How to use Ethernet Cables?

How to use Ethernet Cables?

What are ethernet cables?

Ethernet cables, also commonly referred to as ethernet cords, internet cable wires, and copper conductors, are forms of Ethernet protocol wiring. They are used in commercial and residential settings. These cables establish business networks and are great options for cable internet connections.

There are three main ethernet cable types which include fiber-optic cables, coaxial cables, and twisted-pair cables.

  • Coaxial cables: Coaxial cables are electrical transmission lines used to distribute high radio frequencies (RFs).
  • Twisted-pair cables: These types of cables can be shielded or unshielded. We'll dive deeper into explanations of what this means later within this blog. None the less, these cables are made with ordinary copper wire which connects residential and commercial electronics to the internet.
  • Fiber-optic cables:These high-performance cables are designed to transmit data over long-distances.
  • What are the different types of ethernet wires?

    Even more condensed cable types can emerge as subdivisions from the three main types. Some of these cable types also include straight through or cross over cables, and solid or stranded cables.

    In commercial and residential settings, people connect these cables to ethernet ports to form internet connections or to establish business networks. It is critical to understand each type of cable for your ethernet connection and network devices.

    What are the different types of ethernet cable categories?

    There are seven main category types of Ethernet cables that offer different data and bandwidth rates. “Cat” is a term that you’ll see a lot when searching for the right Ethernet cable. “Cat” simply stands for category and the numbers that follows it indicate specific versions supported by the actual cable itself.

    General ethernet cat cable ranges:

    • Cat 5: up to 350 MHz
    • Cat 6: Up to 550 MHz
    • Cat 6A (augmented): Up to 550 MHz
    • Cat 7: Up to 600 MHz
    • Cat 7A: (augmented): Up to 1 GHz
    • Cat 8: Up to 2 GHz

    The different types of colored ethernet cables?

    Common Ethernet internet cable colors that highlight the importance of labeling and coloring include:

    • Gray Ethernet cables are considered “standard” and can be found in residential and commercial settings.
    • Blue Ethernet cables are commonly used to connect a terminal server to a LAN network.
    • Yellow Ethernet cables are typically used for “power over Ethernet” (POE). These cables can supply both electrical power and your data in one connection.
    • Green Ethernet cables usually classify crossover connections and connect computers or devices directly together.

    Shielded vs. Unshielded ethernet wall jacks?

    There can be a variety of network cables to consider when installing or updating your ethernet protocol network structure. Among these cables include Shielded twisted pair cables (STP) and unshielded twisted pair cables (UTP).

    Shielded cables are fit options for those who focus solely on data integrity. On the other hand, unshielded cables are more straightforward than their counterparts. These cables offer the same bandwidth, cable lengths, and outputs as STPs. The only difference is that they simply don’t have the same amount of hardware additions that protect STPs from EMIs.

    With STPs being thicker and heavier, they are more expensive than their counterparts, UTPs. The cost of these cords also arises from the addition of more protective hardware. These add-ons provide users with full protection against electromagnetic interference (EMI).

    However, UTPs having less EMI protection, offers its advantages. These cables are cheaper than the shielded alternatives, with lighter ad thinner designs allowing for an easier installation process clear.

    What is the importance of power over ethernet in ethernet cables?

    Power over Ethernet (POE) is a game-changing technique that delivers high performance DC power to network devices. This innovation destroys the need for separate power supplies. It also enables internet cords to seamlessly carry both data and power on a single network cable.

    Typically, copper ethernet patch cable systems perform these techniques. This technique expends options for placing ethernet and compatible computer networks. In networks, POE dictate the ways ethernet chords are positioned.

    Choosing the right ethernet cable

    Choosing the right high speed Ethernet cable is crucial for the success of your internet service. Keep in mind that depending on the set up of your cables, wall jacks may be needed to ensure the success of your Ethernet connections. Ethernet cables may require an Ethernet wall jack, depending on the specific setup and connectivity needs of your network configuration. It is important to match the cable types, that we previously mentioned, with the right networking needs and equipment.

    Recommended Reading

    Upgrade your home network with Homelectrical's Ethernet wall jack's, delivering efficient and high-speed connections for a seamless online experience.

    Patrick Newkirk
    Patrick Newkirk

    Patrick Newkirk is a graduate of Kennesaw State University with a Bachelor's degree in Mass Communications. As a Content Writer at HomElectrical, he uses his enthusiasm for learning, literature, and writing to offer insights into eco-friendly products and sustainable living practices. During his free time, he enjoys engaging in marketing endeavors for prominent brands, tending to his garden, and retreating to the coastal shores for some beach relaxation.

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