Ethernet cable are essential components of any networks and is responsible for transmitting data between network device such as routers, computers, and servers. While many peoples believe that the speed of the internet connection is the result of the router, the speed of the internet connection can actualy be the result of using an outdated or incorrect ethernet cable. Using an ethernet cable that is too old or that has too low specifications for the data transfer requirement of the network will create a bottleneck in the data transfer and limit the speed at which the network can operate.
Therefore, to find the best possible solution for your network, you must gain an understanding of the different categories of ethernet cables because understanding these categories will allow you to select the correct type of ethernet cable for your network. Ethernet cables works by utilizing twisted pairs of wires within the cables to cancel out the electrical noise that can be picked up along the cable. This twisting of the wires within the cables is the method that is used to maintain the integrity of the signal that is transmitted along those cables.
How to Choose the Right Ethernet Cable
The data speeds that is being transmitted today require an increase in the specifications of the ethernet cables. Each category of ethernet cable have different specifications for data transmission and performance capabilities. The most common category of ethernet cable is Cat5e, which is often used for standard home networks.
Cat5e cables are capable data speeds of up to one gigabit per second. The following category of ethernet cable is Cat6, which is one of the more advanced categories of ethernet cable. Cat6 cables has better protection against crosstalk than Cat5e cables, as they have tighter twists to the wires within the cables.
The following category is Cat6a, which is one of the most advanced categories of ethernet cable. Cat6a cables can transmit data speeds of up to ten gigabits per second over distances of up to 100 meters. To determine the appropriate category of ethernet cable for your network, you can consider the maximum speed that your internet service provider will provide to you and the maximum speed that your network hardware is capable of supporting.
Another feature of ethernet cables is shielding, which is used to protect the ethernet cable from electromagnetic interference from other devices. Shielding involve enclosing the ethernet cable in foil or braided metal to provide protection for the wires inside the cable. Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP) ethernet cables does not contain any extra shielding for the individual twisted pair wires.
UTP ethernet cables are sufficient for most homes. However, shielded ethernet cables (STP) contains extra layers of shielding. If you plan to install your ethernet cable near power lines, fluorescent lights, or electric motors, you will need to use shielded ethernet cables to avoid interference with the electrical noise created by these devices.
Additionally, you must properly ground the shielded ethernet cable. If not grounded correctly, the shielding will actualy emit more electrical noise than it eliminate. The physical construction of an ethernet cable will determine the proper installation of the ethernet cable.
Solid-core copper ethernet cables are used for permanent installations but should of not be used for aluminum cables as these can overheat. Stranded copper ethernet cables are more flexible than solid-core cables and are typically used for patch cables. If you plan to install your ethernet cable in a plenum space (above a ceiling), you must use a fire-rated ethernet cable.
Finally, you must ensure that the ethernet cable you purchase matches your use case. A person who performs only basic web browsing will require a basic ethernet cable. However, someone who performs many large file transfers will require a higher category ethernet cable.
Using a category ethernet cable that is too low for the computer or network hardware will limit the speed of the network and keep the hardware from performing at its full potential. Ensure that your ethernet cable has the appropriate category by reading the text printed on the ethernet cable jacket.