We run SBS '03 Standard, and we have a hub and switch.

The switch supplies the front office whereas the hub runs back through the manufacturing area and up to other offices, etc.

 

I was wondering if anyone knew what type of cable this is

Commscope network cable 3104 E82833 75 C26 AWG (UL) TYPE CL2 Shielded IEEE 802.3

 

I was wondering what I would do if I wanted to update to a different hub. Newer hubs don't have the same port on them (it's like a RF cable)

 

Do I need to replace the cable? If so, what cable should I use?

 

We manufacture plastic products and it's gets pretty hot out in the shop during the summer months so I need something that handles the heat.

 

I'm worried that if one of these hubs goes (they've been going stronger for many years tho) I'm not going to know what to replace it with..

Hi there, your cable is an old thicknet cable.

Its of Coax type and has two conductors inside for transmitting and receiving.

The advantage of that cable is that it has good bandwidth and is immune to alot of EMI and LFI fields due to the thick polyvinyl coating and braid.

 

The probable unfortunate factor is that most switch/hub manufacturers dont make the old vampire connectors anymore on there networking equipment so you would have to get a convertor to change from one medium to another.

 

I have some type 2 to ethernet convertors here in australia but it may not be of any use to you in the states.

 

Your best bet for a factory environment is an optical fibre cable, as it is immune to any electrical or environmental conditions.

 

If the distance is under 300m (not sure in feet) then get a multimode optical fibre cable, if it is over then get a Singlemode optical fibre run in.

 

Hope that helps you out.