them:

VGA Cables:

VGA stands for Visual Graphics Array. It is a type of cable which carries visual display data from CPU to monitor. It consists of cable and a connector at each end and is usually blue in color. One end of the VGA cable is attached to the port in the graphics card on the motherboard while the other port is in the display device.

When the computer is running, the video card transmits video display signals through VGA cable that gets displayed on the monitor. Additionally, it has been noticed, short coaxial cables with insulation provide better video quality.

HDMI Cables:

HDMI cable is a type of cable which is useful for transmitting high definition video and audio signals. Its full form is High Definition Multimedia and was developed in 2003.

Using HDMI cables, we can transmit audio and video signals without compromising the quality of either of them. You can connect cable boxes, TVs, DVD players, electronic devices, and many more. What’s so great about HDMI cables is that they can transmit audio as well as video signals at the same time.

The advantage of having HDMI cables is that they have an audio return channel which increases the speed and efficiency of signals.

With the current advancements in technology, HDMI cables support ethernet which provides internet connection. The ethernet connection does not affect the audio visual components of the cable at all.

DVI Cables:

DVI stands for Digital Visual Interface. It is useful to connect video sources to monitors. They provide high-quality images and are mostly useful in CRT monitors. It transmits digital and analog signals to computer systems. They are capable of digital as well as analog connections.

Here’s how you can differentiate:

The cable with four pins is DVI analog cable
And if they have only flat pins then it is DVI digital cable

Ethernet Cable:

An Ethernet cable is a computer network cable useful for wired networks. The ethernet cable connects switches, monitors, PCs, laptops to local area networks.

Length and durability of cable are important as it defines the quality of the signal. Because of this, today we have different types of ethernet cables in the market.

One end of the ethernet cable attaches in the Ethernet port and the other goes on the motherboard. The cables look similar to phone cables but have more wires.

PS/2 Cables:

It is a standard cable useful to connect mouse and keyboard with the computer system. The length of the PS/2 cable is long so that we can easily use the mouse and keyboard with the system.

There are a total of 6 pins in PS/2 cables and a round connector and they come in major 2 sizes. The smaller size is common cable but some adapters use it to convert into a larger version.

With the current advancements in this field, PS/2 Cables have turned into USB cables. They are now universal cables using which you can plug and play easily.

Audio Cables:

3.5mm audio cables are useful in computer audio applications. These can be useful to connect mini-stereo, audio devices, PC sound cards, or any CD player with multimedia speakers. We can also connect earphones and headphones to the system.

The green port is used for headphones and computer speakers. Whereas the blue port is for DVD and MP3 player, and the pink port is to connect microphones.

USB Cables:

The USB cable is a standard cable that is useful to connect universal devices or any personal computers. It is useful for short-distance communication. Transferring data via USB cables is easy. Nowadays, they are useful for charging devices like smartphones, Bluetooth speakers, and many more.

Final Words:

To make a computer work there are many things which go behind it. Cables and ports play one of the major roles in keeping your computers up and running. Knowing and maintaining them is necessary.

We at SFCable can help you with all your cable requirements and more. You can contact us here.

Source: https://www.sfcable.com/blog/complete-guide-to-computer-cables

Graduation: a special day we all look forward to since the day we enter college. We all have worked hard for 4 years or maybe 5 years and waited for the big day to make our friends and family proud of our achievements.

But, this year, due to the pandemic many people were not able to attend as graduation means large gatherings. This might have made the batch of 2020 anxious and nervous about their future. Though many universities organized virtual graduation ceremonies, there will always be a void of not being able to attend it in person.

So, if you have a relative or friend who graduated this year but is going through some of the low times of life, then it's time to give them gifts, celebrate their graduation, and cheer them up.

Here We Have Designed A Complete List Of Gifts You Can Gift That’ll Help Them Become Future-Ready:

2. Smart watches: 
   
   This is the era of technology, a time of being smart. We live in the new concept of smart homes and smart cities. Everything is turning smart. This advancement in technology has given birth to smart watches too.
   
