Fairline Cable Encyclopedia | IT Networking & AV connections

=> Fibre Optic

Fibre Optic Cables are high-performance data transmission cables that use strands of glass or plastic fibres to carry light signals over long distances with minimal signal loss and electromagnetic interference. They are essential in modern communication networks, providing ultra-fast and reliable connections for data centres, telecommunications, and enterprise infrastructure.

Fibre optic systems are typically categorised into Singlemode and Multimode types: Singlemode fibre, with its smaller core, supports long-distance, high-bandwidth transmission using a single light path, while Multimode fibre, with a larger core, is ideal for shorter distances and cost-effective local networks. Common connector types include LC (Lucent Connector), a small form-factor connector popular in high-density environments; SC (Subscriber Connector), known for its push-pull locking mechanism and ease of use; and ST (Straight Tip), featuring a bayonet-style coupling often used in legacy installations.

=> Displayport

DisplayPort is a universal and license-free connection standard from VESA for transmitting picture and sound signals. The main areas of use are for the connection of screens and televisions to computers, DVD players and similar devices.

The DisplayPort plugs are considerable smaller that D-Sub and DVI plugs and there-fore allow easy integration of more than two plug-in connections to graphic cards so that they are better for portable display devices, such as notebooks, for example.

Optional locking is also a feature, unlike the competing HDMI plug (see the following image):

Displayport version 1.2a has a data rate of 17.28 Gbit/s in High Bit Rate 2 (HBR2) mode, which allows increased resolutions, higher refresh rates, and greater colour depth, such as 3840 × 2160 at 60Hz 10bpc RGB. Other improvements include multiple independent video streams (daisy-chain connection with multiple monitors) called Multi-Stream Transport (MST), facilities for stereoscopic 3D, increased AUX channel bandwidth (from 1 Mbit/s to 720 Mbit/s), more colour spaces including xvYCC, scRGB, and Adobe RGB 1998, and Global Time Code (GTC) for sub 1 μs audio/video synchronisation.

DisplayPort version 1.3 increases overall transmission bandwidth to 32.4 Gbit/s with the new HBR3 mode featuring 8.1 Gbit/s per lane (up from 5.4 Gbit/s with HBR2 in version 1.2), for a total data throughput of 25.92 Gbit/s after factoring in 8b/10b encoding overhead. This bandwidth is enough for a 4K UHD display (3840 × 2160) at 120Hz with 24 bit/px RGB colour, a 5K display (5120 × 2880) at 60Hz with 30 bit/px RGB colour, or an 8K UHD display (7680 × 4320) at 30Hz with 24 bit/px RGB colour. Using Multi-Stream Transport (MST), a DisplayPort port can drive two 4K UHD (3840 × 2160) displays at 60Hz, or up to four WQXGA (2560 × 1600) displays at 60Hz with 24 bit/px RGB colour. The new standard includes mandatory Dual-mode for DVI and HDMI adapters, implementing the HDMI 2.0 standard and HDCP 2.2 content protection. The VESA’s Adaptive Sync feature in DisplayPort version 1.3 remains an optional part of the specification.

DisplayPort Versions 1.4 and 2.1 represent significant advancements in digital display interface technology developed by VESA, designed to deliver ultra-high-definition video and audio for modern computing and professional display applications.

DisplayPort 1.4 supports resolutions up to 8K at 60Hz or 4K at 120Hz with High Dynamic Range (HDR), offering outstanding colour accuracy, brightness, and contrast. It utilises Display Stream Compression (DSC) 1.2, a visually lossless technology that enables higher resolutions and refresh rates without compromising image quality, while also supporting Multi-Stream Transport (MST) for daisy-chaining multiple displays and transmitting up to 32 audio channels.

Building on this, DisplayPort 2.1 dramatically increases bandwidth—up to 80 Gbps—enabling resolutions as high as 16K at 60Hz or multiple 8K displays with full HDR support. It also enhances compatibility and performance over USB-C and Thunderbolt connections, ensuring reliable high-speed transmission across a wider range of devices. Together, DisplayPort 1.4 and 2.1 provide scalable, future-ready solutions for gaming, content creation, and professional visual environments requiring the highest display performance.

