Any modern business is going to be networked with Internet connections. Whether a business is in a small home office with a single computer and printer or an enormous building with hundreds of machines, a nervous system of cables and wiring will be essential to keep things running smoothly. When cables go missing or start to fail, losses in both productivity and profitability are sure to follow. Most homes have a drawer filled with spare cables and there is no reason that an office should not do the same thing, albeit with better organization than a junk drawer.

Ethernet

Every electronic device connected to the Internet uses Ethernet. Even if a device uses WiFi, the equipment generating that WiFi signal is connected via Ethernet. There are different types of Ethernet cable on the market. Newer types (called categories) of Ethernet are faster than older versions, but some are so fast that they can be overkill. Exactly how fast an Ethernet cable should be will depend on how much data is being used. No matter where it is located, an Ethernet cable going out is always sure to cause Internet outages. Keeping at least a few spares around is always a good idea.

USB

Top (left to right): USB 2.0 A, 2.0 B, Mini, and 2.0 Micro

Bottom (left to right): USB 3.0 A, 3.0 B, 3.0 Micro, and Type-C


USB is a bit unique since it comes in a few different versions. Unlike most other cables that have been upgraded over the years, each type of USB has a differently sized and shaped connector on one end of the cable. More details can be read about all the different types here, but the most common versions in an office environment are USB 2.0 B, 2.0 Micro, and Type-C. USB 2.0 B is commonly called a “printer cable” since it is almost exclusively used to connect printers to computers (note that the 3.0 version is a different shape; these are not interchangeable). 2.0 Micro is used for recharging Android phones (lightning cables being the iPhone equivalent) and other small devices. Some newer phones use Type-C instead, which is essentially an upgraded version of Micro.

HDMI

HDMI is the current standard for audio/video connections. Anything that projects an image from computer monitors to televisions to projectors and more are practically guaranteed to be built with HDMI connections today. Even smaller electronics like tablets and cell phones can be built with Mini or Micro versions of HDMI, depending on the size of the device. The only real contender against HDMI is DisplayPort, although older equipment may use older connections like DVI or VGA as well. Checking equipment to see what kind of video connection it takes is always a good move. But the majority of the time HDMI will be the most cost-effective choice, not to mention the clearest with its 4k image quality.

Telephone Cords

While cell phones have taken charge of many day-to-day activities, offices are one of the few places where the traditional desk phone can still reign supreme. Landlines are more likely to prevent calls from dropping and provide crystal clear audio, creating a home for this older technology even as the digital age progresses. There are different kinds of phone cords, the two main options being flat cords to connect phones to wall outlets and coiled handset cords. Some others also have specific uses such as connecting a modem or router to a wall jack for Internet use. While having spare cords is always a good idea, this is especially true for coiled handset cords. These tend to wrap around themselves and wear out much more quickly than other cables, although this can be mitigated somewhat with a detangler.

Office Cords from ShowMeCables

Whether you need cords for a computer, telephone, printer, projector, or any other piece of office equipment, ShowMeCables is ready to ship them out today. We regularly stock Ethernet, USB, HDMI, telephone cords, and more. These cables are available in a wide variety of different lengths, colors, and other options for each and every type of cable.

Have questions about office cables or any of our other products? You can reach our Sales team at 1-888-519-9505 or Sales@ShowMeCables.com