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2025-04-01 19:49:30 R. Bishop: -/-| /dev/null .. networking/cabling/copper.md | |
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| + | # Copper Network Cabling |
| + | |
| + | ## What is Copper Network Cabling? |
| + | |
| + | Copper cabling is the **traditional medium for Ethernet networks**, using electrical signals to transmit data. It is widely used due to its **affordability, ease of installation**, and suitability for **short- to medium-distance connections**. Common types include **twisted pair cables** such as Cat5e, Cat6, Cat6a, Cat7 and Cat8. |
| + | |
| + | --- |
| + | |
| + | ## Why Use Copper Cables? |
| + | |
| + | ### **Cost-Effective and Readily Available** |
| + | - Lower material and installation costs compared to fibre. |
| + | - Easier to terminate and test with standard tools. |
| + | |
| + | ### **Power over Ethernet (PoE) Capable** |
| + | - Copper cables can deliver **both data and power** (up to 90W with PoE++). |
| + | - Ideal for powering **IP cameras, VoIP phones, and wireless access points**. |
| + | |
| + | ### **Flexible Installation** |
| + | - Can be installed and maintained by general IT staff. |
| + | - Works well in both horizontal and vertical cabling runs within 100 meters. |
| + | |
| + | --- |
| + | |
| + | ## Copper vs Fibre Cable Comparison |
| + | |
| + | | Feature | Copper Cable (Twisted Pair) | Fibre Optic Cable | |
| + | |--------|-----------------------------|-------------------| |
| + | | **Speed** | Up to 40 Gbps (Cat8) | Up to 100 Gbps+ | |
| + | | **Distance** | Up to 100m | 500m to 40km+ | |
| + | | **PoE Support** | Yes | No | |
| + | | **EMI Resistance** | Moderate (STP) to low (UTP) | Immune | |
| + | | **Installation** | Easy | Requires skilled installer | |
| + | | **Durability** | Physically robust | Fragile to bend/tension | |
| + | | **Cost** | Lower | Higher | |
| + | | **Bandwidth** | Lower | Extremely high | |
| + | | **Security** | Easier to tap | Harder to tap | |
| + | |
| + | --- |
| + | |
| + | ## Types of Copper Ethernet Cables |
| + | |
| + | | Cable Type | Max Speed | Max Distance | Shielding | Common Use | |
| + | |------------|-----------|--------------|-----------|-------------| |
| + | | Cat5e | 1 Gbps | 100m | UTP/STP | Home & small business | |
| + | | Cat6 | 10 Gbps (up to 55m) | 100m | UTP/STP | General business use | |
| + | | Cat6a | 10 Gbps | 100m | Shielded (STP) | Enterprise networks | |
| + | | Cat7 | 10 Gbps | 100m | Fully shielded | High-interference areas | |
| + | | Cat8 | 25–40 Gbps | 30m | Fully shielded | Data centres | |
| + | |
| + | - **UTP (Unshielded Twisted Pair):** Cost-effective, flexible, best for clean environments. |
| + | - **STP/FTP (Shielded/Foiled Twisted Pair):** Mitigates **EMI**, used in industrial or high-noise environments. |
| + | |
| + | --- |
| + | |
| + | ## Applications of Copper Cabling |
| + | |
| + | ### **General Networking** |
| + | - Ideal for **desktop connections, printers, access points, and small switches**. |
| + | - Compatible with **standard RJ45 ports**. |
| + | |
| + | ### **Power Over Ethernet (PoE)** |
| + | - Supports **PoE, PoE+, and PoE++** for delivering power to devices. |
| + | - Reduces the need for separate electrical infrastructure. |
| + | |
| + | ### **Surveillance & Access Control** |
| + | - Perfect for IP CCTV, **PoE cameras**, and **remote access terminals**. |
| + | |
| + | ### **Data Centre Patch Panels** |
| + | - Short-run **Cat8 cables** are used for high-speed server-to-switch connections. |
| + | |
| + | --- |
| + | |
| + | ## UK Standards for Copper Cabling |
| + | |
| + | ### **Structured Cabling Standards** |
| + | - **BS EN 50173-1** → Covers both copper and fibre structured cabling. |
| + | - **ISO/IEC 11801** → International structured cabling specification. |
| + | - **BS EN 50310** → Grounding and bonding of ICT cabling. |
| + | - **BS 6701:2016+A1:2017** → Cabling practices including PoE considerations. |
| + | |
| + | ### **Fire Safety Requirements** |
| + | - **Low Smoke Zero Halogen (LSZH)** jackets are mandatory for indoor installations. |
| + | - Cables must comply with the **Construction Products Regulation (CPR)** for fire classification. |
| + | |
| + | --- |
| + | |
| + | ## Best Practices for Copper Cable Installation |
| + | |
| + | ### **1. Follow Cable Category Limits** |
| + | - Do not exceed the specified **maximum run lengths** (typically 90m + 10m patching). |
| + | - Use the **appropriate category** for the required bandwidth. |
| + | |
| + | ### **2. Proper Cable Management** |
| + | - Avoid tight bends, kinks, or crushing. |
| + | - Use **trays, conduits, and velcro ties** to manage cables cleanly. |
| + | |
| + | ### **3. Avoid Electromagnetic Interference (EMI)** |
| + | - Keep away from electrical sources like lighting circuits and motors. |
| + | - Use **STP or foil-shielded cables** in high-interference areas. |
| + | |
| + | ### **4. Label and Document** |
| + | - Label all endpoints and patch panels for quick identification. |
| + | - Maintain diagrams and spreadsheets for cable routes and IDs. |
| + | |
| + | ### **5. Test and Certify** |
| + | - Use a cable tester to check for **continuity, wire map, and length**. |
| + | - Certify using **Fluke or equivalent tools** for compliance with category standards. |
| + | |
| + | --- |
| + | |
| + | ## When to Choose Copper Over Fibre |
| + | |
| + | | Scenario | Recommended Cabling | |
| + | |----------|----------------------| |
| + | | Short-range LAN (≤100m) | Copper | |
| + | | Devices requiring power (PoE) | Copper | |
| + | | Budget-conscious installations | Copper | |
| + | | Long-distance or high EMI | Fibre | |
| + | | Backbone between buildings | Fibre | |
| + | | High-speed data centre core | Fibre (or Cat8 copper for short links) | |
| + | |
| + | --- |
| + | |
| + | Copper network cabling remains a **versatile and cost-effective solution** for most business and residential network needs. While fibre dominates in high-speed and long-distance environments, copper continues to offer **PoE, flexibility, and simplicity**—making it essential in modern hybrid network infrastructures. |