=> DVI (Digital Visual Interface)

Digital Visual Interface (DVI) is an interface for transmitting video data. DVI in the computer area developed into a standard for connecting TFT monitors to the graphic card of a computer. There are televisions in the area of games electronics which process signals from digital sources. Such as computers or DVD players via DVI input signals.

These can transmit analog (DVI-A, seldom used), analog and digital (DVI-I), or only digital (DVI-D) signals, depending on the pin configuration of a DVI connection. Two digital signals can also be transmitted at the same time (Dual-Link, 24+1 PIN / 24+5 PIN), so that higher resolutions (QXGA, max 2560 x 1600 pixels, for example) are possible. There is a maximum of 1915 • 1436 pixels with 4:3 resolutions for a single link cable and a picture refreshment rate of 60 Hz. The maximum resolution for single link cables is therefore 1600 • 1200 pixels (UXGA) for this reason.

There are usually quality advantages from digital data transmission compared to an analog connection with a VGA- or SCART cable. Precisely two signal conversions are necessary for the latter mentioned cable types (not necessary for digital monitors): from digital to analog at the video output and back from analog to digital in the monitor.

A VGA screen can be operated by using a purely passive adapter can be operated at a socket where there is a combined signal (DVI-I, 18+5 PIN / 24+5 PIN).

The maximum length of line for connection to a DVI terminal unit (monitor) depends on the quality of the connection line and also on the quality of the terminal unit howe-ver. A maximum line length of 5–10 meters usually has to be observed. A DVI amplifier has to be used if there is a greater distance. The picture will be more out of focus otherwise for analog transmission: the connection will fail completely at some time or other for digital transmission.

The audio signal is not transmitted with a connection consisting of HDMI to DVI. A separate connection (via Cinch/RCA, for example) is necessary here.

Here is an overview of the most frequently used DVI cables:

HDMI

HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) is an interface for transmitting digital audio and video data und video data which was mainly developed for connection to devices from Home Video entertainment.

HDMI 2.0 (also referred to by some manufacturers as HDMI UHD) increases the maximum bandwidth of previous versions to 18.0 Gbit/s.

Version 2.0 uses TMDS encoding for video transmission like previous versions, giving it a maximum video bandwidth of 14.4 Gbit/s.
This enables HDMI 2.0 to carry 4K video at 60Hz with 24 bit/px colour depth.

Other features of HDMI 2.0 include support for the Rec. 2020 colour space, up to 32 audio channels, up to 1536 kHz audio sample frequency, dual video streams to multiple users on the same screen, up to four audio streams, 4:2:0 chroma subsampling, 25 fps 3D formats, support for the 21:9 aspect ratio, dynamic synchronization of video and audio streams, the HE-AAC and DRA audio standards, improved 3D capability, and additional CEC functions.

HDMI 2.1 is the latest major evolution of the High-Definition Multimedia Interface standard, designed to support the next generation of ultra-high-definition video and immersive audio experiences. It offers a maximum bandwidth of 48 Gbps, allowing for resolutions up to 10K, as well as 8K at 60Hz and 4K at 120Hz, with full support for Dynamic HDR formats that adjust brightness, contrast, and colour on a scene-by-scene or frame-by-frame basis.

HDMI 2.1 also introduces Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC), enabling the transmission of high-bitrate, uncompressed audio formats such as Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio directly to AV receivers or soundbars. For gaming and interactive applications, features such as Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), and Quick Frame Transport (QFT) deliver smoother motion and reduced input lag.

Backward compatible with previous HDMI versions, HDMI 2.1 uses Ultra High-Speed HDMI cables to ensure optimal performance, making it the preferred interface for cutting-edge TVs, gaming consoles, and professional AV equipment requiring superior video and audio fidelity.

