How to Choose Right Patch Cable for Applications?

Making the correct choice between different cables and connectivity options can sometimes be an annoying task. What’s more, it is somewhat challenging to work through the levels and categories of patch cables. That’s because most of these cables have the same end of the connector.

What if someone asks you to choose between different patch cables? That’s when things might get confusing.

Don’t worry! This post will direct you towards choosing the correct type of patch cable.

Types of Patch Cables

The name of the patch cable implies “patch-in.” It means that this cable can patch a signal from one device (hub, switch, or router.) Typically, this cable has two ends that help us connect an end device to another device.

Likewise, some patch cables are unshielded, while others have proper shielding. In this way, we can categorize patch cables into two broad groups.

· Shielded Patch Cable

A shielded patch cable consists of a shield, i.e., an outside protective layer. This shield is nothing but the conductive material covered around the internal conductors.

Thus, this cable is difficult to install and also more expensive than the unshielded patch cable. Besides, this cable also takes more space due to its larger diameter.

The conductive shield in shielded patch cables can move external interference away. Moreover, it doesn’t affect the internal conductor signals while doing so.

This cable protects the signals from unwanted EMI- Electro Magnetic Interference. Besides, it offers fewer data errors and faster transmission speeds. That’s the reason why we use shielded patch cables.

· Unshielded Patch Cables

The Unshielded cables mean that there will be no additional protective shielding. Therefore, these patch cables are often less cost and light weight.

These cables also help reduce and even cancel EMI. But the EMI reduction and cancellation take place due to the unique pairing found in the line. When we compare these cables with shielded ones, we will know that the unshielded patch cables offer much less protection.

As you can see, both shielded and unshielded patch cables have different designs. Thus, both patch cables will show different performance levels as well.

Patch Cables and Their Applications

We can classify network cables as laying cables, crossover cables, and patch cables. Among these three, we use patch cables to connect the computer to the router, another switch, or hub.

In short, patch cables help us build the basis for a network. When you decide to choose between different patch cables, make sure you watch their performance class. Their performance reflects in various categories, from Cat1 to Cat7.

Moreover, each category class automatically meets the performance parameters of its previous category. So, let’s take a look at different patch cables and their applications.

· Cat1 and Cat2

The cat1 cables are pretty old yet straightforward. These cables can handle the maximum frequency of 100MHz. That’s why cat1 patch cables are most suitable for short-distance voice transfer in telephony.

Now, the next category, i.e., cat2 cables, is the advanced version of cat1. These cables can operate up to 1.5MHz frequency. So, it is pretty helpful for domestic purposes, like house cabling.

Both these cables are good, but as stated above, they are old-fashioned in today’s world.

· Cat3 and Cat4

Cat3 and Cat4 patch cables can operate frequencies of up to 16 and 20 MHz. But many users still prefer cat5, 6, or 7 versions instead of these two.

Nevertheless, you can still find these cables in old installations. That’s because they can give excellent performance for a long time.

· Cat5

From here, we will talk about the patch cable versions that are most suitable in today’s networking environment.

If you plan a structured network cabling in your house or workspace, Cat5 cables are an ideal option. These cables work best for Gigabit or Fast Ethernet.

The cable can operate 100Mhz frequency. So, we can find this patch cable in most installations.

Cat5 patch cables can even allow the transfer rate to reach up to 1000 MBPS, which is quite fast. This rate is sufficient for most home devices, like network printers, smart TV, etc.

· Cat6, Cat7, and Cat8

The ordinary Cat6 cables can operate up to 250MHz frequency. Yet, if we talk about the Cat6a models, they can handle more, up to 500MHz.

You will notice a significant fall in the transmission speed in proportion to the cable length. Even so, you can increase their distances by using switches.

These cables are most common in voice, data transmissions, and even multimedia networks.

Likewise, Cat7 patch cables can support up to 10GBPS data transmission. On the other hand, Cat8 patch cables are even more advanced and faster.

As you can see, Cat1 to Cat4 patch cables hardly play an essential role in today’s cable networking. Yet, Cat5, 6, and 7 patch cables are pretty conventional these days.

Once again, make sure you check out the shielding or the overall distance between other cables. It helps prevent mutual interference. These patch cable versions are worthwhile when you use them to cover shorter distances in the house or workplace.

Things to Consider When Choosing the Patch Cable

We use patch cables in many applications. From small office or house LANs to data centers, these cables are worth the use.

But what are the main things that you should check before choosing the patch cable?

Of course, we won’t talk about the standard technical parameters here. Instead, we will check out the four crucial factors that can make a difference and improve your cabling experience.

· Cable Category

Patch cables are available in different categories. If you want patch cable for home use or small business, consider getting Cat5e patch cable. It has a transmission speed of 1Gb/s with a decent frequency of 100MHz.

Likewise, if you want a patch cable for a large business network setup, you may want to get one with higher bandwidth transmission. In this case, you can go for the Cat6 patch cable.

· Patch Cable Supplier

Buying patch cables online may sound like a challenging task. But if you deal with the right and genuine supplier, you can get quality cables at a reasonable price.

If you are new to buying patch cables, don’t worry! At NewLinko, you can find high-quality patch cables with superior performance.

· Connectors

Whatever twisted-pair level you use, whether Cat 5 or Cat5e, you will use an RJ-45 plug at the cable end. But when it comes to patch cables, you get to see a few more options of connectors.

Different connectors available for patch cables include LC, SC, ST, and MTRJ. However, they are not for the copper cables.

Anyway, choose the RJ-45 is the correct for all of you!

· Jackets

Patch cables can have many different types of jackets. It includes CM, CMR, LSZH, PVC, etc. Among these, you can choose LSZH (Low Smoke Zero Halogen) jacket. It releases less smoke with zero toxic halogenic compounds if the cable burns due to an unexpected event.

Final Thoughts!

That’s it! Patch cables are the basic yet essential component in today’s cabling. Thus, make sure you choose the correct patch cable depending on your hardware and networking needs.

Besides, make sure you buy patch cables from genuine buyers who use quality materials in cable making.

You can always browse through our patch cable products to find a suitable cable. Best luck!

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