Communication cable: types and applications

The infrastructure of telecommunication networks involves the use of many technical means. The main one is a wired element, which ensures the transmission of information. As a channel, both the radio frequency and the cable can act. The second option is the most practical, so it is used more often. However, in this group there are many subspecies and various modifications of the guide media. The fiber-optic communication cable is becoming more popular, but the traditional wiring does not lose its positions in the market. A familiar twisted pair, in particular, is valued for affordability and relative stability in data transmission.

Application of cables

Wires of this type are used to transmit different information. In particular, the lines are organized for broadcasting a television signal, providing telephone communications and exchanging digital data. Accordingly, there may be different purposes in terms of the scale and location of the gasket. There are long-distance, inter-regional and zonal lines. With the development of communication systems, a separate classification of networks for urban and rural has appeared. Lines are laid not only outdoors, forming air and ground channels, but also inside buildings for direct communication with equipment. A telephone cable, familiar to many, for example, can be underwater and wall-mounted. Belonging to one class or another determines the way of installation.

Cable communication device

Several components can be used in the cable design. The core, as a rule, is a conducting "core", through which the signal is transmitted. The simplest device has symmetrical cables, in which two identical wires are used, forming the same twisted pair. Also it should be noted insulating materials. They are represented by different coatings, but the most common is braiding and external insulation, which protects the cables. Communication lines may provide different degrees of protection for wiring depending on the operating conditions and the method of installation. A structured cabling system can not be considered without mentioning accessories and accessories that allow for effective 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 conditions of outdoor use, the significance of this material is increased. This coating protects not only the conductor, but also the insulation layers, since contact of moisture with the coating can disrupt and even spoil this section of the line. So, the shell consists of reinforcing and sealing layers. As a material for them, metal, plastic, rubber and even paper can be used. Metal plays a special role in the device, since it can perform the screening function. Traditional types of communication cables, including symmetrical and coaxial, can be provided with a screen based on metal sheet, mesh or foil. There is also a whole group of shells made of polyvinyl chloride. This is quite 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, in which the axis is aligned. At the same time, one of these elements is placed in the other, which forms the configuration of a solid internal conductor. Such devices are used for broadcasting in a wide range of frequencies. The highest stability in terms of electrical qualities, this communication cable is different at frequencies up to 4 GHz. For this reason, coaxial wires are used in radio and microwave systems, in computer local networks, as well as in the infrastructure for providing cable television. Moreover, telephone service providers use this cable in the laying of trunk networks, which in itself testifies to the high reliability of the product. As for the equipment with a protective shell, the whole range of practiced solutions from the paper winding to the armored steel tape is used for this conductor. In some cases, the cable is laid and completely without protection - in the bare state.

Symmetrical cable

In this case, the wires are twisted into isolated groups, that is, twisted pairs. This arrangement creates equal conditions for both wires of the circuit, which minimizes the effect of wires on each other. It also prevents the mutual movement of veins in areas with bends and retains a round shape. In addition to the classical pair twisting, there is a four-part configuration, as well as double and hybrid layouts. In order to facilitate the correct installation of a symmetrical cable, manufacturers label each group in one color. The basic shades that are commonly used in pairs are red and blue. Regardless of the quality of the shell, the cable is also provided by the internal winding of the wires. For this, colored synthetic or cotton yarn is used.

Fiber optic cables

Optical cables form two-layer fiberglass, made of multicomponent or quartz glass. By the way, the diameter of such a fiber is 100-150 microns. As insulation, reinforcing and plastic threads are used. 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 separation of such cables into multimode and singlemode. The main difference between them is 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 avoid intermode dispersion. In turn, the core of multimode fibers is up to 60 microns. Despite the high speed of information transfer and reliability, such channels are lost single-mode due to dispersion distortion.

Cables for special purpose

This category includes cables with an armored cover that protects the base from external influences. The outer covering can be represented by solid steel wire elements. Usually such a high level of external protection is required for networks, the laying of which must be carried out under water. From this point of view, it is necessary to divide the wires into sea and river ones. In the first case, the design is calculated on the ability to protect against wave strikes, movement along the rocky bottom, resistance to ice, etc. This protection is provided by a double-layered wire armor with a wire diameter of 4-6 mm.

The river communication cable is not structurally different from underground communication means of this type. However, in this case, an increased thickness of the steel or lead shell is provided. Not so high requirements for coastal wiring. Such networks are provided with one layer of armor made of round steel wire with a diameter of 6 mm.

Laying of communication cable

Usually, communication lines are laid underground in special sewerage systems. Engineers tend to install in such a way that the minimum number of bends is formed. In extreme cases, wells are created - points at which a bundle of individual lengths of cable occurs in order to provide turns. There are some features in the laying of fiber optic lines. The main difficulty in working with such a wiring is the need to achieve optimal tension. After completion of the land works, the line is taken to the building where the fasteners and the connection are made. For example, a telephone cable, due to its dimensions, can be laid with fixation by special staples or studs. But, from the point of view of external perception, the best solution is to hold the line through the channel under the baseboard or in the sub-ceiling niche.

Conclusion

Today, any owner of a private house can organize a modern cable connection to his home 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. For 1 meter, which allows you to save on the quality of materials. The most expensive solutions for today are represented by fiber as the most efficient and efficient signal transducer. Its cost is higher than traditional solutions, but for a one-time installation this choice justifies itself. If it is planned to implement a large-scale project, then, perhaps, it is necessary to limit the use of coaxial or symmetrical wires.