Panopticon Solutions is your Toronto network cabling expert

As a systems integrator, Panopticon solutions specializes in Toronto network cabling solutions. Our technicians skillfully connect clients with state-of-the-art data, surveillance, telecommunications and entertainment systems. We also install the infrastructure that these systems are made of, namely network and structured cabling.

Panopticon’s technicians work with CAT 5, CAT 6, Fiber Optic and Coax cables in order to handle almost any Toronto network cabling project. The cabling infrastructure that we provide for our clients is long lasting and transmits data quickly and effectively.

As the preferred Toronto network cabling installation experts in the GTA, we service a variety of clubs, bars, pubs, lounges and restaurants where aesthetics is everything. Panopticon Solutions is second to none in maintaining the reputation of these venues. And, as we always say, our dedication to client satisfaction means we keep working for you long after an install. Solutions-focused longevity is at the heart of everything we do.

The cable infrastructure that we install for our customers is unobtrusive and always runs along the least visible path. For properties undergoing construction, cables are completely invisible and installed within the structural walls during development.

Panopticon’s services are custom tailored to fit the needs and quality standards of our clients, all within a price point that they can afford. Contact us for a free site inspection and quote. We’ll present you with a uniquely tailored solution to fit your individualized network cabling needs.

What is the most common type of network cabling?

Network cabling solutions aren’t one size fits all. No two businesses are alike, and that’s why there are a variety of network cables available to suit each business’ unique needs. Network cabling solutions that transmit data efficiently will vary depending on your network needs, physical location and environment, and other core business requirements.

As businesses continue to scale, there is an increasing demand for higher levels of bandwidth and advanced applications to foster this growth. To support these enhancements, structured cabling is also evolving to deliver faster and more reliable data transmission. Below, we detail the common types of network cables used by enterprises today in support of their modern equipment, devices and unique business needs.

Twisted pair cables

In twisted pair cables, two conductors (typically made of copper) from a single circuit and are twisted together. These two wires carry equal and opposite signals. One pair of cables can result in crosstalk that can affect signal transmission. But, by twisting the pairs together, crosstalk is reduced among the lines.

While these cables are typically used in older telephone networks, most modern networks still involve twisted pair cabling at some point. This type of network cabling is most commonly used for data networks that require short- and medium-length connections because their cost is relatively low among other local area network (LAN) cabling options. In addition, with the lower cost, these cables are also known to support only lower bandwidth ranges.

Unshielded twisted pair (UTP) and shielded twisted pair (STP) cables

Within the category of twisted pair cables, there are two specific types of network cables that include: unshielded twisted pair (UTP) and shielded twisted pair (STP). The latter is shielded to cancel outside interference and is most commonly used in larger businesses for high-end applications, or for exterior networks that may be exposed to the environment. The former doesn’t rely on this shielding and is most often used in small businesses and residential networks. Within this UTP category, there are additionally several more types of cables that support varying levels of bandwidth. These range from category 3 (Cat3) right up to Cat7.

UTP categories of cabling

Cat5 cabling (or its enhanced version: Cat5e) is typically inexpensive and offers bandwidth support of 100 MHz. Growing businesses will often benefit from upgrading to Cat6 network cables, which offer better transmission and a higher bandwidth level of 250 MHz. They are also able to span greater distances in terms of signal reach.

Lastly, Cat7 cabling offers the most robust performance and the most protection from external noise and interference. It’s most ideal for situations where there’s high-speed data transfer in large cables. Their bandwidth of 600 MHz makes it popular for cable installations in larger businesses.

You can learn more about these cables in our recent blog post, which details the differences between CAT5 and CAT6 cabling.

Coaxial cables

Also known as “coax cables,” these coaxial cables are made up of an inner conductor that’s protected by an insulating layer, a conducting shield and finally an outside jacket. These cables are able to transmit radio frequencies and data at 80 times the rate of twisted pair cables.

The sizes of coaxial cable are distinguished by their RG number, which stands for their radio guide measurement. The gauge of a coax cable refers to its thickness; the higher an RG number is, the thinner its centrally conducting core will be.

It’s important to take note of the many types of coaxial connector for the audio, digital and video industries. Each of these is made for a specific purpose and application. It’s also key to consider the number of connect-disconnect cycles that paired connector can withstand while still performing properly.

With a higher bandwidth capacity, coaxial cables are most commonly used for video applications, such as delivering television signals, and for connecting computers to a network. They are also more effective at protecting signals from interference. You may also recognize coaxial cables as the connector between older TVs and their antennas.

Below, we detail two types of coaxial cables: 75 and 50 Ohm.

75 Ohm

This type of coaxial cable is used for audio-video purposes such as transmitting video signals among components such as DVD players.

50 Ohm

These coaxial cables are mainly used to transmit data in a two-way communication system. For example, they are used for Ethernet purposes, radio receivers, GPS systems, police scanners and smartphone systems.

Fiber optic cables

Fiber optic cables are the newest network cable on the block, and they’re best for providing higher levels of bandwidth over distances of up to 40 kilometers. They are also resistant to outside noise and influences. They transmit data using light not over copper wires like some of the other network cable solutions that we discussed.

Each of the optical fibers in these cables is coated with plastic and housed in a protective tube, which is what makes them resistant to external interference. These reliable network cables boast an ultra-fast connection with more than 26,000 times the transmission capacity when compared to twisted pair cables. Unfortunately, this means they are coupled with a higher price.

Two types of fiber optic cables include singlemode and multimode cabling:

Singlemode

In singlemode cables, a small core only allows for one mode of light to propagate at a time. This means that the number of light reflections decreases as they pass through the core; data can move further and faster. This type of fiber optic cable is frequently used in the telecommunications industry.

Multimode

With multimode cables, the core diameter is larger, meaning multiple modes of light can propagate. The number of light reflections increases as they travel, enabling more data to move along the system. With a higher dispersion rate, these cables support lower bandwidths and will reduce a signal’s quality the further it travels. For this reason, they’re used to transmit information over shorter ranges, such as in LAN networks and security systems.

Network cable installation services in Toronto from Panopticon Solutions

In addition to your structured cabling solutions, it’s also important to look at the actual network components that will support your growing business. But, no matter what type of cable you need for your business, Panopticon Solutions has got you covered. We have almost a decade of experience installing, updating and maintaining cabling systems in the Greater Toronto Area, and our expert technicians will ensure your structured cabling is reliable, safe and secure.

As mentioned, no two businesses are alike. That’s why we take into account your individual business needs and environment when designing your network cabling infrastructure. Some of these considerations include:

• The architecture and size of your business’ location.
• The speed that you need to transfer data.
• The equipment and devices your use.
• Your current network configuration.
• Your desired functions of the new system.

For more information about network cabling, including your free site inspection and quote for cable installation, give us a call at: 647-706-8650.