Data Cabling Technology Has Advanced Tremendously in Pittsburgh

Data cabling has grown to include multiple options for data transmission over the past two decades. What started with copper-wire phone lines has extended to satellite internet service, coaxial cables, and fiber-optic cables. Coaxial and fiber-optic cables provide the biggest and most lucrative opportunities for internet service providers as well as telecommunications companies. Now that Google has announced its ultra-high speed internet project dealing with fiber-optic cables, the demand for and the drive to provide faster and more efficient service has grown astronomically. Because of these developments in technology it is important to understand the finer points of the different data cabling options.

Coaxial Cabling in Pittsburgh, PA

Coaxial cable, most often known as simply 'cable' service (as opposed to dial-up or satellite service) is double-insulated copper wire cable used for internet and television transmission. A coaxial cable has a plastic sheath covering the entire length of the cable; a woven copper shield immediately below the plastic sheath; a plastic insulator below the sheath; and finally the actual copper wire itself below the insulator. This type of design allows data transmission in the form of a special electrical current that carries radio frequencies. There are disadvantages to this type of data transmission; for instance, the cable cannot be bent or even significantly curved without ruining the connection to the ISP provider, since the signal would then start reflecting back to the source.

Fiber-optic Cabling in Pittsburgh, PA

Fiber-optic data transmission is the latest and most advanced technology to make an appearance in commercial internet and television service providers. An optical fiber cable is made up of a thread of glass as thin as a human hair, and so pure that you could see through it for miles. Light pulses actually travel through the thread itself, referred to as the core; the core is surrounded by cladding, which is another optical material that reflects the light back into the core and ensures that data is transmitted successfully; finally, a plastic buffer coating protects the cladding and core from damage.

The Future of Data Cabling in Pittsburgh, PA

Data cabling technology has advanced almost to the level of science fiction. These new developments make it important to make sure you have sufficient data cabling on hand for your needs. This applies to offices and industrial settings, as well as other institutions such as hospitals. If your building is lagging behind, you should contact Hanlon Electric today and get more information about how we can help you bring your building's data capabilities into the 21st century.