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Telecom & Network Glossary
To support education and references for products on our site and in Telecom/Networking, we've listed common industry terms on this page.
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| THHN Wire | A type of building wire with thermoplastic insulation and nylon coating, used in conduit for commercial and industrial electrical applications. |
| TelcoFlex® L4 | A high-performance telecom power cable made with tinned copper and TelcoHyde® insulation, ideal for battery and power distribution in central office and tower installs. |
| Tinned Copper | Copper conductors coated with tin to resist corrosion, commonly used in environments with high humidity or exposure to moisture. |
| Cable Tray Rated (CT USE) | Indicates a cable is approved for use in cable trays, often required in telecom and data center installs for safe routing and compliance. |
| Fiber Jumper | A short length of optical fiber with connectors at both ends, used to connect telecom or data equipment. |
| Reflective Tape | Self-adhesive or roll-form tape that enhances visibility and safety, commonly used in field installs or on equipment enclosures. |
| Tower Sign | Regulatory signage required on telecom towers and rooftops to identify RF hazard areas and ensure FCC compliance. |
| Strut Cap | Protective caps placed on strut channels to prevent wire abrasion, secure cabling, and improve safety. |
| Patch Cord | Another term for a jumper cable, often used in networking and telecom to patch between devices or ports. |
| Low-Voltage Wiring | Wiring that carries 50 volts or less, commonly used in telecom, AV, security, and control system installs. |
| Connector | A mechanical device used to join conductors, cables, or wires, often specific to fiber or telecom applications. |
| UL Listed | Underwriters Laboratories certification that confirms products meet safety and performance standards. |
| AWG | American Wire Gauge, a standardized wire sizing system used in North America. Lower numbers indicate thicker wire. |
| Splice Kit | A set of materials used to safely join electrical conductors, particularly in high-voltage or outdoor environments. |
| Conduit | A rigid or flexible tube used to protect and route electrical wiring in buildings and installations. |
| Zip Tie | A fastener for securing cables or wires together; essential for organization in AV, data, or telecom projects. |
| RF Hazard Sign | A sign used to mark areas with potential radiofrequency exposure, required on cell towers and broadcast sites. |
| Shielded Cable | A cable that includes a shielding layer to reduce electromagnetic interference, improving signal clarity. |
| Labeling Kit | A kit including labels or sleeves used to organize and identify wiring in panels, racks, and enclosures. |
| Grounding Wire | Wire used to connect equipment to earth ground, reducing the risk of electrical shock and protecting sensitive electronics. |
| Telecommunications | The transmission of data, voice, and video over long distances using wired or wireless systems including fiber optics, coaxial cable, and cellular networks. |
| Network Infrastructure | The physical and logical components that support data transmission in a network, including cables, switches, routers, and servers. |
| LAN (Local Area Network) | A computer network confined to a small geographic area, such as a building or campus, that connects devices for internal communication and resource sharing. |
| WAN (Wide Area Network) | A network that spans large geographic areas, such as cities or countries, and connects multiple LANs using routers and leased telecom lines. |
| Ethernet | A common method of networking computers in a LAN using twisted pair or fiber optic cables to transfer data packets. |
| Bandwidth | The maximum rate of data transfer across a given path, typically measured in Mbps or Gbps. |
| Latency | The time delay in data transmission between source and destination, affecting real-time applications like video or voice. |
| Fiber Optic Cable | A high-speed transmission medium that uses light to carry data, offering long-distance, high-bandwidth capabilities with minimal interference. |
| Switch | A network device that connects multiple devices within a LAN and uses MAC addresses to forward data to the correct destination. |
| Router | A device that connects different networks together and routes data from one to another, typically between LANs and the internet. |
| Access Point | A wireless networking device that allows Wi-Fi devices to connect to a wired network. |
| PoE (Power over Ethernet) | Technology that allows Ethernet cables to carry electrical power along with data, commonly used for IP cameras, phones, and access points. |
| Patch Panel | A mounted hardware unit that organizes and connects incoming and outgoing LAN cables in a structured cabling system. |
| Rack Mount | A standardized form factor for installing hardware such as servers, switches, and power supplies into a data or telecom rack. |
| Termination | The process of installing and securing connectors onto the ends of fiber or copper cables for integration into a network. |
| Splicing | The act of joining two fiber optic cables end-to-end to extend the network or repair a break. |
| Signal Loss | The degradation of signal strength as it travels through a medium, often requiring amplification or higher-quality cabling. |
| Cross Talk | A form of interference caused by signal leakage between adjacent cables or circuits. |
| Interference | External noise or signal disruption that degrades communication quality, often caused by electromagnetic or radio sources. |
| Redundancy | The inclusion of backup systems or paths in a network to ensure continued operation in case of failure. |
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Fiber Optic Patch Cables
A fiber optic cable jumper, also known as a fiber patch cord, is a short-length optical fiber cable with connectors on both ends — designed to establish quick, high-performance connections between equipment in telecom, networking, and data center environments.
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Copper & THHN Wire
Made with solid or stranded copper conductors, THHN wire is designed to carry electrical current efficiently while withstanding high heat and harsh conditions.
Ideal for indoor and outdoor use (when installed in conduit), THHN copper wire is trusted by contractors, electricians, and utility professionals for everything from panel wiring to branch circuits.
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Hardware & Fittings
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