   Give your friends smart watches that sync their mobile’s data and enable them to access it from anywhere without having to stay attached to a mobile phone. Smart watches are mini versions of computers or our mobile phones. It's like everything on your wrist -- all of your data. Once everything is synced, they get notifications directly on their watch, reply to messages and emails, check social media platforms, know details of weather conditions, answer a call, track their health, and much more.
   
   
3. Smart home speaker:
   
   These are the current trends in every home today. We all have become used to saying “Hey Google,” “Hey Siri,” “Alexa, What's the weather today” for small menial tasks and updates.
   
   They have become part of our life and we rely heavily on them. From knowing the latest news to booking a cab or salon or playing endless music, smart home speaker is a perfect gift for anyone stepping into adulthood.
   
   
4. Flash drive:
   
   Flash drives are our forever companion just like mobile phones. We are a generation of online streaming services but that does not mean that we’ll prefer downloading movies, music, pictures, etc. over it. The Internet is not the most reliable source sometimes and that’s where a flash drive with your favorite movies and TV series comes into the picture. flash drives are available in many different storage sizes and of various brands. Go online and search for the best flash drive in different storage capacities and shape [like Einstein’s figurine] and get them for your friends. It will be a perfect gift to store their memories and movies.
   
   
5. Bluetooth speakers:
   
   Smart home speakers can be expensive but if your friend or relative loves living with background music than a Bluetooth speaker can also be a good gift choice. They are not helpful just to enjoy your favorite music at loud volume but also can be used to enjoy your favorite series.
   
   Yes! You can connect the speaker with your laptop and binge-watch your favorite series or movies and give yourself a feeling of home theatre.
   
   
6. Wireless chargers:
   
   Every day there is something or the other new coming in the tech world. Just like wireless earphones we have wireless chargers. Almost all the new mobile phone companies are introducing wireless chargers for their phones. If your friend has a phone which supports wireless charging then trust me without a thought gift wrap a wireless charger for them.
   
   They are portable and easy to carry everywhere. One does not have to worry about managing cables and adapters separately.
   
   
7. Power bank:
   
   Power banks: a pocket-friendly device that can come to your rescue when your battery is about to die. Never make the mistake of traveling without a USB power bank. When we travel it is not guaranteed when and where we will get charging points. And even if we get, we need to make sure that have the right plug for your brick. A USB power bank can save a lot of trouble for your friend or relative. Gift them one.

Final Words:

Graduation is one of the best memories for all of us. It's about reflecting on our childhood and teenage and it’s about looking forward to a brighter future as well. The graduates of batch 2020 will never forget this year and their ceremony. So, make sure to give them special gifts and make them and their hard work for years feel valued, and prepare them for the future.

We, at SF Cable, are equipped with a wide range of Bluetooth speakers, USB power banks, and much more. Browse through our website to find the perfect gift for your loved ones.

Source: https://www.sfcable.com/blog/choose-from-smart-gifts-for-batch-of-2020

Understand various cables and ports that play a major role in computers. What they are, what they do, and how you can best utilize them, and more. Read in detail…

The one cable that everyone knows is a USB cable. You unplug your phone from the charging brick and plug it into the laptop to keep it charging while you transfer files. It's so common that most of the time it goes unnoticed.

But like any other electronic item, there are nuances and if you learn all the differences between all of them, you will see how the slight changes in versions change the specifications and thus its abilities.

There are multiple types of USB cables and in all of those, there are versions. If you are building a cable tool kit that you can use for all your devices for various purposes, here are some that you should definitely add:

• USB A cable and its variants:
  
  A USB A to micro USB B cable is used for devices such as phones, tablets, ebook readers, point and shoot cameras, Bluetooth speakers, etc. Simply having one of these can be an asset. This also means you can use the same charging brick with all of them, essentially reducing the number of things you have to carry around.
  
  If your devices are on the new side, your cable of choice and need can be a USB A to USB C, in case it is not a USB C to USB C directly. USB C is incredibly fast, and depending on the version, can carry data faster without compromising on quality. With more and more devices switching to USB C, including high power laptops, this cable has become incredibly popular. The concept of fast charging was made popular by the USB C cable.
  
  The best audio video connection technology, DisplayPort also now uses one of the most popular USB connectors, the USB C. Of all the USB cables, the USB C cable has easily become one of the most adopted one. This an additional benefit of having this cable around. You can connect it to get your content on a bigger screen.
  
