What Do I Need to Know About Low-Voltage Cabling?

Low-voltage cabling, structured cabling, or network cabling is a key component in your IT infrastructure. It carries business-critical information. Here are the answers to our clients’ FAQ.

What is low-voltage or network cabling used for?

Network cabling connects all the IT equipment in a business and allows it to communicate and create a network. Over the network these services are transmitted:

  • Data
  • Voice
  • Video
  • Multimedia
  • Telephone

What’s the difference between Cat5, Cat6 and Fibre?

Cat5 is copper and is commonly used. It provides good speed. Cat6 is the next generation and provides faster speed than Cat5. Fibre provides the fastest throughput and has the longest distance. With business moving more online, with video quality improving and its use becoming more prevalent, improved speed and greater bandwidth are needed. Fibre is the best cabling and the optimal way to future-proof your network cabling.

I’ve heard about Cat 7 Cabling. Is it better than Cat 5 or Cat 6?

Category 7 cables can be used with Cat 5 or Cat 6, but are superior to the older versions of the cable. This new, Class F cable keeps system noise to a minimum. How? Inside the cable, the individual wire pairs are shielded. This individual shielding of wire pairs helps the cabling convey signal without as much signal degradation and signal lap between wire pairs.

Why should I get low-voltage cabling when I have Wi-Fi?

Wi-Fi is great for mobile devices. But there are many benefits to network cabling than Wi-Fi:

  • It is faster and has more bandwidth.
  • It is more secure than Wi-Fi as a device must be physically connected to access the network.
  • There are no blind spots or issues with weak signals over network cables.
  • It is energy efficient and scalable.
  • It is reliable with no speed loss over distance.
  • There is less complexity for users as they just connect a cable, rather than deal with Wi-Fi passwords.
  • It allows IT support to rebuild PCs remotely.
  • Low-voltage cabling is easier to troubleshoot than Wi-Fi.

When should I have network cabling done?

A great time to upgrade your cabling is during a remodel or when building new facilities. The business advantage of better network speed and connectivity that low-voltage cabling provides makes it a good return on investment. The cabling will last and requires minimal upgrades and maintenance.

What other IT services do you provide to Greater Louisville companies?

  • VoIP – Helping you communicate securely, professionally, and efficiently from anywhere
  • Network Infrastructure Management – Providing continuous IT management, maintenance, and operational monitoring
  • Cybersecurity – protecting your in-house and cloud assets against online dangers
  • Backup and Disaster Recovery – Making sure that your data is saved and secured against localized negative events
  • Break/Fix Hourly Support Services – Providing IT support help on an hours plus materials basis
  • Cloud Services – Helping you make the most of the flexibility, mobility, and cost savings benefits of cloud options
  • Mobile Device Security and Management – Enabling you to utilize your mobile device without compromising security
  • Cabling – Getting new builds or renovations properly wired for new or expanded networks
  • Help Desk – Giving you the answers you need for day-to-day questions and addressing troubleshooting requests
  • Internet and Connectivity Consulting – Helping you sort through your internet needs and carrier options