(This blog is an updated and extended version of a post, by our CEO, we released in September 2009)
If you’ve ever installed a network, either for your home, office or business, you’ve probably asked yourself- With so many different types of network cabling, what do I really need? Is it a CAT5, 5E, 6, 6A, shielded or unshielded, UTP or STP? Do I need a patch/straight through cable or a crossover cable? With so many different kinds of network cables to choose from, which one is right for your needs?
What types of network cable are available currently?
Cat5 has been replaced by Cat5E as the general standard networking cable in new installations, with the improved signal carrying capacity being the primary reason. A Cat5 cable can support Ethernet and Fast Ethernet. Cat5E (Cat5 enhanced) supports Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, and Gigabit Ethernet speeds over short distances and is backward compatible with Cat5. Cat5E cable also has improved durability, due to improvements in the quality of the PVC protective jacket. It is more than suitable for most data cabling requirements.
Cat6 is one of the newest versions of network cabling, and is very similar to Cat5E, but specifically designed to consistently deliver 1 Gigabit Ethernet. It is used in installations where a Cat6 Certified Network is required.
While Cat5E and Cat6 can support Gigabit speeds, Cat6A (Cat6 Augmented) is certified to 10 Gigabit speeds and is backward compatible with the all the existing standards, and is suitable for industries utilizing high-performance computing platforms to support very high bandwidth-intensive applications. 10G/Cat 6A applications would be server farms, storage area networks, data centers & riser backbones.
Table 1: Overview of Ethernet Cables
What is the difference between stranded, solid cable, and plenum rated cables?
Cat 5E, 6 and 6a can all be purchased in stranded or solid wire construction. The core of the cable is comprised of insulated strands of copper so that it can be flexed repeatedly without the copper cores of the conductors breaking. Solid Cat5E is primarily used for in wall/permanent applications. The cable cores are comprised of one single solid strand of copper. This allows the cable to carry signals over longer distances but cannot be flexed too many times without the copper cores breaking. Plenum is primarily used for in wall/permanent applications where the local building codes require its use as the low smoke/flame retardant jacket reduces the amount of toxic fumes that are released into air when the jacket is burned.
Table 2: Construction of Ethernet Cables
What is the difference between a patch or straight through cable, shielded cable and a crossover cable?
Patch or Straight through cables, are used to connect almost all networking components together and are the most common cable as a result. Some examples of connections made with patch cables would include:
• Patch Panel to Computer
• Computer to DSL/Cable Modem
• Computer to Hub
• DSL/Cable Modem to Router
• DSL/Cable Modem to Hub
• DSL/Cable Modem to Wireless Access Point
• Wall Plate to Computer
Crossover cables are used in situations where two devices have the same interface, for example, connecting a hub to a hub, or a switch to a switch, or patching a hub or switch into a wall plate. Some examples of connections made with crossover cables would include:
• Switch to Switch
• Computer to Computer (peer-to-peer network)
• Hub to Hub
• Access point to Access point
These types of cables also come in shielded versions. Shielded Cable or STP (Shielded Twisted Pair) has a protective “foil” that surrounds the cable. Shielded cable was designed to prevent strong sources of Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) and Radio Frequency Interference (RFI), from affecting the ability of the cable to transmit data. Generators, Elevator motors, and many types of lighting will produce strong EMI that can pass through the cable, corrupting your data and shutting down communication. The shielding in the wire blocks this energy from getting through.
Table3: Different Types of Connectivity
So, what kind of network cable is best for you?
For most home and office applications, Cat5e should suit your purposes- using solid wire in the walls and ceilings, twisted wire patch cables for your computers, routers, modems and peripherals, and crossover cables between switches, access points, and patch panels where required. Cat6 and Cat6A could be used in to order to establish a large network of high speed servers or data centers or to “future proof” new installations where growth or upgrades of your equipment capacities is a high possibility. Network cables are the backbone of any network and choosing the correct ones will increase your network’s communication, efficiency and cost effectiveness.
Be sure to check out our Top 9 Reasons You Need Ethernet. Also, view our Ethernet line card to view some of our new pricing
If you have any questions concerning which cable type is right for your requirements feel free to contact us here at CablesAndKits where we are more than happy to help!
