Ethernet Cable 101: Things You Should Know

The digital world is now greatly a part of everyone’s lives. With the Internet, there is, of course, a need for an internet connection. The Internet has changed the world and revolutionized communications. Most people and businesses use the Internet as their preferred medium of everyday communication. We use the internet for almost every aspect of our lives. Having a fast internet connection is crucial for online tasks and work. Businesses worldwide skyrocket their business through their online presence. As companies establish their network and offices, they need to know about Ethernet, its types, and the RJ45 Connector. Ethernet cables may look tacky, but if used and maximized correctly, they can significantly affect and improve your Internet connectivity. Ethernet cables have different types, sizes, and appearances. Each class has a specific use, purpose, and characteristics. We’ll dwell more on this article.

What is an Ethernet Cable?

Before diving deep into the world of Ethernet Cables, one must know what an ethernet cable is in the first place. Ethernet Cable – the most popular form of network cable used on a wired network, whether at home or in a company. This connection links wired devices to a local network so they may share files and access the Internet. An ethernet cable is a classic method for connecting wired local area networks (LANs), allowing different devices to communicate through a set of rules known as a protocol. Ethernet is a data-link layer protocol in the TCP/IP stack that defines how network devices structure and send data so that other network devices can receive, analyze, and process it. Ethernet cables are primarily the channel for the data.

Network installers commonly use Cat5e and Cat6 Ethernet cables with RJ45 connectors, but fiber and twisted-pair Ethernet cables are also available. Each increase of the Ethernet cable spectrum helps to accommodate ever-faster bandwidth while also enhancing noise suppression.

Cabling Varieties

You may have heard or come across the word “Cat” when you’re dealing with Ethernet Cables. “Cat” simply means “Category.” The number after that denotes the cable’s standard version support. Higher numbers, measured in megahertz, imply quicker speeds and higher frequencies, according to a common rule of thumb (MHz). Below is a chart exemplifying this.

Category	Shielding	Max Transmission Speeds	Max Bandwidth
Cat5	Unshielded	10-100Mbps	100 MHZ
Cat5e	Unshielded	1,000Mbps – 1Gbps	100 MHZ
Cat6	Shielded or Unshielded	1Gbps	250 MHZ
Cat6a	Shielded	10Gbps up to 55 meters	550 MHZ
Cat7	Shielded	10Gbps	600 MHZ
Cat8	Shielded	40Gbps up to 30 meters	2000 MHZ

How do you choose from the different types?

Indeed, there are a lot of varieties out there! To know which one is right for your needs, it is important to know what your connection speed is. Begin with knowing your home or office internet connection’s speed. An outdated Ethernet connection will slow you down if you have gigabit internet (1Gbps). If you have a slower connection (say, 10 or 20 megabits per second), anything Cat 5 or newer would suffice.

Next, connect your PC directly to the modem to conduct a speed test if you don’t know what your internet subscription’s actual speed is. This will give you an idea and a good sense of what kind of wired connectivity you’ll require. A fast Ethernet cable will not make a significant impact on its own, but it may be used in conjunction with other high-end network equipment to ensure that your connection is as strong as possible.

Features We Are Looking for in Choosing Ethernet Cables

As we’ve said, you want the best cable network with your devices to maximize your internet connectivity. Here are some features you should look for in choosing an Ethernet Cable:

1. Length – Ethernet cables are available in a variety of sizes, ranging from 10 m to 90 m or more. To buy a long enough connection, consider the distance between your router and the devices you wish to connect. Remember that extending the cord along baseboards or through walls will add to the length of the cable.

2. Material – Ethernet cables are made of pure copper or copper-clad aluminum. Looking for “pure copper wire” or “TIA 568-C22” on the package will ensure a stronger connection. The copper-clad aluminum, also known as “CCA,” is a little less expensive, but it won’t provide the same high-quality link.

3. Quality – Each conductor in solid ethernet cables is a single piece of solid copper, whereas stranded ethernet cables are made up of many intertwisted wires. To minimize breakage, reliable cables should be utilized where there is little or no movement predicted. Stranded cables, on the other hand, are flexible and may be relocated often. Solid is utilized for long lengths, such as from a patch panel to a surface mount box/faceplate, whereas stranded is used for patch cables that span long distances.

4. Supplier – If you’re planning for a DIY with RJ45 connectors and shopping for ethernet cables online, you may compare the same product from many vendors. Furthermore, you have the option of selecting the best cable at a reasonable price. But, typically, your internet installation will include an Ethernet cable to connect your modem to your router. Inquire about the type of cable the installer is using, and if it isn’t the greatest for your connection, request a higher-quality cable.

What do we say?

Network’s performance can be improved by using the correct Ethernet connection. We hope that this article has provided you with enough information on Ethernet cables to enable you to make the best choice for your network application. NEWLINKO offers a variety of Ethernet cables, including cable rj45 cat 5, category 6 cable, cat6 utp cable, cat 7, cat 8 ethernet cable and many more for your needs!

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