  
• HDMI cable:
  
  Having an HDMI cable around is extremely useful. Want to connect your TV to a streaming box? HDMI. Want to connect your TV to a soundbar? HDMI (ARC). It can be the answer to all your cable requirements in the audio video department.
  
  
• USB C adapter:
  
  The adoption of USB C is slow. So right now, all your devices may not use this cable. Carry around an adapter for some of your common devices so you can transfer data or charge with one cable. One of the most common adapters has been the USB C to headphone jack dongle. Instead of buying USB C headphones that may only work with your phone, you get this dongle so you can use the same headphones for multiple devices.

This should pretty much cover all your basic needs. However, just having these will not be enough. If you change a gadget or two that have a superior version of a particular port, you should also update the cable so you can take full advantage of the gadget and the benefits of that port, Of course.

The other cables that you should have are, of course, any proprietary ones that you need with your gadgets like a special charger for your fitness wearable, phone, or laptop.

Some of the common things you should know are:

• The best DisplayPort cables are the ones that use the USB C connector
• The latest HDMI one is good enough since the form factor of the connector has not changed.
• And if you are in the market for a new gadget that uses USB, opt for one that uses USB C so you need to carry around lesser cables overall.

Make sure to check that the version you buy is backward compatible if you need that for some of your gadgets.

Our catalog has all the cables you will need, and we can help you figure out the nuances of the versions and types.

Source: https://www.sfcable.com/blog/must-have-cables-in-your-everyday-cable-toolkit

The one cable that everyone knows is a USB cable. You unplug your phone from the charging brick and plug it into the laptop to keep it charging while you transfer files. It's so common that most of the time it goes unnoticed.

But like any other electronic item, there are nuances and if you learn all the differences between all of them, you will see how the slight changes in versions change the specifications and thus its abilities.

There are multiple types of USB cables and in all of those, there are versions. If you are building a cable tool kit that you can use for all your devices for various purposes, here are some that you should definitely add:

• USB A cable and its variants:
  
  A USB A to micro USB B cable is used for devices such as phones, tablets, ebook readers, point and shoot cameras, Bluetooth speakers, etc. Simply having one of these can be an asset. This also means you can use the same charging brick with all of them, essentially reducing the number of things you have to carry around.
  
  If your devices are on the new side, your cable of choice and need can be a USB A to USB C, in case it is not a USB C to USB C directly. USB C is incredibly fast, and depending on the version, can carry data faster without compromising on quality. With more and more devices switching to USB C, including high power laptops, this cable has become incredibly popular. The concept of fast charging was made popular by the USB C cable.
  
  The best audio video connection technology, DisplayPort also now uses one of the most popular USB connectors, the USB C. Of all the USB cables, the USB C cable has easily become one of the most adopted one. This an additional benefit of having this cable around. You can connect it to get your content on a bigger screen.
  
  
• HDMI cable:
  
  Having an HDMI cable around is extremely useful. Want to connect your TV to a streaming box? HDMI. Want to connect your TV to a soundbar? HDMI (ARC). It can be the answer to all your cable requirements in the audio video department.
  
  
• USB C adapter:
  
  The adoption of USB C is slow. So right now, all your devices may not use this cable. Carry around an adapter for some of your common devices so you can transfer data or charge with one cable. One of the most common adapters has been the USB C to headphone jack dongle. Instead of buying USB C headphones that may only work with your phone, you get this dongle so you can use the same headphones for multiple devices.

This should pretty much cover all your basic needs. However, just having these will not be enough. If you change a gadget or two that have a superior version of a particular port, you should also update the cable so you can take full advantage of the gadget and the benefits of that port, Of course.

The other cables that you should have are, of course, any proprietary ones that you need with your gadgets like a special charger for your fitness wearable, phone, or laptop.

Some of the common things you should know are:

• The best DisplayPort cables are the ones that use the USB C connector
• The latest HDMI one is good enough since the form factor of the connector has not changed.
• And if you are in the market for a new gadget that uses USB, opt for one that uses USB C so you need to carry around lesser cables overall.

Make sure to check that the version you buy is backward compatible if you need that for some of your gadgets.

