Infrastructure of telecommunication networks involves the use of many technical means. The main one is the wired element, which provides the transfer of information. Both radio frequency and cable can act as a channel. The second option is the most practical, so it is used more often. However, even in this group there are many subspecies and various modifications of guiding media. Fiber optic communication cable is becoming more and more popular, but traditional wiring does not lose its position in the market. Familiar twisted pair, in particular, is valued for its affordability and relative stability in data transmission.
Using cables
Wires of this type are used to transmit various information. In particular, lines are organized for broadcasting a television signal, providing telephone communications and exchanging digital data. Accordingly, there may be a different purpose in terms of the scale and location of the laying. There are intercity, interregional and zonal lines. With the development of communication systems, a separate classification of networks into urban and rural ones also appeared. Lines are laid not only outdoors, forming air and ground channels, but also inside buildings for direct connection with equipment. Familiar to many telephone cable,for example, it can be underwater and wall-mounted. Belonging to a particular class determines the method of installation.
Communication cable device
Several components can be used in the construction of a cable. The basis, as a rule, is a conductive "core", through which the signal is transmitted. The simplest device is balanced cables, which use two identical wires that form the same twisted pair. It should also be noted insulating materials. They are represented by different coatings, but the most common is braid and external insulation, which protects the cables. Communication lines may provide different degrees of protection for wiring, depending on the operating conditions and the laying method itself. A structured cabling system cannot be considered without mentioning the accessories and accessories that allow efficient installation. This group of elements includes various connectors, connectors, cross panels and mounting cabinets.
Types of shells
As already noted, the shell performs a protective function, therefore, in outdoor conditions, the importance of this material increases. This coating protects not only the conductor, but also the insulation layers, since moisture contact with the coating can disrupt and even spoil this section of the line. So, the shell consists of reinforcing and sealing layers. Metal, plastic, rubber and even paper can be used as a material for them. Metal plays a special role in the device, since it canperform the screening function. Traditional types of communication cables, including symmetrical and coaxial, can be provided with a screen based on a metal sheet, mesh or foil. There is also a whole group of shells made of polyvinyl chloride. This is a rather practical and functional material, which in this case can act as an element of physical protection, and a semiconductor, and a layer for insulation.
Coaxial cable
The basis of the cable is formed by two cylinders with different diameters, whose axis is aligned. At the same time, one of these elements is placed inside the other, which forms the configuration of a solid inner conductor. Such devices are used for broadcasting in a wide range of frequencies. This communication cable has the highest stability in terms of electrical qualities at frequencies up to 4 GHz. For this reason, coaxial wires are used in radio and microwave systems, in computer local area networks, as well as in infrastructure for providing cable television. Moreover, telephony providers use this cable in the laying of backbone networks, which in itself indicates a high reliability of the product. With regard to equipping the protective sheath, the entire range of practical solutions from paper wrapping to armored steel tape is used for this conductor. In some cases, the cable is laid without protection at all - in its bare form.
Balanced cable
In this case, the strands are twisted intoisolated groups, that is, twisted pairs. This arrangement creates equal conditions for both strands of the circuit, which minimizes the impact of the wires on each other. It also prevents the mutual movement of the cores in areas with bends and maintains a round shape. In addition to the classic pair twist, there is also a quad configuration, as well as double and hybrid layouts. In order to facilitate the correct installation of a balanced cable, manufacturers mark each group with one color. The base hues commonly used in pairs are red and blue. Regardless of the quality of the sheath, the communication cable is also provided with an internal winding of wires. For this, colored synthetic or cotton yarn is used.
Fiber optic cables
Optical cables are formed by two-layer fiberglass made of multi-component or quartz glass. By the way, the diameter of such a fiber is 100-150 microns. Reinforcing and plastic threads are used as insulation. The protective coating is selected depending on the operating conditions, but the spectrum is the same as in the case of traditional communication wires. It is also important to note the division of such cables into multimode and single mode. The main difference between them determines the size of the core, which can be represented by one or more thin fibers. For example, a single-mode cable has a thickness of about 8-10 microns, which helps to eliminate intermode dispersion. In turn, the core of multimode fibers is up to 60 microns. Despite the high speedtransmission of information and reliability, such channels lose to single-mode ones due to dispersion distortion.
Cables for special applications
This category includes cables that have an armored cover that protects the base from external influences. The outer covering can be represented by solid steel wire elements. Typically, such a high level of external protection is required for networks that must be laid under water. From this point of view, wires should be divided into sea and river. In the first case, the design is calculated for the ability to protect against wave impacts, moving along a rocky bottom, resistance to ice, etc. Such protection is implemented by two-layer wire armor, the wire diameter of which is 4-6 mm.
River communication cable is not structurally different from underground directional communication of this type. However, in this case, an increased thickness of the steel or lead sheath is provided. The requirements for coastal wiring are not so high. Such nets are provided with one layer of armor made of round steel wire with a diameter of 6 mm.
Laying the communication cable
Usually communication lines are laid underground in special sewers. Engineers strive to carry out installation in such a way that a minimum number of bends is formed. In extreme cases, wells are created - points at which a bunch of individual cable segments takes place in order to ensure turns. There are some features in the laying of fiber opticlines. The main difficulty in working with such wiring is the need to achieve optimal tension. After completion of earthworks, the line is drawn to the building, where fastening and connection are carried out. For example, a telephone cable, due to its size, can be laid with fixation with special staples or studs. But, from the point of view of external perception, the best solution would be to draw a line through the channel under the baseboard or in the ceiling niche.
Conclusion
Today, any owner of a private house can organize a modern connection of a communication cable to his house without any special technical problems. As practice shows, the correct initial calculation of this event significantly increases the chances of forming a durable network. At the same time, the price of a communication cable for domestic needs varies in the average range from 100 to 200 rubles. per 1 meter, which allows you not to save on the quality of materials. The most expensive solutions today are represented by fiber optics as the most efficient and productive signal translator. Its cost is higher than traditional solutions, but for a one-time installation, this choice justifies itself. If you plan to implement a large-scale project, then perhaps you should limit yourself to using coaxial or balanced wires.
