Data Communications and Network Technologies - Essay Example

Considering the given situation, the required data transmission rate of 2MB limits the option of cabling to be from amongst the categories, Cat 3 to Cat 7. From these cables, the use of Cat 3 and Cat 4 for networking computers has become obsolete, while Cat 6 and Cat 7 are used for high data rates i.e. over 250 Mbps. Therefore, the option in the given scenario is limited to Cat 5 cables.The general limitation of attenuation-free signal transmission within a distance of 100 meters can be overcome by installing a repeater whenever the distance between the devices is expected to go beyond 100 meters.

By installing a switch or bridge to connect the devices, not only this distance limitation is removed, but also the collisions effect between two transmitting devices can be reduced. Therefore, the Cat 5 cabling can cover the devices scattered all around the manufacturing building.As the cabling has to go through rooms, and owing to the heavy machinery in the building, there would be a lot of electromagnetic interference. In this case, the unshielded Cat 5 twisted pair wiring would face a lot of erroneous transmissions.

For that reason, shielded Cat 5 twisted pair cable is the better option.The building could be designed such that the building wiring might travel between rooms through plenums (e.g. space between suspended ceilings or hidden walkways) or risers (e.g. hollow metal tube running through walls, ceilings or floors). Cat 5 cables can run easily through both the plenums and risers of the building.Therefore, for the given scenario, the shielded twisted pair (Cat 5) cable provides a cost effective, reliable cabling solution that also considers the factors of required data transmission rate and distance.

ReferenceWhite, C. (2010). Data Communications and Computer Networks: A Business Users Approach. Cengage LearningTanenbaum, A.S. (2003). Computer Networks. Prentice Hall PTR.