Cable High-Speed Internet Wiring Requirements

By David Lipscomb

Cable broadband uses a variety of interconnects to make up the network.
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High speed cable broadband wiring requirements are the same, regardless of service provider. This cabling is part of any modern networking backbone, each with their specific tasks. Various types of cables are assigned to connect the switches, routers and modems within the cable Internet system. Additionally, secondary cables are used to connect computers to one another, completing the network wiring scheme.

RG-11

RG-11 is a thick, relatively inflexible cable, able to carry broadband Internet signals hundreds of feet with minimal loss. The connectors on RG-11 are larger than the standard "F" fittings found on cable modems. In conjunction with the less-than-friendly level of flexibility, RG-11 is perfect for running from the distribution box outside to your home.

RG-6

The staple of all cable broadband Internet systems, RG-6 carries the signal to the cable modem. Taking over for the RG-11 carrying the feed to the structure, RG-6's increased flexibility, smaller size and robust signal carrying capacity make it ideal for the installation. Additionally, RG-6 is easily split, making it simple for you or an installer to send broadband Internet one direction, and high definition cable television another, if your subscription supports this.

Ethernet

Ethernet cables are thin, twisted-pair cables with latching connectors. Similar in appearance to a large phone wire, these cables attach from the modem to a router or switch. Ethernet wires are the final connection interconnect from these devices to computers, laptops and other networkable devices like video game consoles. Ethernet cables come in shielded and unshielded versions, chosen based on the amount of electromagnetic or radio frequency interference generated from AC power lines or other electronics.

Crossover Cables

These devices look outwardly like Ethernet cables, with two of the twisted pairs internally inverted. The purpose of this is to directly connect two computers within a broadband cable network, without the need for a switch. Two computers directly transfer data, sharing storage and connected peripheral devices.

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