Our catalog has all the cables you will need, and we can help you figure out the nuances of the versions and types.

Source: https://www.sfcable.com/blog/must-have-cables-in-your-everyday-cable-toolkit

Buying a gadget is all cool until you are surrounded by 5 different ones and only 2 plug points nearby. Everything needs to be charged one after the other.

This article gives insights about the ways USB printer cables and USB monitor cables are useful, different types and their uses. Read more to know in detail...

Data centers and network support have become an integral part of every business today. The software applications which keep mission-critical operations running in redundant, 24/7 ecosystems, rely on structured cabling systems that are properly engineered which they use to connect the cloud to every user. So, you can say that structured cabling is the main foundation of data centers.

However, structured cabling is not as useful as UPS systems, it plays a vital role in supporting the cloud. But, there is one important component which people easily forget is patch cord, also known as fiber optic patch cord.

Usually, we buy patch cords at the last minute and install them haphazardly. But, you can improve the performance of your network by selecting the right patch cord type.

Proper design, specification, manufacturing, installation, and maintenance of patch cord systems help to ensure that your network experiences much uptime.

If there is a problem with the patch cord, it can create problems for any enterprise company.

Now comes the question, what factors lead to so much growth of the data which in turn increases the dependency on having a strong network.

The tremendous amount of data growth is due to social media, video streaming, IoT, Big data analytics, and many such platforms. All these things have not given birth only to data bandwidth but are even increasing the speed at which data grows.

One more factor you need to consider is network design. The network designs such as leaf spine fabric make it easier to convert the network into low latency. This, in turn, makes the Ethernet and corresponding patch cords important.

Looking at all these technical terms you might have gone crazy.

Don't worry, relax. Let's go step by step:

What is a patch cord?

It is a cable that connects on both ends. Another name for fiber optic cable is fiber optic jumper or simply jumper. They are part of the local area network and are useful to connect network switches to servers, storage, and monitoring portals. Today they are one of the most integral parts of the structured cabling system.

Copper patch cords are either made with solid or stranded copper wire and due to potential signal loss, lengths are shorter compared to connector cables.

Fiber optic patch cord is the fiber optic cable that caps at both ends with connectors. It allows the cord to rapidly connect with an optical switch or other telecommunications or computer devices. The fiber cord is useful to connect the optical transmitter, receiver, and terminal box.

Now, comes the question of how to select perfect Patch Cords:

There are many patch cords which you can consider, but there are some key elements that one must consider:

2. Size: A copper patch cord has a small outside diameter and takes less space. It even has a small bend radius. This allows it to deploy in space deprived environments and offers more working space for expansion in the future.
4. Twinning: A stable and consistent twinning process i.e. twisting the copper conductors helps to maintain internal cable characteristics, this reduces signal loss during physical transmission of the data.
6. Bonded pair technology: To achieve uniform spacing between the twisted pair, as well as reliable electrical performance, the process of bonding individual conductors along with the longitudinal axis is what you need.
8. Types of testing: Transmission performance data depends on the integrity of the system, it includes cables, connects with the hardware, cross-connects wiring, and patch cord. The network goes through multiple testings like post-installation and manufacturers testing to ensure the reliability and availability of the network.
10. Length: One needs to consider the length of the twisted pairs and its restriction before using it.
12. Connections: Look for snaggles, over-molded boots, which has features like strain and pull relief and protects patch cords from damage.
14. Traceability: Tracing the patch cord's connection improves reliability, reduces troubleshooting time, improves uptime, and reduces the workload of your IT teams.

Now, comes the real question:

How to select fiber optic jumpers?

To choose the fiber patch cords you need to take many factors into consideration. Ask yourself below mentioned questions before purchasing them:

2. Which connector type is useful? LC, SC, ST, FC, MPO, or MTP. Each of them has its pros and cons. Selecting the correct connector speeds up deployment tasks and reduces the costs.
4. Single-mode or Multimode? Single Mode patch cords are useful for long-distance, whereas multimode patch cords are useful for shorter distances.
6. Should you use simplex or duplex cable?
8. Length of the patch cords. They are available in 2m, 3m, and 5m. The correct patch cord length eliminates the problem of damage, slack, and more.
10. What type of cable jacket is useful? It depends on the location where you are installing. The exterior cabling jacket is available in different configurations and protects the cable's insulation and conductor. You can select the different jackets depending on the environmental conditions and ensure the safety and performance of your cable.

