Ethernet cabling is used to connect devices on local area networks (LANs), such as computers, routers, and switches. Different types of Ethernet cables are used depending on the required network speed, distance, and environment. Here’s a brief overview of Ethernet cabling:
Twisted Pair Cables: The most commonly used type of Ethernet cable. They contain pairs of wires twisted together.
- Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP): Most common type. Suited for residential and most business applications.
- Shielded Twisted Pair (STP): Contains a protective shield to reduce interference. Used in environments where interference might be a concern.
Categories: Ethernet cables come in various categories, each supporting different speeds and frequencies:
- Cat 3Obsolete today, was used for 10 Mbps (10BASE-T) Ethernet.
- Cat 5Supports up to 100 Mbps (Fast Ethernet).
- Cat 5e (Enhanced)Supports up to 1 Gbps (Gigabit Ethernet) and reduces crosstalk.
- Cat 6Supports up to 1 Gbps with a maximum distance of 100 meters; can support 10 Gbps for shorter distances (up to 55 meters).
- Cat 6a (Augmented)Supports 10 Gbps up to 100 meters.
- Cat 7Offers better shielding and can support 10 Gbps over 100 meters.
- Cat 8Designed for data centers and supports 25 Gbps or 40 Gbps over distances up to 30 meters.
Coaxial Cable: This was the original medium for Ethernet, primarily for 10BASE-2 (Thinnet) and 10BASE-5 (Thicknet). It’s largely obsolete for Ethernet use today but still prevalent for cable TV.
Fiber Optic Cables: Transmits data as light rather than electricity. Suitable for long distances and high data rates. There are different types:
- Single-mode Fiber: Uses a single light path; suitable for long distances.
- Multi-mode Fiber: Has multiple light paths and is typically used for shorter distances.
Connectors:
- RJ-45: Standard connector for most UTP cables.
- SC, LC, ST, MTP/MPO: Common connectors for fiber optic cables.
Crossover vs. Straight-through: Standard Ethernet cables (straight-through) are used to connect different types of devices, like a computer to a switch. Crossover cables are used to connect like devices, such as a computer to another computer, but this need has been mostly eliminated due to the prevalence of auto-MDIX on modern devices.
Power over Ethernet (PoE): Allows the cable to supply both data and power to devices like IP cameras, phones, and access points.
When selecting an Ethernet cable, it’s essential to consider the required network speed, distance, environment (e.g., if there’s potential interference), and whether power needs to be delivered over the cable.
Key terms in plain language
Open a term for a concise explanation of language used on this page.
Fiber Internet
Internet delivered through strands of glass using light. Fiber commonly supports high capacity, low latency, and strong upload performance, but availability must be confirmed for the exact address.
Broadband
A general term for always-on, high-speed Internet access. Broadband can be delivered over fiber, cable, DSL, fixed wireless, cellular, or satellite networks.
Bandwidth
The amount of data a connection can carry in a given time, usually measured in Mbps or Gbps. More bandwidth supports more users, devices, and simultaneous applications.
Latency
The time it takes data to travel between two points. Lower latency improves voice, video meetings, cloud applications, gaming, and other real-time services.
Dedicated Internet Access (DIA)
A business-grade Internet connection with capacity dedicated to the customer rather than shared in the same way as typical consumer broadband. It often includes symmetrical speeds and an SLA.
SD-WAN
Software-defined wide area networking. It manages multiple connections and chooses paths based on application needs, performance, and policy to improve resilience and control.