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5G, the fifth generation of wireless cellular communications, is a mixed bag to say the least. Originally it was marketed as a host of services and new capabilities that would skyrocket humanity to the future. Well, time has certainly passed, and most users, even in modern cities, are still not experiencing faster mobile data rates, let alone the future technoscape humanity is supposed to be living in. Though a global pandemic has certainly slowed the expansion of 5G technologies, it is likely that much of the hype around 5G was just that − hype.

New Infrastructure Needed

Possibly one of the biggest constraints to 5G, or really the future of the wireless revolution and the explosion of the Internet of Things, has been the infrastructure for wireless network base stations. Though the hype implies otherwise, t

If you Google “Ethernet cables” you’ll get about 5 million hits. It’s no wonder that shopping for Ethernet cables can be confusing. But if you simplify the cables down to their main differences, it’s much easier to choose the one that’s best for your use.

This blog post explains the chief differences among the cable categories. But instead of trying to cover everything from Cat1 to Cat8, we discuss only the four categories used most in office networks, data centers and residences: Cat5e, Cat6, Cat6a and Cat7. We conclude by clarifying some of the choices you might also have to make about cable jacketing t

The word “custom” sounds expensive. Often it is. A new Porsche 911 S Exclusive is not cheap, but if you want one with a custom “python green” paint job, it’s an extra $98,000. Examples like that might make one wary about going the custom route.

One reason more people don’t buy custom cable assemblies is that they think they can’t afford it. While it’s true that nonstandard assemblies can be pricier up front, they can save you money in the long run. This blog post points out three ways you can come out ahead with custom cables.

Longer Lasting

Going custom means choosing a cable and connectors that were specifically designed for a certain purpose. When your installation operates within the electrical parameters, tolerances and environment

It’s no mystery why fiber optic technology has grown in popularity since it was introduced in the 1970s. Sending data via infrared light pulses on a fiber line, rather than electrically over copper cable, allows the transmitting of more information faster, over longer distances and with no threat of electromagnetic interference. That’s why it is often the choice for systems that demand high bandwidth over long distances, as well as short distances with large bandwidth requirements such as data centers.

But not everybody understands the crucial step onto and off of the fiber optic superhighway – the fiber optic transceiver.

A fiber optic (or optical) transceiver serves as both

We’ve all seen the equipment rack or IT closet that lacks cable management. Confusion reigns, as masses of wires run in all directions and every patch bay looks like a rat’s nest. You feel sorry for whoever must go in and install or re-route cables or troubleshoot wiring problems.

The good news is that wire routing is a universal challenge, so there are products to tame the cable confusion. In fact, there are hundreds of cable management items to choose from, so let’s simplify things. Most of them can be divided into three groups: rack and cabinet attachments, cable routers along walls and ceilings, and ties and straps for bundling.

Rack and Cabinet Attachments

The effort to slim down isn’t always just a fitness goal. It can also be geared towards slimming down your home office and personal space. Getting rid of thick and unruly cables can help add both workspace and headspace to a create a more productive environment. Let’s run through some common networking and entertainment cables that have taken their “slim down challenge” to heart.

Ultra Slim HDMI Cables

These HDMI cables are made using 32AWG conductors, roughly 75 percent smaller than a standard HDMI cable. This makes them much easier to bend and maneuver behind tight spaces, small openings, and odd corners. They’re also grea

When you’re charging a phone or tablet you typically don’t need to go too far. Cables ranging from 3ft to 6ft get the job done at a comfortable length. But when the printer is on one side of the room and your desktop is on the other…you may run into some problems finding a reliable cable to go the distance.

Run of the mill “passive” USB cables have a distance limitation of 16.4 feet, or 5 meters, which poses a problem if you don’t have the flexibility to move your devices and peripheral equipment closer to your central workstation. This distance is a specific length, so most passive USB cables you’ll find will top out at 15ft, and there is no way to daisy chain multiple passive USB c

Tray cable is a multipurpose and multiconductor cabling used in industrial power/control, communications systems, traffic control, switching, lighting, and signal transmission. You will find tray cable installed in conduits, ducts, raceways, and cable tray systems. Tray cable jackets are resistant to fire, UV, chemicals, and oil. This ability to withstand unforgiving environments makes them ideal for wiring mission-critical machinery and systems.

What are the types of tray cable?

Two main classifications of tray cable are Power Limited Tray Cable (PLTC) and Vinyl Nylon Tray Cable (VNTC). Let us run through some of their key features.

Power Limited Tray Cable:

• 300 volt rating
• Flame Retardant/UV Resistant PVC jacket

Heat shrink tubing is an inexpensive means of protecting wires from any number of environmental factors which can potentially damage or interfere with the operation of the cable. Not only does heat shrink tubing provide a buffer against abrasion, liquids, and changes in temperature/humidity, it’s also a cost-effective means for cable organization and color-coding identification.

Let’s highlight some of the advantages of using heat shrink tubing to better understand how it improves reliability and maintenance of cables and just how valuable it is in your cable runs and builds.

Size and Color Customization

Depending on the vendor and manufacturer heat shrink tubing is measured in millimeters or inches based on the pre-shrink diameter of the tubing. At Show Me

Ahead of the Curve: 8K HDMI Cables have Landed