Final Words:

Today we all want high bandwidth and faster networks. This requires the network to handle high computing and reliability. There are various types of cables and patch cords available. But, which to use when and how depends on your requirements. So, before purchasing any make sure that you know its purpose and are using it in the best possible way.

Source: https://www.sooperarticles.com/business-articles/networking-articles/all-you-need-know-about-impact-patch-cords-network-1778373.html

Data centers and network support have become an integral part of every business today. The software applications which keep mission-critical operations running in redundant, 24/7 ecosystems, rely on structured cabling systems that are properly engineered which they use to connect the cloud to every user. So, you can say that structured cabling is the main foundation of data centers.

However, structured cabling is not as useful as UPS systems, it plays a vital role in supporting the cloud. But, there is one important component which people easily forget is patch cord, also known as fiber optic patch cord.

Usually, we buy patch cords at the last minute and install them haphazardly. But, you can improve the performance of your network by selecting the right patch cord type.

Proper design, specification, manufacturing, installation, and maintenance of patch cord systems help to ensure that your network experiences much uptime.

If there is a problem with the patch cord, it can create problems for any enterprise company.

Now comes the question, what factors lead to so much growth of the data which in turn increases the dependency on having a strong network.

The tremendous amount of data growth is due to social media, video streaming, IoT, Big data analytics, and many such platforms. All these things have not given birth only to data bandwidth but are even increasing the speed at which data grows.

One more factor you need to consider is network design. The network designs such as leaf spine fabric make it easier to convert the network into low latency. This, in turn, makes the Ethernet and corresponding patch cords important.

Looking at all these technical terms you might have gone crazy.

Don't worry, relax. Let's go step by step:

What is a patch cord?

It is a cable that connects on both ends. Another name for fiber optic cable is fiber optic jumper or simply jumper. They are part of the local area network and are useful to connect network switches to servers, storage, and monitoring portals. Today they are one of the most integral parts of the structured cabling system.

Copper patch cords are either made with solid or stranded copper wire and due to potential signal loss, lengths are shorter compared to connector cables.

Fiber optic patch cord is the fiber optic cable that caps at both ends with connectors. It allows the cord to rapidly connect with an optical switch or other telecommunications or computer devices. The fiber cord is useful to connect the optical transmitter, receiver, and terminal box.

Now, comes the question of how to select perfect Patch Cords:

There are many patch cords which you can consider, but there are some key elements that one must consider:

2. Size: A copper patch cord has a small outside diameter and takes less space. It even has a small bend radius. This allows it to deploy in space deprived environments and offers more working space for expansion in the future.
4. Twinning: A stable and consistent twinning process i.e. twisting the copper conductors helps to maintain internal cable characteristics, this reduces signal loss during physical transmission of the data.
6. Bonded pair technology: To achieve uniform spacing between the twisted pair, as well as reliable electrical performance, the process of bonding individual conductors along with the longitudinal axis is what you need.
8. Types of testing: Transmission performance data depends on the integrity of the system, it includes cables, connects with the hardware, cross-connects wiring, and patch cord. The network goes through multiple testings like post-installation and manufacturers testing to ensure the reliability and availability of the network.
10. Length: One needs to consider the length of the twisted pairs and its restriction before using it.
12. Connections: Look for snaggles, over-molded boots, which has features like strain and pull relief and protects patch cords from damage.
14. Traceability: Tracing the patch cord's connection improves reliability, reduces troubleshooting time, improves uptime, and reduces the workload of your IT teams.

Now, comes the real question:

How to select fiber optic jumpers?

