- It is one of the most common forms of network cable used on wired networks.
- These cables connect devices within a local area network, like PCs.
- They can carry proper signals and can stretch.
Types of Ethernet cables:
- Category 5:
- CAT5 cables use the fifth generation of twisted pair Ethernet technology.
- It contains four pairs of copper wire supporting Fast Ethernet speeds (up to 100 Mbps).
- CAT5 cable runs are limited to a maximum recommended run length of 100 meters.
- Fast Ethernet communications only use two pairs.
- An enhanced version of CAT 6 called CAT 6e supports up to 1 Gbps speeds.
- Category 6:
- It is the sixth generation of twisted pair Ethernet cabling, which is used in home and business networks.
- It contains four pairs of copper wire and utilizes all the pairs for signaling in order to obtain its high level of performance.
- It supports Gigabit Ethernet data rates of 1 gigabit per second.
- CAT6 cable runs are limited to a maximum recommended run length of 50 meters.
- An enhanced version of CAT 6 called CAT 6a supports up to 10 Gbps speeds.
- Ethernet cables are manufactured in two basic forms called solid and stranded.
- Solid Ethernet cables offer slightly better performance and improved protection against electrical interference.
- They're also more commonly used on business networks, wiring inside office walls, or under lab floors to fixed locations
- Stranded Ethernet cables are less prone to physical cracks and breaks.
Limitations of Ethernet cables:
- It has a limited maximum distance capacity.
- A short cable may suffer from reflection.
- Wireless technologies like Wifi and Bluetooth have replaced Ethernet on many home and business networks.
- These wireless technologies are especially advantageous if you'd otherwise run cable outside or in locations with heightened risk of wire damage.