4.3 Coaxial Cable
Coaxial cabling has a
single copper conductor at its center. A plastic layer provides insulation
between the center conductor and a braided metal shield. The metal
shield helps to block any outside interference from fluorescent lights, motors,
and other computers.
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| Coaxial cable |
Although coaxial cabling
is difficult to install, it is highly resistant to signal interference. In
addition, it can support greater cable lengths between network devices than
twisted pair cable. The two types of coaxial cabling are thick coaxial and thin
coaxial.
Thin coaxial cable is
also referred to as thinnet. 10Base2 refers to the specifications for thin
coaxial cable carrying Ethernet signals. The 2 refers to the approximate
maximum segment length being 200 meters. In actual fact the maximum segment
length is 185 meters. Thin coaxial cable has been popular in school networks,
especially linear bus networks.
Thick coaxial cable is
also referred to as thicknet. 10Base5 refers to the specifications for thick
coaxial cable carrying Ethernet signals. The 5 refers to the maximum segment
length being 500 meters. Thick coaxial cable has an extra protective plastic
cover that helps keep moisture away from the center conductor. This makes thick
coaxial a great choice when running longer lengths in a linear bus network. One
disadvantage of thick coaxial is that it does not bend easily and is difficult
to install.
Coaxial Cable Connectors
The most common type of
connector used with coaxial cables is the Bayone-Neill-Concelman (BNC)
connector. Different types of adapters are available for BNC
connectors, including a T-connector, barrel connector, and terminator.
Connectors on the cable are the weakest points in any network. To help avoid
problems with your network, always use the BNC connectors that crimp, rather
screw, onto the cable.
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| BNC Connector |
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