Which type of cable is typically used in structured cabling for wireless installations?

The most commonly used type of cable in structured cabling for wireless installations is Cat 5e cable. This category of Ethernet cable supports data transmission speeds up to 1 Gbps and is designed to facilitate network connections, including those to wireless access points (WAPs). The ability of Cat 5e to handle high-speed data makes it suitable for connecting various devices in a network, supporting both voice and data applications.

In a structured cabling environment, Cat 5e is often utilized for the backbone and horizontal wiring, which is essential for providing the infrastructure needed for wireless networking. Additionally, it is cost-effective and widely available, making it a practical choice for many installations.

While fiber optic cable is also used in some scenarios, especially for longer distances or higher bandwidth requirements, for typical wireless installations where connections between network switches and access points are needed within relatively short distances, Cat 5e provides the necessary performance and flexibility. Coaxial cable and RG6 cable are typically utilized for television and other types of RF signals rather than data networking, which is why they are not typically preferred in structured cabling for wireless installations.