In simple networks, there is no major need to put Ethernet cables under any scrutiny but in a complex business network environment, a solid underlying system of network cables is necessary for ensuring a healthy and efficient network. An understanding of the different Ethernet cables, connectors, lengths, and data rates can go a long way in helping you design an efficient computer network.
This blog post is a quick starter guide to everything you need to know about Ethernet cables/network cables/LAN cables necessary for building your computer network.
This post will cover the following topics:
1. What Are Ethernet Cables?
Ethernet cables also referred to as network cables, are cords that connect network components such as routers, modems, switches, computers, etc. Ethernet cables carry the traffic between network nodes, giving them access to the local area network (LAN) and the internet.
Even though Wi-Fi technology is widely used, ethernet cables still play a crucial role, especially in business environments. Hardwiring your network ensures that it is fast and consistent. Devices connected with ethernet cables don’t have to worry about sudden drops in network performance due to obstructions or Wi-Fi signal interference.
The consistency and quality of the ethernet connection is the reason why it is recommended to have your video conferencing equipment hardwired. If you like computer games, you must have noticed gaming on your computer connected with an ethernet cable is much faster and lag-free when compared to gaming on Wi-Fi.
2. Short History Of Ethernet Cables
Ethernet was first developed between 1973 and 1974 by Bob Metcalfe, who was a researcher at Xerox PARC. It was created to allow computers, servers, and printers to connect and share data in a high-speed networking system. Ethernet was first commercially introduced in 1980 and standardized by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) in 1983. All Ethernet cable manufacturers adhere to the IEEE standards.
3. Categories Of Ethernet Cables
If you have ever been involved in any network installation, you might have heard of Cat5 or Cat6 cables. The “Cat” in network cables is short for “Category”. The categories divide the cables into classifications based on bandwidth, data rate, and shielding. The different categories of ethernet cables are as follows:
Cat 1
Category 1 or Cat1 cable was an unshielded twisted pair that was commonly used for telephone systems in homes and offices.
Cat 2
Cat 2 cables, also a grade of unshielded twisted pair, were capable of voice as well as data communications with a data transmission rate of 4 Mbps.
Cat 3
Cat 3 cables were another grade of unshielded twisted-pair (UTP) consisting of four twisted pairs. They were designed to carry digital voice communications as well as to support 10BaseT Ethernet networks, which could reliably carry data up to 10 Mbit/s.
Cat 4
Cat 4 cables are yet another grade of unshielded twisted pairs (UTP) consisting of eight copper wires arranged in four pairs. It could support data up to 16 Mbps.
Cat 5
Cat 5 cables are a grade of twisted-pair cables used primarily for computer networking. They have a data rate of up to 100 Mbps and were used to transmit data, video, and telephone signals.
The Cat 5 specification was deprecated in 2001 and was superseded by Cat 5e, which is an enhanced version of its predecessor. It can carry speeds of up to 1 Gbps and is more resistant to crosstalk. Cat 5e cables are still widely used and are recommended for sub-Gigabit networks.
Cat 6
Cat 6 is another standardized twisted pair cable that meets more stringent specifications compared to Cat 5 and Cat 5e. It includes a physical separator between its four pairs as well as foil shielding. Consequently, it is able to provide greater bandwidth and data rates of up to 10 Gbps at shorter distances of up to 37 m (121 ft.) and up to 1 Gbps over 100 m (328 ft.) of distance. Cat 6a is an “upgraded” category 6 cable with enhanced performance standards and crosstalk specifications.
Cat 7
Cat 7 cables are similar in characteristics to Cat 6a but with greater shielding and use proprietary connectors. It provides data rates of up to 40 Gbps at distances of over 50 meters and up to 100 Gbps at distances up to 15 meters. The Cat 7 cables aren’t popular because they are not approved by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) and Electronic Industries Alliance (EIA).
Cat 8
Cat 8 is a grade of copper Ethernet cable and the latest one in IEEE standards. It has a layer of conductive material that protects the internal conductors from electromagnetic interference (EMI). Consequently, it provides a data rate of up to 40 Gbs over 30 meters and ensures virtually no crosstalk. Because of the additional shielding and protective layers, Cat 8 cables are very thick, making them difficult to install in tight spaces.
4. Features Of Ethernet Cable
Length
The length of the Ethernet cable is an important factor to consider in networking because of attenuation, which is the loss of signal strength in networking cables. This means that the greater the length over which a signal is transmitted, the more it degrades and distorts. Attenuation can also be caused by external factors such as electrical currents and that is why cables have shielding with the aim to minimize such external influence.
Generally, the maximum length of Ethernet cables over which they provide their maximum data rate is 100 m (328 ft.). Beyond this length, the signal quality transmitted begins to degrade, making the network speeds and connection less reliable. On the other hand, in many cases, higher data rates can be achieved over shorter distances.
Shielding
You might have noticed that the cables we talked about above consist of twisted pairs. This is because the use of twisted pairs offers a solution to the issue of electromagnetic interference (EMI) that is caused by nearby electrical cables or appliances. Twisted-pair Ethernet cables are sufficient to ensure high-quality data transfer despite small levels of interference in most home and small business environments.
However, in complex business environments, simple twisted-pair Ethernet cables suffer from interference caused by high-powered equipment, elevators, large fluorescent lighting installations, etc. that blast right through unshielded Ethernet cables. This results in a major impact on data transfer and speed.
