Understanding Wiring Technologies

What is Bandwidth?

• A wire's capacity for information is called bandwidth.
• More bandwidth = More information passing through the wire.
• Similar to plumbing, a bigger wire (pipe) can carry more bandwidth (water).
• The amount of bandwidth is critical for current and future information services.

What is Bell Wire?

• One pair of copper wires.
• Designed for voice conversations only.
• Subject to noise and interference.
• Used in the majority of homes until recently.
• Relative capacity: A squirt gun.

What is Category 5 (CAT 5) cable?

• four twisted pairs of high quality copper wire enclosed in an outer jacket.
• Used for phone, fax, modem and high-speed digital computer transmissions.
• Supports four phone lines with one cable.
• High immunity to interference.
• Relative capacity: A garden hose.

What is RG6 Quad Shield?

• Coaxial cable with insulated center wire and four layers of shielding.
• Supports hundreds of channels and digital data.
• Used for cable TV, digital satellite, cable modem and high-speed interactive video services.
• Very High immunity to interference.
• Relative capacity: A fire hose.