To choose the fiber patch cords you need to take many factors into consideration. Ask yourself below mentioned questions before purchasing them:

2. Which connector type is useful? LC, SC, ST, FC, MPO, or MTP. Each of them has its pros and cons. Selecting the correct connector speeds up deployment tasks and reduces the costs.
4. Single-mode or Multimode? Single Mode patch cords are useful for long-distance, whereas multimode patch cords are useful for shorter distances.
6. Should you use simplex or duplex cable?
8. Length of the patch cords. They are available in 2m, 3m, and 5m. The correct patch cord length eliminates the problem of damage, slack, and more.
10. What type of cable jacket is useful? It depends on the location where you are installing. The exterior cabling jacket is available in different configurations and protects the cable's insulation and conductor. You can select the different jackets depending on the environmental conditions and ensure the safety and performance of your cable.

Final Words:

Today we all want high bandwidth and faster networks. This requires the network to handle high computing and reliability. There are various types of cables and patch cords available. But, which to use when and how depends on your requirements. So, before purchasing any make sure that you know its purpose and are using it in the best possible way.

Source: https://www.sooperarticles.com/business-articles/networking-articles/all-you-need-know-about-impact-patch-cords-network-1778373.html

For every power supply, there is a separate cord that supports its work. Server power cord plays an important role in connecting the servers and PDUs. It is vital to choose the suitable network systems as power cord standards differ on the basis of the countries.

In this article, we will discuss the server power cords and their applications.

You can use power cords or jumper cords to connect with the server. They consist of three necessary components i.e. plug, cord, and receptacle. There are different types of cords available across the globe. But, amongst all, the most common ones are the IEC60320 power cords and NEMA power cords.

IECs are available in North America and other countries have NEMA cords. Going further among these server power cables, the most common among the vendors like Dell, HP, and many others are C13 to C14 power cords. There are many different types in these two types of cords.

Let's understand the applications of these power cords in different cabling systems:

2. Cabling in Low Density System:

    

4. It is easy to install cords for low density systems. For example, you need to take a server in a tower configuration, it needs to use a country-specific cord for direct connection to a facility AC feed.

    

6. The server availability requires providing redundant AC power to the server in the form of a redundant AC bus or a UPS.

    

8. Remember connecting with the local AC outlet requires you to have optional country-specific cords for each of the power supply.

10. Cabling for Medium Density:

     

12. Medium density system is a bit complex compared to the low density system. Hence, there are different types of accessories needed to achieve an effective connection.

     

14. Some servers contain hot pluggable fans accessible for sliding the chassis out on rails. Make sure that the cords or jumper cables connect to the server at the adequate length and slack to allow chassis movement and stay connected and running.

16. Cabling for High Density System:

     

18. Power cords used in high density systems are short as cable movement is little. There are three ways to connect enclosures to AC power:

    • C13 to C14 cords are useful to connect a single supply server to a vertical mount PDU and it is suitable for low density installations.
    • C13 x4 to C20 fixed cord extension bars: it is a method recommended for extreme density installations which uses redundant power supplies.
    • In the third category, it uses C13 x2 to C20 Y cable. It is useful for connecting a server with dual 1200 watts power supplies directly to a PDU core with C19 outlets.

    There are many cables which are useful for high density systems and for systems like this, color coding is a useful method.

20. further let's have a look at the best practices of these cords in the data centers and connecting with the power plug adapters.

     

22. While designing the data centers or mapping the racks, we often tend to forget the cords. But, choosing the correct cord helps you in lessening energy consumption, data center uptime, and service response times.

Without further ado, let's begin:

2. Length Cord:

    

4. The most important rule that you should have to build an efficient data center cord is choosing the right length. Shorter the length the better it is. Sometimes, there is power lost in the cords due to longer lengths, and this results in loss of hundreds of dollars annually.

    

6. The length of cords also plays a major role in the airflow within the data cabinets and longer cords cause a blockage.

8. Using the Correct Gauge:

    

10. It is important to select the correct gauge cord. The large diameter conductors carry electrical current more efficiently and it can be a fire hazard to use a cord using gauge that is too thin for the requirements.

12. Using color coded power cords:

     

14. Tracing a cord from source to equipment is foolproof if you are using different color cords. This can help you identify redundant power paths and can prevent unwanted disconnections while moving.

16. Use shielded pairs:

     

18. EMI is a serious issue in the data center. Usually, Ethernet cables have the connections made of unshielded twisted pair grade cable. If the unshielded twisted pair is within the proximity of an unshielded AC power cord, then EMI can occur. This results in performance degradation. Whereas, shielded cords can reduce the irregular data problems which can positively affect your organization.

