Computer Cables
PC Cables and Connectors
Computer cables form the connections between computer systems and their
peripheral devices. They are physical implementations of interface
standards for transmitting data between computers and peripherals such
as keyboards, display devices, mass storage units, and printers.
These standards, developed over the years by various commercial firms
and standards organizations, specify the usage and signal characteristics
of each wire in the cable. They also specify data transfer rates,
connector specifications, and maximum cable lengths.
Looking at a typical personal computer, one sees a jumble of cables.
For instance, short IDE cables, serial ATA cables, or SCSI cables attach
computer motherboards to their disk drives. Analog cables are used
to connect computer audio devices to speakers, microphones, and external
audio systems. 15-pin VGA cables or DVI cables connect computers
with their display monitors, while Centronics parallel cables are often
used to connect computers with printers. However, more compact USB
cables and USB interfaces are now standard features on many printers,
scanners, and digital cameras.
Early personal computers used a 5-pin DIN keyboard cable connector; IBM
PS/2 keyboards used a 6-pin mini-DIN connector, and many modern keyboards
interface via a USB cable. Early PCs used a 9-pin serial mouse
cable connector; PS/2 models used a 6-pin mini-DIN connector, and today
a computer mouse often interfaces using a USB cable. Because of the
many cable and switching techniques which are used to connect keyboards,
video monitors, and pointing devices, the computer cable industry has
coined the acronyms KVM cables and KVM switches. These
terms refer to products that interface keyboard, video, and mouse devices
in various ways.
In a broader sense, computer cables include Cat5, Cat5e, or Cat6 network cables with RJ-45 connectors, which link computers together via Ethernet hubs and repeaters. For large network installations, professionally installed premises wiring, consisting of copper cables or fiber optic cables, is run through walls and between floors of commercial buildings.
On ComputerCables.us you will find a selection of popular cable suppliers offering a broad selection of digital computer cables, network cables, and audio/video cables as well as premises wiring products and services.
Shop for Computer Cables
- CompUSA > Computer Cables
This popular computer retailer features hundreds of computer accessories, including cables and adapters, for most computers and peripherals.
www.CompUSA.com - Cables Finder
Make the right connections! This Office Depot company offers a broad selection of standard computer cables, network cables, and premise wiring in a variety of colors and lengths.
www.Computers4Sure.com
Cable Manufacturers
- Belkin Cables
Manufacturer of high quality audio, video, and computer cabling products and accessories.
www.Belkin.com - Cables To Go
Manufacturer and distributor of computer cables and connectivity solutions. The product line includes PC cables and networking cables as well as KVM cables and switches.
www.CablesToGo.com - DataPro
Offers data interfacing hardware and software, plus standard and custom cabling products.
www.DataPro.net - AMP NETCONNECT
The AMP NETCONNECT business unit of Tyco Electronics provides infrastructure cabling and connectivity solutions, specializing in the design and manufacture of high-performance end-to-end optical fiber and copper premises cabling systems.
www.AMPNetConnect.com
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