FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

At Integrity Protection Service, we've done our best to create a Web site that anticipates and satisfies our customers' needs. With that goal in mind, we've compiled a list of frequently asked questions. If you do not find an answer to your question here, contact us at 856-861-0300 or will@int-pro.com.

[Cable Ratings]
What is the difference between PVC and Plenum cable?

Plenum Rated
Plenum rated cable is generally required in all air returns, dropped ceilings and public buildings where the ceiling cavity acts as the ventilation system's air return. Fire codes vary from area to area, if unsure check with your local Fire Marshall.

[Choosing Cable Structure]
Solid or Stranded Cable?

Solid Cable is recommended for all horizontal runs, between wiring closets, and for lengths over 25 feet.  It should not be flexed.

Stranded Cable is built to withstand the repeated flexing, common in PC to wall plate applications, without damage to inner conductors. Because of higher attenuation it is recommended for short runs of 25 feet or less.

[Maximum Recommended wire run lengths]
What are the limitations for wire run lengths?

CAT5e/CAT6e/CAT7e Solid
Maximum recommended length is 100 meters (328 feet).  EIA/TIA 568 standards call for 90 meters (295 feet) of permanently installed unshielded twisted pair (UTP) cable and 10 meters (33 feet) of patchcords.

CAT5e/CAT6e/CAT7e Stranded
Maximum recommended length is under 25 ft. (see choosing cable)

[Fiber Optic Cable Types Defined]
What is the difference between Single Mode and Multimode Fiber?

Single Mode Fiber
Single Mode fiber is used to connect long distance switches, central offices and SLCs (subscriber loop carriers, small switches in pedestals in subdivisions or office parks or in the basement of a larger building). Practically every telco's network is now fiber optics except the connection to the home.  Single Mode carries higher bandwidth than multimode fiber, but requires a light source with a very narrow spectral width. Single Mode is also referred to as single-mode fiber, single-mode optical waveguide, mono-mode optical fiber and uni-mode fiber. Single-mode fiber gives you a higher rate of transmission, it also can carry the signal up to 50 times farther distance than multimode, at a slightly higher cost.

Multi Mode Fiber
Multi Mode fiber is used for shorter distances. Most applications in which Multi-mode fiber is used, 2 fibers are used. Multimode fiber gives you high bandwidth at high speeds (10 to 100MBS - Gigabit to 275m to 2km) over medium distances. Light waves are split up into numerous paths, or modes, as they travel through the cable's core. Long cable runs (Above 3000 feet 914.4 meters in length), the multiple paths of light are believed to cause signal distortion at the receiving end, resulting in lost packets and incomplete data transmission. IPS recommends the use of single mode fiber in all applications using Gigabit and higher bandwidth.