Networking

The Problem with Cheap Patch Cables

Category: Networking, Connectivity, Cable Jun 01, 2026

Patch cables are often treated as an afterthought. They are typically a small and inexpensive part of integrations compared to switches, displays, access points, AV-over-IP systems, security cameras and other signal distribution hardware. Plus, they are easy to replace when something goes wrong. That mindset is exactly why cheap patch cables create so many problems. […]

Understanding transceivers, DACs & AOCs

Category: Networking, Connectivity Apr 04, 2026

As audio-visual installations continue to rely on high-speed networking, choosing the right interconnect method inside racks and between devices has become a critical design consideration. Historically, integrators simply connected RJ45 ports with quality cabling; however, thanks to the increase in fiber optic cabling and fiber-enabled devices, there are multiple connectivity options depending on the installation […]

The Fundamentals of IP Connectivity

Category: Connectivity, Networking Jan 04, 2026

This article originally appeared on our Kordz partner site. Read the entire article on the Kordz.com website. Visit the Kordz.com website to directly subscribe to handy articles and white papers about technology and topics affecting the integration community. In today’s always-connected world, the performance of a network is only as strong as the infrastructure behind it. For integrators, designing and installing reliable […]

Protecting Ethernet Runs from Surges & Voltage Spikes

Category: Power, Connectivity, Networking Oct 30, 2025

Power conditioning and AC surge protection is a common investment for racks and expensive distributed electronics. After all, we know problems commonly affect the power grid. But what about the network infrastructure that connects our devices? Is that also at risk? Ethernet cabling is the backbone of modern data, security and audio-visual networks. We depend […]

How to Extend a Network Port using Fiber

Category: Networking, Signal Distribution, Fiber Sep 01, 2025

As projects continually increase in size, so do cable runs. In many applications, twisted pair connections are often remotely located and require extended lengths of cable — security cameras monitor outdoor locations, outbuildings connect to local area networks, remote rooms demand streaming media and gates require network connectivity. Twisted pair cable has a length limitation […]

Networking over Fiber

Category: Networking, Fiber Jun 08, 2025

As demand for faster, more reliable data transmission continues to rise, fiber optic networking has become the gold standard for high-speed internet and IP-based control. But deploying fiber requires more than just the cables — a range of electronics are essential to translate, switch, and transmit data across the network. This article explores the electronics […]

Outdoor Networking: Best Practices for Reliable Connectivity

Category: Cable, Connectivity, Networking Apr 08, 2025

The demand for outdoor networking has increased significantly as lifestyles and technologies expand beyond a home’s four walls. With property values increasingly at a premium, more people are converting outdoor spaces into functional areas, integrating outdoor entertainment, workspaces and smart infrastructure. Now with so many new devices available, including outdoor Wi-Fi, surveillance systems, security devices, IoT […]

Connecting Twisted Pair Devices to a Fiber Optic Cable

Category: Fiber, Signal Distribution, Networking Nov 22, 2024

While fiber optic ports are becoming increasingly common on networked electronics, the majority of connected devices still rely on RJ45 twisted pair connections. To help bridge the copper-fiber divide, media converters and transceiver modules (also known as SFPs or mini-GBICs) are often required. Media converters effectively convert one “media” format to a different media format — i.e., copper to fiber and […]

Extending Security Cameras over Fiber

Category: Fiber, Signal Distribution, Networking, Security Nov 21, 2024

While fiber optic ports are becoming increasingly common on networked electronics, the majority of security and access control devices still rely on RJ45 twisted pair connections. To help bridge the copper-fiber divide, media converters and transceiver modules (also known as SFPs or mini-GBICs) are often required. Media converters effectively convert one “media” format to a […]

Network Cable Testers: Choosing the Right Tool

Category: Testers, Networking Oct 07, 2024

Platinum Tools® delivers powerful, easy-to-use testing equipment for the installation, troubleshooting and maintenance of low-voltage cables and networks. Whether you need to verify cable continuity and length, map network locations or troubleshoot PoE, Platinum Tools ensures the project installs quickly and performs flawlessly. But with so many options, how do you know which tester is […]

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