Characteristics of Copper Media

The network uses Copper media because of its advantages however it has also some disadvantages. In this session, we will discuss all the characteristics of copper cabling.

Advantages

  • It Is inexpensive
  • It is also Low resistance to electrical signals
  • easy to install
  • It also supports power over Ethernet (POE)
  • More flexible

Disadvantages

  • Electromagnetic interference (EMI)
  • Radio Frequency Interference (RFI)
  • Crosstalk
  • Break Easily
  • It can support maximum up to 100 meter

Data transmitted on copper cable as electrical pulses. A detector in the network interface of a target device should receive a signal that successfully decoded to match the signal sent. Although the longer the signal travels the more it deteriorates. This is referred to as signal attenuation. For this reason, all copper media must follow strict distance limitations as specified by the guiding standards. Above mention, the advantages and disadvantages are also the main characteristics of  media. Some are general which is no further discussion required. Some are required more attention.

Electromagnetic interference (EMI) or radio frequency interference (RFI) in Copper

EMI and RFI signals can deform and corrupt the data signals passed by copper media. Potential sources of EMI and RFI include radio waves and electromagnetic devices such as fluorescent lights or electric motors etc.

Crosstalk

Crosstalk is a disturbance causes the electric or magnetic fields of a signal on one wire to the signal in the closest wire. In telephone circuits; crosstalk can result in hearing part of another voice conversation from a nearby circuit. Specifically, when an electric current flows through a wire, it creates a small circular magnetic field around the wire; which can be picked up by a nearby wire.

To counter the harmful effects of EMI and RFI some types of copper cables wrapped in metallic shielding and also need proper grounding connections.

To counter the negative effects of crosstalk; some types of cables have opposing circuit wire pairs twisted together; which effectively cancels the crosstalk. We can limit the weakness of coppers to electronic noise.

  • Selecting the best type of cable most suited to a given networking environment and situation.
  • Designing a cable infrastructure to avoid known and potential sources of interference in the building structure.
  • Define terms related to callings, such as shielding, crosstalk, attenuation, and plenum.
  • Using cabling techniques that include the proper handling and also the termination of the cables.
  • Identify the primary types of network cabling
  • Distinguish between baseband and broadband transmissions and identify proper uses for each