If your company uses a local area network (LAN), then they are most likely using a cat cable of some type to network their computers. By gaining some cat cable education and training, you can help your company reduce costs by keeping the work in-house.
Cat cables consist of twisted copper and can carry high-speed transmissions of data. Looking at cat cables compared, there are four categories that are still in use today: cat 5 cable, cat 5e cable, cat 6 cable and cat 7 cable. Deciding which one to use for a particular business comes down to certain considerations:
1. How fast the cat cable needs to carry information
2. How long the cabling will need to be
3. How much the business can afford to spend on cat cable for the network
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Understand exactly what a cat cable is and how to compare the different kinds
This is also sometimes called Ethernet cable. Cabling is a huge industry and there are many types out there. In addition to wanting to know what cat cable is versus other types of cable (like fiber optics), you'll also want to know the difference in speeds and capacities of various types of cat cable.
I recommend: WiseGeek has a great description of cat 5 cable.
Search Data Center has an excellent table that compares the various categories of twisted pair cabling in terms of both maximum data rate and usual application.
Consider installing a cat 5 network
For most businesses a cat 5 network or cat 5e network provides sufficient speed in data transmission. If your building is not huge, it may be possible to install cat 5 network cable yourself with the help of online guides.
I recommend: Electric Toolbox offers tips on how to install a cat 5 network. An article on
Fluke Networks explains the importance of testing your network cabling once it’s in place.
Get certified in an area relevant to cat cables info
Certification tests can be difficult to pass, so make sure you study and prepare for it adequately. It's a worthwhile investment though, as your current employer and all future employers will see your certification as an asset.
I recommend: The Building Industry Consulting Service International, Inc. (BICSI) has created an
ITS Cabling Installation Program, which went through a complete overhaul in 2008. The exam includes a written test, as well as a hands-on test. For more information on the changes to the program, check out
Cabling Installation & Maintenance's descriptions of the updates.
Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide
- There are a lot of places that sell study guides for the BICSI exams. Since these can vary greatly in cost and effectiveness, make sure to check out reviews and look at several different options before purchasing.
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