Audio 3.5mm Connectors

Jack plugs and sockets are internationally widespread. They are used, for example, for relaying audio signals or for connection to a mains unit for the power supply to a compact device.
Jack plugs are very often used for connecting headphones. They are sometimes used for transmitting digital signals for control purposes.

Our 3.5mm shaft diameter cables (usually for portable devices (MP3 players, sound cards and small head phones) are also known as a micro plug.

The 6.35mm diameter connection is for stereo systems and practically all devices from music production, such as mixing desks, effect devices, synthesizers, keyboards, E pianos, E guitars and guitar amplifiers. They tolerate sufficient mechanical load and have a large contact surface.

Various adapters are available on the market to connect devices with the varying connection sockets by using a single cable. These are usually pushed on or screwed on. One should always try to avoid using adapters wherever necessary. However, since the number of contacts which are often faulty anyhow is increased by the adapter so that data transmission becomes worse.

The jack plug types with two (Mono), three (Stereo) and four (Stereo + extra) contacts. The stereo plug with the extra function is a variation of the stereo plug. Some multi channel contacts for PC and cameras use these types of 4 pole connections because of space problems.

Copper

Copper Cabling remains a cornerstone of data and network infrastructure, offering reliable performance and ease of installation for a wide range of applications.

Copper network cables use twisted pairs of conductors to transmit electrical signals and are available in both solid and stranded (patch) constructions.

Solid copper installation cables are designed for permanent network runs within buildings or outdoor routes, providing excellent conductivity and consistent performance over longer distances. Internal solid cables are typically PVC or LSZH (Low Smoke Zero Halogen) sheathed for use in structured cabling within walls, ceilings, or conduits, while external solid cables use UV-resistant and weatherproof polyethylene (PE) jackets to protect against moisture, temperature variation, and environmental exposure.

In contrast, patch cables feature stranded copper conductors, offering superior flexibility for connecting devices to wall outlets, switches, or patch panels—ideal for desktop, rack, and data centre use. Together, these cable types form the backbone of copper-based Ethernet networks, balancing durability, flexibility, and signal performance across installation and equipment interconnection environments.

A patch cable (e.g. to patch – to wire together), also shunt cable or twisted pair cable is a cable type in network technology and telecommunications. Twisted pair cables contain pairs of strands consisting of twisted pairs) of single strands.

Patch cables are ready made – The term does not refer to any specific cable standard but to variable, cable connections which are not permanently laid. This is why the strands in the cable consist of pliable copper strands. Contrary to permanently installed cables which consist of wires. These can be reconnected according to requirement without a major effort. The cable length is usually approx. 0.3 to 25 m permanently installed connections are usually used for longer lengths. Patch cables can either be wired 1:1 which is also known as straight through or crossed, where they are known as crossover cables.

Four paired cables area used as a matter of preference in current network installation. The ISO/IEC-11801 (2002)E, a new description scheme in the form of XX/YZZ has been introduced, since the old descriptions were not uniform and often lead to confusion or were even contradictory.

We therefore have the following:

· XX for Complete Screening: U = Unscreened, F = Foil Screened, S = Braided Screen, SF = Braid & Foil Screen
· Y stands for Paired Strand Screening: U = Unscreened, F = Foil Screened, S = Braided Screening
· ZZ always stands for TP = Twisted Pair

Categories complying with one respective requirement profile have been introduced for easier classification of the individual cables. Categories 1 and 2 are only informally defined; categories 3 and 4 are no longer commercially relevant.

Here are the most important categories for network installation:

CATEGORY 5: Cat 5 cables are the mainly relevant installed basis for working frequencies up to 100MHz. Cables of category 5 are often used in structured cabling of computer networks, such as Fast or Gigabit Ethernet for example.

CATEGORY 6: Cat 6 cable is defined by EN50288. Cat 6 cables are used for working frequencies up to 250MHz. The rate of transmission deteriorates in longer lengths, smaller overlaps do not present any problems, depending on extraneous factors. Fields of application for Cat 6 are speech and data transmission and also multimedia.

