The Different Ethernet Cable Types

Posted by Shawn Mike on March 22nd, 2019

Ethernet cables are wires that provide a physical connection between a modem, router, and switches. Although Ethernet cables are physically limiting, it does an exceptional job in transferring data and electromagnetic signals at a faster pace than the traditional cables.

Generally, Ethernet cables are available in various types. Each of the varying Ethernet cables has been created to serve a different purpose and with varying specifications such as data transmission speed, bandwidth frequency range, and electromagnetic interferences. That said, choosing an Ethernet cable that fits your needs can be a little tricky. This is why we have discussed the specifications and the main features of each Ethernet cable down below.

Category 3

Category 3 is one of the oldest cables that were at its peak during the year 2000. The Category 3 cables are capable of transmitting data at the speed of 10Mbps due to which they are specifically used in token ring networks and 10Base-T networks. Although it can deliver data much faster; however, it is only possible if the Category 3 cables are paired with 100Base-T networks.

It is an Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP) cable and because it can provide 16MHz of bandwidth, it is suitable for voice communication only. Because of its limited functionality, Category 3 cables are not ideal for anything except voice over internet protocol.

Category 5

The limited capabilities of Category 3 cables made way for Category 5 cables that boast a data transmission speed of 10 and/or 100Mbps. A network cable, Category 5 is made up of four twisted copper wires held together by an RJ-45 connector.

Category 5 cables come with a length of 100m which means that it needs to be connected with the help of any connector or other network devices if one wishes to use it at a longer distance. If such aids are not utilized, it could affect the quality of signals and will cause networking issues. Because it is a ground cable with a limited data transmission speed, Category 5 cables are suitable for transmitting telephone as well as video signals.

Category 5e

With its capability of facilitating data transmission speed of 10, 100 and 1000 Mbps (GB Ethernet), Category 5e cables are a better version of the Category 5 cables. Additionally, outdoor Cat5e cables are better optimized to reduce or cancel out unwanted signal interruption and crosstalk.

Category 5e cables have the same shape and feel of any Category 5 cable. However, its higher function and low costs make it suitable for ordinary business as well as home use. Additionally, its structure also aids it in the high data transmission speed. Category 5e has a twisted wire structure but instead of using only two copper wires for fast Ethernet, as how Category 5 does, it uses all four wires to enable GB Ethernet speed. That said, many of the establishments with pre-installed cables will always have Category 5e design.

Category 6

Category 6 cables offer a bandwidth of 250 MHz which makes them faster than the Category 5e cables. The composition of these cables is revolutionary as it has enabled Category 6 to outperform its predecessors. Unlike the previous cables, Category 6 has tightly wounded four copper wires that reduce instances of crosstalk and interruption in signal transmission. Additionally, it has enhanced insulation with much thinner wires which make Category 6 suitable for such an environment which experiences higher electromagnetic or noise interference.

Technically, Category 6 cables are equipped to deliver data at the speed of 10Gbps. However, it is only possible for up to only 55 meters distance. That said, some of the Category 6 cables come in shielded forms (STP) while others come in unshielded forms (UTP).

Category 6a

This cable also boasts a Shielded Twisted Pair (STP) design that protects the inner wirings with the help of a foil covering. This provides insulation which reduces the occurrences of signal leakage and crosstalk.

Additionally, category 6a has a better data transmission speed that allows it to transfer data at the speed of 10,000 Mbps. Also, it has the bandwidth of 500 MHz which doubles its performance. With these cables, it does not matter if the cables are extended or not because distance does not impact its data transmission speed.

Unlike the previous model, the Category 6a cables only come in the STP form which makes them difficult to handle. This is because the extra insulation makes it harder to bend the cables. That said, Category 6a cables must be accompanied with special connectors. 

Category 7

Thanks to its structure, the Category 7 cables are sturdier, bulkier, and heavier than the previous models. Although the structure of the cables is not different, rather the extra insulation steps taken to minimize interruption are what make Category 7 less flexible. That said, each of the four copper wires is shielded from one another. On top of this, another extra layer of insulation is added to separate the twisted wires from the plastic tube. 

When it comes to data transmission performance, Category 7 is capable of supporting 10 Gbps of speed. The cables can maintain its performance at a distance of 100 meters without having any impact on its bandwidth speed of 600 MHz.

Since Category 7 has a shielded structure, special care must be taken during the grounding of each wire. For all the caring and handling instructions.

Which Ethernet Cable is Suitable for Me?

With so many Ethernet cables available, each of them boasting its own specifications, it can a little difficult to make a choice. To pinpoint which Ethernet cable would be suitable for your needs, you need to ask yourself a couple of questions like:

  • How much distance do I want to cover with the Ethernet cables?
  • What data transmission speed will be best for me? And if the performance is slow, will the speed have any impact on my life or work?
  • Does the area, where I want to lay the cables, experience more or less signal interruptions?

Being clear on all these questions will help you find out the best Ethernet cables for your needs. Additionally, certain Ethernet cables perform well in a residential setting while some outperform when it comes to business needs. That said, Category 5e performs well in houses or small-scale offices. Category 6 and 6a are suitable for establishments such as data centers and high-speed networks and Category 7 outperforms in establishments that are prone to signal disruption.

So, before making a decision, consider all the specifications and take your needs into consideration. That way, you will end up with a suitable Ethernet cable that will best serve your requirements. For further information, Please visit our website Shireen Inc.

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Shawn Mike

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Shawn Mike
Joined: March 18th, 2019
Articles Posted: 5

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