The Benefit of Twisted Pair Cable, Research Paper Example

Recommended Changes and Benefits

As Ocper. Inc was the first client, the first outdated technology that was identified was the coaxial cabling. All the computers on the premises were connected via coaxial cabling standard. Coaxial cables are no longer used today, as they impose several limitations. As per network dictionary, it is defined as “Coaxial cable is a type of cable that consists of a center wire surrounded by insulation and then a grounded shield of braided wire. The shield minimizes electrical and radio frequency interference. The whole thing is usually wrapped in another insulation layer and on an outer protective layer. Coaxial cabling is the primary type of cabling used by the cable television industry and is also widely used for computer networks”. Moreover, some of the obstacles that downgrades coaxial cable connectivity includes loss of signals and attenuation. An infinite percent may emit from the cable’s shield covering along with other emissions that are converted to heat (Coaxial cable.2007). Consequently, the higher the frequency is, the bigger the loss. Furthermore, for data transmission over long distances, repeaters are mandatory for augmenting weak signals that may include an additional layer of processing packets as well as the extra cost.

The Reasons for Using Twisted Pair Cable Instead of Coax Wiring Structure

A recommended solution for replacing the coaxial cable is the CATegory 5 cable. The CAT5 cable consists of four copper twisted pairs that are terminated on a standard Ethernet port via RJ45 connector. The supported frequencies for CAT 5 cable are up to maximum 100 MHz with a supported speed of 1000 Mbps (Category 5 cable. 2007). Moreover, the CAT 5 cable supports both data and voice for effective and robust network connectivity. The replacement concludes that the network connectivity and data transmission rate will be upgraded from 10Mbps to 1000 Mbps at a comparatively low cost. Moreover, the network will become compatible to establish connectivity with 10BaseT, 100Base T4 and 100Base TX Ethernet. Furthermore, CAT5 cable is more flexible and convenient. Moreover, registered jack RJ45 comprised of 4 pairs of wire that is used for establishing connectivity between computers located on a Local Area Network (LAN) (Registered jack-45.2007). There are two types of RJ45 connectors i.e. keyed and non keyed (Registered jack-45.2007). Future aspects may include the connectivity of RJ45 that is compatible with next generation network cable standards such as CAT5e and CAT6 cables. Possibility of Using Fiber Optic Cable

The recommendation for CAT5 is justifiable, as it provides flexibility, compatibility and robustness within a computer network with a comparatively low cost. Moreover, if an assumption of replacing the coaxial cable with fiber optic is made, there are some factors that need to be addressed. Fiber optic support a very high bandwidth. The first factor is the requirements of connecting to such a high speed network. Likewise, business requirements will justify the possible acquisition of fiber optic connectivity and network components for bandwidth management. Moreover, the installation cost is another big factor that needs to be considered. Furthermore, the maintenance cost of a fiber breakage is also very high, as splicing is required on the spot of breakage after identifying the issue from specialized light emitting devices.

Costs of the Changes and Cost Benefit Results

The deployment cost for a consideration of a CAT 5 cable requires CAT 5 compatible data switches and bridges. As CAT 5 is recognized as a standard for establishing connectivity between network components, numerous network products compatible with CAT 5 are now available in the market. The supported length of acceptable signal ranges to maximum 100 meters, as a switch or repeater is required to boost signals. A standard fast Ethernet switch supporting full duplex mode is required for connecting computers within each department of the company. Moreover, workstations need to be equipped with a fast Ethernet network adapter consisting of RJ45 jack slot.

Cost of the Changes and Cost Benefit Results

As far as CAT 5 acquisition is concerned, cost can be justified by numerous advantages that the company can achieve. Moreover, fiber optic acquisition is an expensive option. However, it can be assumed that the fiber connectivity can be achieved by an Internet service provider (ISP) or any other third party. Likewise, infrastructure, maintenance and support cost can be saved. However, a very high speed fiber optic connectivity must justify business requirements and benefits to deliver value. For a strategic decision of the next two years, the business strategy must also be aligned with the Information technology strategy. As information technology is only considered as an enabler. For instance, if the company wants to exchange high definition videos and audio with potential remote offices, High level Data link control services can be achieved from service providers and there is no requirement for devloping an infrastructure supporting fiber, as CAT 5 will fulfil the tasks easily.

References

Coaxial cable.(2007). Network Dictionary, , 105-105.

Category 5 cable.(2007). Network Dictionary, , 88-88.

Registered jack-45.(2007). Network Dictionary, , 406-406.

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