Do you know what LAN Cable is? If you are planning to run an Internet cafe or preparing to build a LAN for your business, it will help you a lot to know what LAN Cable is. Through this article, we will introduce the basics of LAN – what is LAN cable connection, how LAN cable works, and the different types of LAN cables used in different industries. In this article, we will introduce the basics of LAN – what is LAN cable connection, how LAN cable works, and the different types of LAN cables used in different industries.

What is LAN?

LAN stands for Local Area Network. It is usually used interchangeably with Ethernet. A LAN cable provides a network for multiple computers nearby (e.g., 1m – 100m), and it is designed to transfer resources such as file sharing, gaming, email, and printer sharing. This about sums up the best definition of a LAN cable.

What does a LAN cable look like?

A typical Ethernet LAN cable looks like a telephone line with modular connectors on one end. It consists of 4 pairs of twisted pairs. One end of the LAN cable is usually connected to a hub, switch, or router, and the other end is connected to your devices, such as a laptop or computer.

LAN cables are used for stable connections to the Internet, and Internet connections are used for – well, everything! The sharing and transfer of files and information couldn’t be better without a wired, high-speed DSL connection. LAN cables have proven many uses in router connections, printers, telecommunications, voice and data transmission, workstation, and gaming interconnections.

How Network LAN Cables Work

LAN cables consist of twisted pairs of wires, each pair eliminating EMI or electromagnetic interference as well as external interference. The cables are terminated with the 8P8C modular connector (RJ45) used in short-run patch cords. Bulk cable is used for longer installations and structured cabling.

LAN Cable Applications and Features: Cat5e, Cat6, Cat6a, Cat7, and Cat8 Cable Comparison

Category cables are designed with different specifications and bandwidth capabilities to meet specific applications. Category 5e, Category 6, Category 6A, Category 7, and Category 8 cables of each category have been developed with shields or foils to achieve the ability to protect equipment from EMI or noise. The cable jacket is marked with its category and sometimes whether it is an indoor or outdoor cable.

Did you notice how different each one is? Below is a summary of all categories of LAN cables and their unique features.

Choosing the suitable LAN cable for your specific application

The variety of LAN cables can be confusing when it comes to choosing the suitable cable for your application. I’ve mentioned several types of LAN cables above and given the specifications that make them different from each other. For specialized applications, these are my recommendations.

LAN cable buying guide

With the above, you must already have a good idea of what a LAN Cable is. But even if you still have enough about LAN cable, you should also be able to know the value for money of a certain length of LAN cable you are buying when you are going to invest in it.

What to know before you buy a LAN cable

What do you need to know before you buy LAN cable?

Length

The length of LAN cables on the market varies widely. Still, the maximum optimal distance is only about 100 meters without the use of a repeater. A friendly (and essential) reminder: do not buy a LAN cable if it is less than 10 feet.

Price

Being an intelligent person, you will probably be looking for the cheapest underlying LAN cable. If you’re buying in larger quantities, OEM/ODM from a Chinese cable factory is your best bet. Like Taizheng is your most cost-effective choice, we specialize in Ethernet Cable custom production with superior quality and affordable price. Need LAN Cable? Contact us now!