How computer cables are laid out in a company

In general, office computer cables begin in the server room and travel first via thick "backbone" cabling, which connects the outside world to your network; "horizontal" cabling across false ceilings, which carries it to offices; then, finally, the smaller, consumer-friendly wires that hook a PC or Web phone to the wall jack.

I recommend: Shop for computer cable at online outlets such as ComputerCableStore.com, CableMakers, and PC Cables. See more on computer cables at the Business.com directory page on networking and wiring.

Understanding the different grades of computer cables

Computer cable meets international standards according to its use, from Category 1, which is the least shielded (used to wire things like doorbells and phones) through Category 7, capable of carrying dense electronic data traffic.

I recommend: Also called "ethernet" and "cat" computer network cable, the basic design is called the "twisted pair," strands of shielded, smaller wires running in a braid pattern to cancel out interference. The higher the category, the more complex the cable and shielding design. Some vendor sites include Lanshack, Infinite Cables, BlackBox, and TWAComm. Find more information on ethernet computer cables at Business.com.

Look for bulk cable for big jobs

If you've ever seen an office server room, you know they quickly become a rat's nest of computer cabling. Then you have to consider the "run," or how far down a hall, through walls and back around your computer cabling will go. Bulk cable is often a better deal.

I recommend: A pro installer can make an estimate based on square footage and the number of phone terminals or PCs you need to connect. In any case, you'll need thousands of feet. Buy computer cable in bulk to save money. See bulk cable pricing from Dalco, Altex, Ram Electronics, and Cypress Industries. See resources for buying bulk cable at Business.com.

Buying computer cabling for small office users or for home needs

Getting the Net from your server to a wall jack is one thing (and usually comes built-in to your office space). Yet you still need to get computer network cable from wall to desktop. Likewise, there are a lot of specialized cables to connect specific peripherals, like printers, scanners, digital cameras, and memory backup.

I recommend: Although many peripherals are going wireless using Bluetooth short-range radio connectivity, you will need a Category 5 cable to link the wall to your computer, then USB cables for most peripherals. General computer cable vendors have all this, but if you need to just one or two machines' worth, try stores like Best Buy, Circuit City, Office Depot, Staples or similar. For more, take a look cables and wires for computer networking at Business.com.