CATEGORY 7: Cat 6 cables are used for working frequencies up to 600 MHz. A Cat 7 cable satisfies the IEEE 802.3an standard as is therefore suitable for 10 Gigabit Ethernet.

Power Cables

Power supply cables / IEC power connection cable designates a ready made. Insulated electrical line / cable for domestic use that is usually provided with a country-specific plug, usually with a grounded plug and an IEC power connection cable in the FRG. It is used/they are used to operate electrical devices that do not produce any noticeable heat and can be regularly loaded up to 10A.

A harmonized system of abbreviations has been developed within Europe by CENELEC (European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization) for the uniform identification of electrical lines.

The type abbreviations for the lines state the construction type and the intended use for the electrical lines in the electrical installation. The identification contains all the necessary information for the construction and optional uses of the line (materials and permitted voltages, for example).

National identifications are normal for some line types however.

Different connectors specified in the IEC standard (International Electrotechnical Commission) IEC 60320 are used, depending on the device to be connected.

The following images show the most frequent connectors:

Wieland / 3-Pole

3-Pole Power Cables are modular electrical connection systems designed for efficient, safe, and flexible power distribution in commercial and industrial environments.

Featuring a three-conductor (live, neutral, and earth) configuration, these cables provide quick-connect functionality for lighting, power, and building automation systems.

Their plug-and-play design allows for rapid installation and reconfiguration without the need for on-site wiring, reducing downtime and ensuring compliance with electrical safety standards. Widely used in modular office fit-outs, suspended lighting systems, and display installations, Wieland 3-Pole solutions offer a reliable and reusable alternative to traditional hardwired connections.

Our POWER & DATA TO THE DESK range use this connection to run & charge your laptop/ monitor/ tablet.

USB Cables

USB cable is available on the market at the moment in various versions (2.0, 3.0, 3.1, 3.2, 4.0) and is suitable for many devices such as Phones, Notebooks & Laptops, hard disks, hubs, printers, scanners, webcams, mice, keyboards but also for dongles, screens and cameras.

Four strands are required in a USB cable. Two strands transmit the data, the other two supply the connected device with a voltage of 5V. The cables must be screened differently according to speed. Five additional contacts are necessary in the plugs for the USB 3.0 version in order to guarantee high data rates.

USB allows transmission of data to a device with 1.5 Mbit/s, 12 Mbit/s or with 480 Mbit/s. The transmission speed in Version 3.0 rises to 5 Gbit/s where USB 3.0 is downwards compatible to the existing USB versions (1.1 & 2.0).

Transmission speed USB Versions:

High-Speed (480 Mbit/s) USB 2.0
Super-Speed (5 Gbit/s) USB 3.0
Super-Speed (5 Gbit/s) USB 3.1 Gen 1
Super-Speed (10 Gbit/s) USB 3.1 Gen 2

We also can supply Type C USB 3.2 with speeds of 20 Gbit/s, and now USB 4.0 at up to 40 Gbit/s.

The lengths of USB cables from the hub to the device are limited to five or three meters. depending on the specifications.

The plugs of a USB cable are designed so that the poles cannot be accidently changed or confused (except for the USB Type C connector, which is reversible).

Flat plugs (type A) and a practically square plug (type B) are used in the direction of the PC/host controller, hub (upstream) and towards the connected end device (Downstream) or the cable is already installed in the end device.

There is a more compact type of plug for end devices with very little space (digital cameras, mobile telephones, external 2.5 inch hard disks, for example) which are designated as Mini and Micro USB plugs.

There are differing construction types here depending on the device manufacturer with many varying connection pins.

VGA Cables

The VGA-/Monitor Connection is an analogue picture transmission standard between graphic cards and display devices (monitors, beamers, for example). VGA plugs are used for cable connections which are equipped with a 15 pole Mini-D-Sub-plug (also D called a Sub-Mini Connection) with three connection rows (type HD15 or also HD D-Sub15, see the following illustration). The VGA is also significant for the resolution of 640 • 480 which is the typical VGA resolution for many.

