Computer Cables

IP Solutions is a leading Indiana-based provider of managed IT. In addition to our services, we offer computer cables that provide communication between devices to keep your office running.
 
From power cables, VGA, DVI, or HDMI display cables, extension cables, or Ethernet cables to connect all your computers, we've got you covered.
 
From small to midsized and larger corporations, you can be confident that we will provide you with the service and support you need when you need it.
 

How do I know which Computer Cable is right for my application?

Let's face it, knowing which computer cable you need can be down-right confusing. Be it a power cable or one of several data cables available, the acronyms, and what cable to buy for your particular application can be a daunting task.
 
Since 2009 IP Solutions has been offering IT support and solutions for networking to provide clear communication between digital devices.
 

Computer Cables & their uses

In the world of computers, TV's and networking there are two main types of computer cables, power cables, and data cables.
 

Power Cables

Power cables provide power to your devices by allowing your electronics to be plugged directly into the wall socket, a power conditioner or UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply). A power conditioner acts as a buffer between your system and the outlet.
 
Unlike a surge protector, which is an excellent defense against voltage spikes, power conditioners remove noise from electrical lines, protect your equipment, and correct fluctuating voltage and wave distortions.
 
UPS is a battery that keeps your devices running while the power is out, at least as long as the battery lasts.
 
Power cables for desktop computers generally have a grounded, 3 prong plug and a molded female end that connects to the computer. Without it, your computer will not turn on.
 
Laptops generally have a power supply with a removable power cable. Some are 3 prongs, others only 2 prongs. Again, typically a molded female connector that connects to the power supply.
 

Data Cables

  • USB Cables - USB (Universal Serial Bus) is one of the most popular cables. USB is mostly used to connect computers to peripheral devices such as printers, scanners, external hard drives, and mobile devices, USB cables are used for short-distance digital data communication.
USB has had 4 versions over the years, logically enough called USB 1, USB 2, USB 3, and USB 4. Each version has had some revisions over the years as well.
 
USB 3 and 4 are both backward compatible with version 2, so if you need to connect an older device, it's ok to use a newer version as long as the plugs match.
 
Plug types include Type A, Type B, Type C, as well as Mini A, Mini B, Mini AB, Micro B, and Micro AB.
 
Yes, it can be very confusing, but we are here to help!
 
If you are looking for more details, Wikipedia has a great page on USB (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USB)
 
  • Firewire / IEEE1394 Cables - Firewire was originally a faster alternative to USB. Commonly used for connecting digital camcorders and external hard drives to computers, Firewire was Apple's name for the IEEE 1394 High-Speed Bus.
 
Firewire lost popularity as the speed of USB devices caught up to it, even though it does have some advantages.
 
  • Ethernet Cables - Ethernet is the worldwide standard for wired networking. Ethernet cable connects modems to routers, switches, and Wifi access points.
 
Gigabit Ethernet is available in Cat-5, Cat-5E (Enhanced), Cat-6, and Cat-7, which will support 10 Gigabit speeds over 100 Meters of cable.
 
Like USB, newer versions are backward compatible with older devices.
 
  • VGA Cable - VGA cables are one of the most typical connector cables for connecting video devices such as computer monitors and high-definition TVs.
 
This connector type dates back to the early days of computing and supported early resolutions such as 320 x 200 pixels, which you may remember as the old "Green Screen" computer monitors.
 
VGA cables have, for the most part, been replaced with DVI or HDMI cabling on newer systems. 
 
  • DVI Cables - DVI cables like VGA are used to connect video monitors. Considered a successor to the VGA cable, DVI cables are generally used to connect LCD monitors to a computer's video card.
 
  • HDMI Cable - HDMI cables provide an interface between audio and video sources. HDMI cables are the primary connector and cable for digital TVs, DVD players, and often AV receivers as the cable carries not just the video or picture signal but audio as well.
 

Affordable IT Solutions

As companies look for ways to cut costs while maintaining the quality of their products and services, the one constant is that technology, more than ever, helps you run your business.
 
Whether you need PC support, an entirely new communications system for multiple offices, or computer cables to connect your business computers, you can count on IP Solutions to find an answer for your particular need and help you keep costs down.
 

Helpdesk & Support

When PCs turn blue, your network goes down, and phone calls get dropped, even the most seasoned employer is prone to panic. 
 
At IP Solutions, we know that when things go awry, the last thing you want to hear is that you'll have to wait your turn for technical support.
 
Our professional technicians go out of their way to get out clients back up and running. A phone call to a remote session or an office visit, we do what it takes to get them back up and running as quickly as possible. 
 

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Featured Reviews

IP Solutions is the type of company you can rely on for all of your networking/data needs. We certainly do here at The University of Notre Dame. Outstanding customer service, timely response to any questions or issues you might run into, and knowledgeable staff make them an outstanding partner to have on your side!

- Aesa L.

IP Solutions has been McCarthy Insurance's IT and phone provider for a number of years. They are prompt, professional, and keep us current with the ever changing world of technology. They handle a wide array of responsibilities for us and are like having our own, in house, IT department. I would highly recommend them.

- Phil M.

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