Connectivity Tools for Service Providers, Installers and Builders
The right tools are critical for service providers, installers, and builders specializing in residential broadband connectivity.
Why Cat6A Is Emerging as the New Go-To Networking Choice for New Residential Builds
For decades, new residential Ethernet installations have leveraged either Cat5, Cat5e, or Cat6 cabling to create the backbone of home networks. But times are changing, and more recently a new standard is emerging where residential builders and planners are specifying …
Why every smart home needs a structured wiring plan
From appliances to lights to blinds to thermostats, smart home devices are finding their way into every nook and cranny of the modern household. In many ways, these devices are making our homes more efficient and user-friendly, but they’re also …
Cat5, Cat6, and Cat6a: Is it Finally Time to Start Future-Proofing?
For most of the past few decades, new Ethernet installations have been dominated by Cat5, Cat5e, and Cat6 cabling. Cat5 saw its stock rise in the mid-to -late 90s, Cat5e had its heyday in the 2000s, and Cat6 has been …
The pros and cons of Power over Ethernet lighting
Whether they are homeowners looking to stretch their budget or facility managers working toward green building certification, your customers want to reduce their energy consumption. With Power over Ethernet (PoE) lighting, their energy savings can be delivered via their structured …
Why Copper Is Still The Category Cabling Standard
Ever since the first telegraph in the 1820s and the invention of the phone in 1876, copper was found almost everywhere there was a communication cable. That’s quickly changing as fiber optic becomes more widespread. But, even now we still …
What Installers Need to Know About Smart Home Hubs
The term ‘smart home’ has been around for a while now. Initially, it described a residence that was wired throughout and connected to the Internet. Now, the word ‘smart’ in smart home implies some kind of remote control, most likely …
How the telco cabling industry reached Cat6 and beyond
Cat5, Cat5e, Cat6… what does it all mean? They’re categories of twisted-pair Ethernet cable, of course, but all twisted-pair Ethernet cables are not created equal. These Cats are all part of one big happy family of copper cabling standards defined …