Q: What types of wires are used in a home structured wiring system?

A: Many types, but most commonly Category 5, Category 5E and Category 6 cables for telephone and computer network, as well as RG6 quad-shielded coax cables for TV distribution. Other types of cables include: fiber-optic cables, various audio cables, component video cables and other types of Hi-definition video cables.

Q: Isn't everything going wireless?

A: Without question, wireless is becoming more popular and prevalent, particularly in the areas of telephone, computer network and internet access. That being said, it is still widely acknowledged that wireless connections are slower, less reliable, and fraught with security issues. We believe that it's still a good idea and good value to wire homes during construction and remodelling to get the best possible performance and to keep your options open.

Q: What is a "multi-media outlet"?

A: What we call a "multi-media outlet" is a wall outlet with two RG6 coax cable ports and two Category 5E phone/data ports. This type of outlet is very flexible in terms of its possible uses, and so it has become the closest thing we have to a national standard for structured wiring systems. In reality, though, a multi-media outlet is appropriate for some rooms but not others, and we at J.J. Vanderson use various combinations of Cat5E and RG6 in each room, depending on room layout and likely uses.