Setting up a home or business network or internet connection
involves a lot of things, but one of the most basic is certainly the
type of Ethernet cable you use. Picking the right cable is important,
and there are really only a couple of different options at this point.
The main choices may be Cat5, Cat5e, and Cat6. Each offers something a
little different, and knowing more about each of them will help you
determine the right one for you.
A Cat5 Ethernet cable can handle up to 100 MBPS of transfer speed, more than enough for most people today. Cat5e handles the same speeds, but has largely replaced Cat5 due to the fact that it has vastly reduced crosstalk levels. This means that the chance of signal interference when bundled with a cluster of other cables is greatly reduced. There's little chance of signals bleeding together and of signal degradation occurring, which means that it is a more reliable option for those looking for a basic setup.
A Cat6 Ethernet cable is faster, often capable of running at double the speed of Cat5. It's become the standard when high speeds and large data transfer rates matter. However, despite its faster speed these cables can't be installed in lengths as long as others. Exceeding 100 meters of length, or around 328 feet, will result in signal degradation and reduced performance. Boosters and adapters may be able to fix this issue.
Both of these types of Ethernet cable utilize four pairs of twisted copper wires shielded with rubber insulation, and they both use identical connectors. One factor to consider in some installations is whether or not the shielding is UV safe. This means that they can be exposed to sunlight without any potential damage to the cable. Not all of them are capable of this, and if your needs require external runs of the wire you'll want to be sure that you go with a UV safe option.
Basically, the type of Ethernet cable that you need will depend on just a few things - speed, length, and crosstalk. In major industrial or commercial installations where cable lengths will be large and where they will be bundled together with dozens or even hundreds of other cables, Cat5e is probably the best option. In installations that are for companies requiring maximum speed and performance, the Cat6 is a better choice but one that will require special attention to be paid during installation.
A Cat5 Ethernet cable can handle up to 100 MBPS of transfer speed, more than enough for most people today. Cat5e handles the same speeds, but has largely replaced Cat5 due to the fact that it has vastly reduced crosstalk levels. This means that the chance of signal interference when bundled with a cluster of other cables is greatly reduced. There's little chance of signals bleeding together and of signal degradation occurring, which means that it is a more reliable option for those looking for a basic setup.
A Cat6 Ethernet cable is faster, often capable of running at double the speed of Cat5. It's become the standard when high speeds and large data transfer rates matter. However, despite its faster speed these cables can't be installed in lengths as long as others. Exceeding 100 meters of length, or around 328 feet, will result in signal degradation and reduced performance. Boosters and adapters may be able to fix this issue.
Both of these types of Ethernet cable utilize four pairs of twisted copper wires shielded with rubber insulation, and they both use identical connectors. One factor to consider in some installations is whether or not the shielding is UV safe. This means that they can be exposed to sunlight without any potential damage to the cable. Not all of them are capable of this, and if your needs require external runs of the wire you'll want to be sure that you go with a UV safe option.
Basically, the type of Ethernet cable that you need will depend on just a few things - speed, length, and crosstalk. In major industrial or commercial installations where cable lengths will be large and where they will be bundled together with dozens or even hundreds of other cables, Cat5e is probably the best option. In installations that are for companies requiring maximum speed and performance, the Cat6 is a better choice but one that will require special attention to be paid during installation.
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