Communication and Network

Communication & Network

Twisted-Pair

Twisted pair is the ordinary copper wire that connects home and many business computers to the telephone company. To reduce crosstalk or electromagnetic induction between pairs of wires, two insulated copper wires are twisted around each other. Each connection on twisted pair requires both wires. Since some telephone sets or desktop locations require multiple connections, twisted pair is sometimes installed in two or more pairs, all within a single cable. For some business locations, twisted pair is enclosed in a shield that functions as a ground.

Coaxial Cable

Coaxial cable is the kind of copper cable used by cable TV companies between the community antenna and user homes and businesses. Coaxial cable is called "coaxial" because it includes one physical channel that carries the signal surrounded (after a layer of insulation) by another concentric physical channel, both running along the same axis. The outer channel serves as a ground. Many of these cables or pairs of coaxial tubes can be placed in a single outer sheathing and, with repeaters, can carry information for a great distance.

Fiber-optic cable

The Communications Services department has installed fiber optic cable between many buildings on the UCSB main campus. New buildings are added to the ring as they are built. The Office of Information Technology also adds fiber segments as part of its Next Generation Backbone development. This cable plant is used to support high speed data communications and parts of the campus CATV network, but may eventually also support voice communications.