When you think about Ethernet cables, you probably imagine a thick cable that connects your devices. Right? Well, not exactly. An Ethernet cable is not just something that connects your computer to the router or internet source. It's a lot more than that. An Ethernet cable is used for networking. These cables are made up of eight individual wires that are twisted together to form one single cable. Each wire has a specific job in order to transfer data from one location to another so that devices on the same network can communicate with each other properly. Let's take a look at the different types of Ethernet cables and their uses:
Ethernet cables: what exactly are they?
Ethernet cables, often known as network cables, are the wires used to link various networking devices together. Ethernet connections transmit data between computers, allowing them to connect to a local area network (LAN) and the wider world wide web.
Ethernet cables remain important, especially in professional settings, despite the prevalence of Wi-Fi. Wiring your network directly into your building guarantees a steady and quick connection. Ethernet-connected devices are immune to Wi-Fi signal dropouts caused by physical obstacles.
It is advised that your video conferencing equipment be hardwired due to the reliability and quality of the ethernet connection. If you're a gamer, you know that using an Ethernet connection to connect your computer makes playing games far more responsive and smooth than using Wi-Fi.
Types Of Ethernet cables:
You may have heard of Cat5 or Cat6 cables if you have ever helped set up a network. For those in the know, “Cat” refers to “Category” in the context of computer network cables. The cables are sorted into many groups according to their bandwidth, data rate, and shielding. A few examples of ethernet cable types are as follows:
CAT 1:
Cat1 cable, also known as an unshielded twisted pair, was typically installed in residential and commercial telephone systems.
CAT 2:
With a data transfer rate of 4 Mbps, Cat 2 cables (also a grade of unshielded twisted pair) may carry both voice and data.
CAT 3:
Unshielded twisted-pair (UTP) cables of the Cat 3 variety have four twisted wires instead of two. They were made to handle 10BaseT Ethernet networks, which could transfer data at speeds of up to 10 Mbit/s reliably, and digital voice communications.
CAT 4:
Cat 4 cables are a type of UTP that uses eight individual copper wires in a four-pair configuration. It had the potential to handle 16 Mbps of data.
CAT 5:
Cat 5 cables are a type of twisted-pair cable commonly used in data networks. They were used to transport data, video, and telephone signals at speeds up to 100 Mbps.
CAT 6:
Cat 6 is a newer type of twisted pair cable that is used in the industry and has stricter requirements than Cat 5 and Cat 5e. It has foil shielding and a physical divider between each of its four pairs. Therefore, it can transmit data at speeds of up to 10 Gbps at a range of 37 m (121 ft) and 1 Gbps over 100 m (328 ft), respectively. Improved performance and crosstalk parameters are what set Cat 6a apart as an “upgraded” version of Category 6 cable.
CAT 7:
Cat 7 cables employ proprietary connectors and have the same functionality as Cat 6a cables but with improved shielding. At distances more than 50 metres, it offers data rates of up to 40 Gbps, and at distances of up to 15 metres, it offers data rates of up to 100 Gbps. Although they are widely available, Cat 7 cables have not gained much traction since they lack IEEE and EIA certification (EIA).
CAT 8:
The current IEEE standard for Ethernet cabling is called “Cat 8,” and it is made from copper. There's a shield of conductive material within that keeps electromagnetic noise from damaging the internal conductors (EMI). Therefore, it assures virtually no crosstalk and enables a data throughput of up to 40 Gbs across a distance of 30 metres. Cat 8 cables are thick due to the added shielding and protective layers, making installation tricky in confined locations.
Which Ethernet Cable Is Best and Why?
Ethernet cables are available in a wide variety of categories, from “cat5” to “cat7.” Plus, cat 5e is the superior alternative because of its higher transfer rates and simple setup. Wi-Fi has improved over the years, but Ethernet is still widely used.
Caution: Unique Factors In Play:
1) Fire Safety:
Ethernet wires connected to a building's HVAC system through air voids between floors must have fire safety ratings that comply with local building codes. There need to be fewer smoke and fire hazards associated with these wires. Compliance or legal requirements may be imposed on the cabling in such areas.
2) Antibacterial Attachments:
Antibacterial Ethernet cables are often necessary for places where the spread of bacteria is a major issue, such as hospitals, food processing plants, and commercial kitchens. The exterior shell is created from an antibacterial substance that is 99.9% efficient against microorganisms like E. coli and staph.
3) “Power over Ethernet” (POE):
Power over Ethernet (PoE) is a method of transmitting both electrical current and data over an Ethernet cable. Power over Ethernet (PoE) is convenient because it allows you to place devices wherever you like, regardless of the proximity of an electrical outlet. Installing IP cameras and wireless access points (WAPs) that need both electricity and a network connection is a breeze with this.
Summing Up:
You won't need to think about anything but the Category definition of the Ethernet cable for the vast majority of network deployments. However, if you are in charge of the network installation project, it is always beneficial to have at least a fundamental knowledge of Ethernet cables, connectors, shielding, etc.
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