Common terms and definitions

- [Instructor] Whenever you're discussing technical topics, especially in the construction field, it's very important that you use and understand the proper words and terminology. Many of the terms used when discussing communication systems have different meaning in different contexts. So it's crucial that all of the people involved in the process are on the same page. Using the correct terminology not only will help you get the job done right, it will make the job site safer, more predictable and save time and money along the way. With that in mind, let's begin our discussion of communication systems with a look at some of the terms and definitions that are common in the communications field. A cable. A cable's an assembly of one or more insulated conductors or optical fibers within an overall jacket or sheath. A wire or a conductor. That's an individual solid or stranded metallic conductor usually made of copper. Insulation: That's a dielectric material that physically separates wires and prevents conduction between them. Insulation is sometimes made of a plastic-type material. Take a look at this cable photo. Here, we see the copper conductor that's covered with an insulation. There's actually three of them and they're all covered together by a cable jacket. That's what a cable looks like. It's that simple. A termination. A termination is the physical connection of a conductor to a connecting hardware. To terminate is also an action. A splice, that's a joining of conductors or fiber strands meant to be permanent. Splices occur when cables and conductors are cut inadvertently and need to be extended. Conductivity: This term refers to the patch panels, optical fiber splice enclosures, connectors and cable management used to create and maintain electrical and optical circuits. It really is a catch-all phrase used in the communications industry. An optical fiber, that's a transmission media using a thin filament of glass or plastic to transmit pulses of light signals that carry information. Optical fibers can be used to transmit communications and data. Optical fiber cable is an assembly made up of one or more strands of glass or plastic consisting of a central core and an outer cladding. Sometimes they have a primary coating, buffer, two buffers, strength members and an outer jacket. Here's a picture of a fiber optic cable made up of numerous fiber strands inside an overall jacket. IT, or information technology. That's the study or use of systems especially computers and telecommunications for storing, retrieving and sending information. Wireless, that's the use of radiated electromagnetic energy such as radio frequency or microwave signals, primarily, traveling through free space to convey information. Utilization equipment, that's single or multiple pieces of technology used to decipher information and make it understandable or usable for the user. Remember, it's important to use the correct terminology in all communications, whether it's a verbal instruction or in writing to colleagues and clients. It may sound simple, but it's an essential step to keeping everyone on the same page and referring to the exact equipment you need. Knowing that there's a difference between a cable and a conductor makes a huge difference when describing the system to an owner or material supplier, for instance. The words sound the same, but are actually quite different.