The output of the graphic card is always a socket (hidden contact pins). The input at the display device can have both genders, depending on the type. This is usually a socket as well (all modern tube and LCD monitors), so that a connection cable is required between two plugs (exposed contact pins).

VGA cables are clearly prone to faults, depending on quality and already with lengths below 5m. A suitable high frequency cable with a coaxial structure is therefore advantageous for the colour channels. VGA is generally only suitable to a limited extent for high resolutions above SXGA (1280×1024 pixels), since fuzziness can appear with analogue tube displays and because digitalisation is very demanding in the display controller of the flat screen monitor when LCD monitors are in use.

The DVI interface which can also be used to transmit an analogue VGA signal is the digital successor to the VGA interface. An adapter can therefore be used to operate VGA devices at DVI outputs, providing the appropriate signal lines area also supplied with an analogue signal (only the case with DVI-I and DVI-A).

The output of the graphic card is always a socket (hidden contact pins). The input at the display device can have both genders, depending on the type. This is usually a socket as well (all modern tube and LCD monitors), so that a connection cable is required between two plugs (exposed contact pins).

VGA cables are clearly prone to faults, depending on quality and already with lengths below 5m. A suitable high frequency cable with a coaxial structure is therefore advantageous for the colour channels. VGA is generally only suitable to a limited extent for high resolutions above SXGA (1280×1024 pixels), since fuzziness can appear with analogue tube displays and because digitalisation is very demanding in the display controller of the flat screen monitor when LCD monitors are in use.

The DVI interface which can also be used to transmit an analogue VGA signal is the digital successor to the VGA interface. An adapter can therefore be used to operate VGA devices at DVI outputs, providing the appropriate signal lines area also supplied with an analogue signal (only the case with DVI-I and DVI-A).

KVM Cables

KVM Cables are specialised connection assemblies designed specifically for use with Keyboard, Video, and Mouse (KVM) switches, allowing users to control multiple computers or servers from a single workstation.

Unlike standard HDMI, VGA, or USB cables, KVM cables combine multiple signal types—typically video, USB or PS/2 for keyboard and mouse control, and sometimes audio—into a single, purpose-built cable for simplified management and reduced clutter.
They often feature integrated connectors or colour-coded terminations for easy identification and installation, and are engineered to maintain high signal integrity over extended lengths, ensuring responsive input control and clear video output.

Many modern KVM cables use shielded, high-quality materials to minimise interference and support advanced resolutions such as Full HD, 4K, or DisplayPort, depending on the KVM system. These dedicated cables provide a tidy, reliable, and efficient solution for data centres, control rooms, and IT environments where multiple system access is required.

Serial & Parallel Printer Cables

Serial and Parallel Printer Cables are legacy communication interfaces that were once standard for connecting printers and other peripheral devices to computers. Parallel printer cables, often equipped with DB25 and Centronics 36-pin connectors, transmit multiple bits of data simultaneously, enabling faster data transfer rates for early printers and scanners.

Serial printer cables, typically using DB9 or DB25 connectors, send data one bit at a time over longer distances, offering greater reliability and reduced signal interference compared to parallel connections. Though largely replaced by USB and network-based printing, these cables remain essential for maintaining or interfacing with industrial, point-of-sale, and legacy equipment that still relies on traditional RS-232 or Centronics communication standards.

RJ11, RJ12 & BT Telecoms

RJ11, RJ12, and BT Connection Cables are widely used for telecommunication and voice network applications, providing reliable connections for telephones, modems, and PBX systems.

RJ11 cables typically feature 4 or 6 positions with 2 or 4 conductors and are most commonly used for standard single-line telephone connections.

RJ12 cables, similar in appearance but with 6 positions and 6 conductors, are used in multi-line telephone systems or office environments where additional communication channels or control signals are required.

BT (British Telecom) cables utilise BS6312 connectors, the UK standard for telephone wall sockets and extensions, providing robust and secure connectivity for domestic and business telephony installations. These connector types remain essential for analogue voice communication, fax machines, and certain alarm or modem systems, ensuring consistent performance and compatibility across traditional telecom infrastructures.