HermanAs technology continues to advance, there’s so much to catch up on, and sometimes, you can get stuck along the way. That’s why we understand that you might be confused about some details concerning Ethernet cables, the uses of each cable type, and which of these cables you should choose for connectivity purposes.
That’s why we’ve put together this article to give you a quick rundown of all you need to know about Ethernet cables. So, read on!
Ethernet cables: What do they do?
Without mincing words, an Ethernet cable is a common network cable that connects devices to wired networks (wired networks use wiring to link devices to the web or another network).
You can use these cables to connect devices such as PCs, routers, and switches to local area networks (LANs). Ethernet ports on network routers, computers, and other devices are one of the most common methods of connecting wired networks.
Types of Ethernet Cables
Ethernet cables are used to connect computers to routers and switches. Various Ethernet cable types have been specified by the Telecommunications Industry Association and Electronic Industries Association.
Cat5e (Category 5e) and Cat6 (Category 6) are the most commonly used types of Ethernet cables.
Cat5e Cables
Known as a twisted pair cable, it comprises four pairs of copper wires and is the most popular type. With the fifth-generation technology type of this Cat5e cable, you can get a speed of about 100 Mbps (megabit per second). Experts recommend that Cat5e cables should not exceed 100 meters in length.
Cat6 Cables
This category of the Ethernet twisted pair cable is the sixth-generation type, which comprises four copper pairs, like CAT 5e.
However, the Cat6 cable fully utilizes all four copper wiring pairs and is capable of speeds of up to 1Gbps (gigabits per second), twice as fast as Cat 5e cables.
This cable type is also compatible with Gigabit Ethernet, and an enhanced type (CAT 6a) is also available for speeds up to 10Gbps. Like Cat5e cables, Cat6 cables should not exceed 100 meters in length.
Stranded vs. Solid
Depending on the copper conductor inside the cable, twisted pair cables are either solid or stranded:
Solid cables are best used for long horizontal distances. These materials are more durable and robust, making them a good choice for exteriors, wall cladding, and permanent fixings.
The stranded type of cable is more bendable and is ideal for mobile applications and cabling, which requires greater flexibility. If you will move the cable frequently, you should use a stranded type.
Shielded Versus Unshielded
Shielding can further protect Ethernet cables due to the cable’s twisted nature. In buildings or outdoors (where high interference is present), shielded cables are the better option, while unprotected cables are better suited to domestic use in the home.
The crossover cables
Using an Ethernet cable of this type, you can connect two computers directly via the Ethernet ports. Copper-based, twisted-pair crossover Ethernet cables are available in Cat5e and Cat6 types.
Conclusion
Now that you have an idea of what kinds of Ethernet cables there are, you can go over to cakeycn.com to buy whichever category you believe works for you.