What is an Ethernet Cable?

Views: 13     Author: Site Editor     Publish Time: 2022-06-20      Origin: Site

Ethernet cable connects devices within a local area network, such as PCs, routers, and switches. It is undoubtedly one of the most critical assets for any business today because of its promising networking capabilities.

Why you should know the classification of Ethernet cables

Using the wrong Ethernet cable can slow down your Internet connectivity, communications, and your business processes and procedures

Hardwired Ethernet connections are a popular networking solution for those who need secure Internet connectivity and demanding bandwidth requirements. A home, office, or gaming console network installation requires a comprehensive knowledge of Ethernet categories.

What is category cable?

Let’s start with the basics of the Ethernet Category. Category cables, or “Cat” cables, are standardized cables used for Ethernet and were developed by the Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA) to define standards for telecommunications installations. The standard was published in 1991 as the TIA/EIA-568-A standard and is now revised as TIA/EIA-568-C.

Different types of Ethernet cables

Ethernet cables are like the plumbing of your water system, and they function very similarly. Different types of Ethernet cables have specific speed capabilities, and lower Cat cables cannot keep up with the speed of higher Cat cables. So if you install a Cat5 cable and a Cat6 cable for a Cat6-enabled device, you end up with a reduced network speed from 250MHz to 100MHz.

Ethernet Cables by Speed Class

Ethernet cable is classified according to the speed or bandwidth capability it can provide over a given length. The standard states that Ethernet cable lengths should be able to carry data up to 100m or 328ft feet without loss of signal.

Ethernet cables are classified by installation location and method

Ethernet CAT cables can be classified as solid or stranded depending on where and how they are installed.

Solid CAT Cable

Solid core cables consist of a single bare strand of solid copper. Solid Ethernet cables are preferred for installations that require rugged protection against electrical interference.

Their more rugged but sturdy construction makes them ideal for permanent installations, such as under the floor, behind a wall, or in other fixed locations. That’s why it is a common preference for commercial networks.

Stranded CAT Cables

Stranded cables are made by twisting several thin copper conductors together. Stranded Ethernet cables have a more flexible height and are used to connect and disconnect devices frequently.

Patch cables are usually stranded cables. These Cat Ethernet cables are better suited for home network connections and people who travel a lot.

To get the best out of our network, we must choose the suitable Ethernet cable for our application. We need to check our application requirements and understand the relevant Ethernet cable categories before we buy and customize Ethernet cables. Of course, suppose you need to customize an Ethernet cable and do not know much about it. In that case, you can also contact us directly – a professional Ethernet cable manufacturer. We can provide you with professional advice and choose the most suitable products.