Conclusion:

Server cords play a vital role in bridging the network device power supply system. One also needs to make sure about the power plug adapter they are using in data centers. Power cords are multipurpose and each of them has their own benefits.

Source: https://www.sooperarticles.com/shopping-articles/electronics-articles/all-about-power-cords-your-data-centers-1778156.html

For every power supply, there is a separate cord that supports its work. Server power cord plays an important role in connecting the servers and PDUs. It is vital to choose the suitable network systems as power cord standards differ on the basis of the countries.

In this article, we will discuss the server power cords and their applications.

You can use power cords or jumper cords to connect with the server. They consist of three necessary components i.e. plug, cord, and receptacle. There are different types of cords available across the globe. But, amongst all, the most common ones are the IEC60320 power cords and nema power cords.

IECs are available in North America and other countries have NEMA cords. Going further among these server power cables, the most common among the vendors like Dell, HP, and many others are C13 to C14 power cords. There are many different types in these two types of cords.

Let's understand the applications of these power cords in different cabling systems:

2. Cabling in Low Density System:

    

4. It is easy to install cords for low density systems. For example, you need to take a server in a tower configuration, it needs to use a country-specific cord for direct connection to a facility AC feed.

    

6. The server availability requires providing redundant AC power to the server in the form of a redundant AC bus or a UPS.

   Remember connecting with the local AC outlet requires you to have optional country-specific cords for each of the power supply.

8. Cabling for Medium Density:

    

10. Medium density system is a bit complex compared to the low density system. Hence, there are different types of accessories needed to achieve an effective connection.

    Some servers contain hot pluggable fans accessible for sliding the chassis out on rails. Make sure that the cords or jumper cables connect to the server at the adequate length and slack to allow chassis movement and stay connected and running.

12. Cabling for High Density System:

     

14. Power cords used in high density systems are short as cable movement is little. There are three ways to connect enclosures to AC power:

    • C13 to C14 cords are useful to connect a single supply server to a vertical mount PDU and it is suitable for low density installations.
    • C13 x4 to C20 fixed cord extension bars: it is a method recommended for extreme density installations which uses redundant power supplies.
    • In the third category, it uses C13 x2 to C20 Y cable. It is useful for connecting a server with dual 1200 watts power supplies directly to a PDU core with C19 outlets.

    There are many cables which are useful for high density systems and for systems like this, color coding is a useful method.

     

    Going further let's have a look at the best practices of these cords in the data centers and connecting with the power plug adapters.

     

16. While designing the data centers or mapping the racks, we often tend to forget the cords. But, choosing the correct cord helps you in lessening energy consumption, data center uptime, and service response times.

Without further ado, let's begin:

2. Length Cord:

    

4. The most important rule that you should have to build an efficient data center cord is choosing the right length. Shorter the length the better it is. Sometimes, there is power lost in the cords due to longer lengths, and this results in loss of hundreds of dollars annually.

    

6. The length of cords also plays a major role in the airflow within the data cabinets and longer cords cause a blockage.

8. Using the Correct Gauge:

    

10. It is important to select the correct gauge cord. The large diameter conductors carry electrical current more efficiently and it can be a fire hazard to use a cord using gauge that is too thin for the requirements.

12. Using color coded power cords:

     

14. Tracing a cord from source to equipment is foolproof if you are using different color cords. This can help you identify redundant power paths and can prevent unwanted disconnections while moving.

16. Use shielded pairs:

     

18. EMI is a serious issue in the data center. Usually, Ethernet cables have the connections made of unshielded twisted pair grade cable. If the unshielded twisted pair is within the proximity of an unshielded AC power cord, then EMI can occur. This results in performance degradation. Whereas, shielded cords can reduce the irregular data problems which can positively affect your organization.

Conclusion:

Server cords play a vital role in bridging the network device power supply system. One also needs to make sure about the power plug adapters they are using in data centers. Power cords are multipurpose and each of them has their own benefits.

Source: https://www.sooperarticles.com/shopping-articles/electronics-articles/all-about-power-cords-your-data-centers-1778156.html