Episode 39: Shielded, Coaxial, and Plenum Cabling

This episode extends your knowledge of cabling by focusing on three specific types often overlooked: shielded twisted pair, coaxial cable, and plenum-rated cable. We explain when to use shielded twisted pair instead of unshielded, especially in high-interference environments or near heavy machinery. Next, we break down coaxial cable construction, including the center conductor, dielectric insulator, shielding, and common connector types like BNC and F connectors.

Finally, we explore what plenum cable is, why it's used in ceiling spaces, and how it differs from riser and non-plenum cables in terms of fire resistance. These distinctions are important for installation planning and often appear in exam questions related to compliance and safety. By the end, you’ll be confident in selecting the right type of cable for the job and recognizing each in test scenarios. Brought to you by BareMetalCyber.com.