Ethernet cables with shielding come in the following types:
Shielded Twisted Pair (STP)
Foiled Twisted Pair (FTP)
Outer Foil Shield/Unshielded Twisted Pair (F/UTP)
Outer Braided Shield/Unshielded Twisted Pair (S/UTP)
Outer Braided Shield/Foiled Twisted Pair (S/FTP)
5. Speed Or Data Rate
In Ethernet cables, speed refers to the rate at which it can transmit data. For example, a speed of 100 Mbps means that the cable is capable of transmitting 100 million bits of data per second. The speed of a cable can be identified from its category designation as we have discussed above.
Here’s a quick speed guide for ready reference:
|
Category |
Max. Data Rate |
Bandwidth |
|
Cat 1 |
1 Mbps |
0.4 MHz |
|
Cat 2 |
4 Mbps |
4 MHz |
|
Cat 3 |
10 Mbps |
16 MHz |
|
Cat 4 |
16 Mbps |
20 MHz |
|
Cat 5 |
100 Mbps |
100 MHz |
|
Cat 5e |
1 Gbps |
100 MHz |
|
Cat 6 |
1 Gbps |
250 MHz |
|
Cat 6a |
10 Gbps |
500 MHz |
|
Cat 7 |
10 Gbps |
600 MHz |
|
Cat 7a |
10 Gbps |
1000 MHz |
|
Cat 8 |
25 Gbps (Cat8.1) 40 Gbps (Cat8.2) |
2000 MHz |
6. Bandwidth vs. Data Rate
Data Rate and Bandwidth are related terms that are often interchangeably used but they are not the same. Bandwidth is a measure of the rate at which a signal cycles per second. So a 1 MHz (megahertz) rating means that the cable is capable of 1 million cycles per second.
You might have noticed that hertz is a measure of frequency. So what does frequency have to do with Ethernet cables? The bandwidth or frequency of an Ethernet cable is the rate at which a signal can change states going from 1 to 0 and back. Therefore, the cables with higher frequencies can carry more 1s and 0s, allowing more bits of data to be transmitted per second.
The frequency or bandwidth of Ethernet cables depends on the gauge (thickness) of the conductor wires, the number of twists of the conductors, and the shielding on each pair of conductors.
7. Patch Cables And Connectors
Ethernet cables are usually terminated using an RJ45 connector, where the RJ stands for Registered Jack, which is a standardized physical network connection or interface, while the “45" refers to the number of the interface in the standard specification.
Ethernet cables that come with connectors at both ends are called patch cables. Patch cables are usually much shorter than standard Ethernet cables. Ethernet connectors come in the following types:
Molded Connectors
These are connectors that are permanently attached to the cable such that the cable and connector form one solid piece called a boot. The boot is usually covered with a thermoplastic or silicon material to make it durable and able to withstand a high number of insertion and removal cycles.
Snagless Connectors
Snagless connectors have a boot design that protects the connector's lock from being accidentally snapped off. It finds use in situations where the connector is frequently connected and disconnected.
8. Types Of Ethernet Cables
Slim Cables
Ethernet cables that have a diameter that’s 30-50% less than that of Cat6 cables are called Slim and Ultra-slim cables. These types of cables are manufactured using small gauge copper wires. Slim cables are lighter and easier to install and find use in high-density equipment racks where there is limited space and a need to facilitate airflow.
Flat Cables
Flat Ethernet cables have unique characteristics that make them suitable for specific use cases. They have good heat dissipation, distribute physical loads evenly, are strong, light, and do not tangle easily. These qualities make flat cables suitable for cable runs under carpets, behind baseboards, or for technicians who need to carry Ethernet cables around in a laptop bag.
Armored Cable
Armored cables are Ethernet cables with an outer jacket made from thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), which makes them strong, flexible, and more importantly, cut/abrasion-resistant. Armored cables are recommended for outdoor applications and for locations where the cables may be in danger of being cut or crushed.
9. Ethernet Cables For Special Conditions
Fire Safety
Ethernet cables that are run through the spaces above or below a floor, that provide space for airflow, and to the building's HVAC system, need to be of ratings that meet fire safety guidelines. These cables must have higher fire resistance and emit fewer toxic fumes. Cabling in such spaces may be subject to compliance or legal requirement.
Antibacterial Cables
In environments such as medical facilities, food processing, and restaurant kitchens where bacterial infection is of particular concern, antibacterial Ethernet cables are often required. They consist of an outer jacket made of antibacterial material that is 99.9% effective in inhibiting common bacteria such as E. coli and staph.
Power over Ethernet (PoE)
Power over Ethernet (PoE) is a technology that allows both power and data to be delivered over a single cable. PoE is very useful because it gives you the flexibility to install devices where you need them without having to worry about access to electrical outlets. It is very handy when installing IP cameras, and wireless access points, that require power as well as a network connection.
Conclusion
In most simple network installations, you will not need to consider anything beyond the Category definition of the Ethernet cable. However, having a basic understanding of Ethernet cables, connectors, shielding, etc. is always useful, especially if you are the one responsible for the network installation project.
Does your organization have a robust underlying network cabling that can support the growing demands of your business network? Reach out to us by clicking the button below and our network experts will help you with any and all of your network-related issues.
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About The Author
Hari SubediMarketing Manager at Jones IT
Hari is an online marketing professional with a focus on content marketing. He writes on topics related to IT, Security, Small Business, and Mindfulness. He is also the founder and managing director of Girivar Kft., a business services company located in Budapest, Hungary.