When setting up or upgrading an office, it’s important to learn about the options available for cabling. With fiber optic becoming a popular selection, you may be wondering whether there’s a place in your organization for coaxial cable. The good news is this doesn’t need to be an either/or choice, as hybrid systems can combine the benefits and drawbacks of both.
Combined, fiber optic and coaxial cabling can create a stable, high-speed system without breaking the bank.
Why Coaxial Cable May Be The Right Choice For Your Business
Numerous factors must be taken into account when deciding on the best network infrastructure for your office. In addition to what coaxial and fiber optic cabling offer, your business’s bottom line is always a concern. One drawback of fiber optics that has yet to be overcome is its higher price point and greater cost of installation. Thankfully, coaxial developers have been pushing the envelope of their technology to ensure it remains relevant in modern applications.
● High Bandwidth Support With Coaxial Cable – Consumer demand for bandwidth has been on an ever-increasing rise since the birth of the Internet. With high-speed networks, video streaming platforms, and countless other tools, apps, and resources available, this trend isn’t slowing down. The latest standard in coaxial cable is DOCSIS®3.1, which provides 10Gbps of bandwidth for downloading and 1Gbps for uploading. These rates are stable and predictable, free from the Optical Beat Interference (OBI) concerns currently plaguing fiber optic options.
● Coaxial Cable Brings Pain-Free, Low-Cost Installation – One benefit of coaxial cable is how simple it is to install. No matter the size of the cable, simple tools are enough to manage the installation process. This is due to the overall design of the coaxial cable and the presence of one conductor that is large enough to see clearly. Any business owner or homeowner who is even moderately handy with tools can install, replace, or expand coaxial cable without much trouble. Fiber optic requires specialized fusion splicing equipment and skilled labor to install due to the bulky splice enclosures and the precise alignment necessary for proper installation.
● Hidden Coax Is Easy To Find For Repair Or Maintenance – A major drawback of fiber optic cable is its lack of metallic components. While this doesn’t affect its performance, it does make finding buried coaxial cable more difficult. Thanks to its metallic conductor and metal shielding, a simple tone generator will help you locate the presence of coaxial cable. Thanks to this feature it’s easy to avoid causing expensive damage and time-consuming repairs when digging up coaxial cable.
● Coaxial Cable Can Carry Power – Thanks to how coaxial cable is designed, it’s capable of transferring power to connected devices. This makes them exceptional choices for networks in locations where keeping it powered can be a life-or-death situation. Networks connected by coaxial cable can maintain power longer in the event of a total power outage, provided they are connected to a backup power source. Even in areas where the main power supply is damaged, these can continue to get power until the cable is damaged or destroyed. One excellent example is for facilities that use internet-based phone services.
● Coaxial Cable Can Survive The Most Rugged Environments – When networks are set up in construction sites, industrial zones, and other high-risk situations, coaxial cable is your best choice. Fiberoptic cables tend to be delicate as they’re composed of hair-thin fibers requiring a significant support system built into the cable itself. A sharp bend or brief compression could require an entire length of cable to be replaced. Coaxial cable can be bent, crushed, run over, scraped, and dragged without being at immediate risk of breaking down or needing replacement.
Need Help Deciding If Your Business Needs Coaxial Cable?
Whether you’re starting new construction on an office or are starting a renovation, now is a great time to consider your network needs. It can be tricky to decide whether coax, fiber optic, wireless, or some combination best meets your business’s needs. Reach out to a team of cabling professionals like us here at Onsite Wire & Cable and get help making the best choice for your business today!
Partnering with Onsite Wire in either Michigan or Maryland ensures all your low-voltage cable requirements and wire services are met. Our warehouse and sales staff have vast experience and knowledge making your customer experience fast and friendly. With 2 fully stocked locations in the Mid-West and East-Coast we are able to get your products delivered to you quickly with Same Day delivery in most cases. Call or visit us online for a Quick Quote today!