5 Must-Have Features in a Flexible Ethernet Cable

This article is a quick starter guide to everything you need to know about Ethernet cables, network cables, and LAN cables necessary for building your computer network.

WHAT ARE ETHERNET CABLES?

Ethernet cables, also known as network cables, are essential cords that connect network components such as routers, modems, switches, and computers. These cables facilitate data transfer between network nodes, granting access to local area networks (LAN) and the internet.

Despite the widespread adoption of Wi-Fi technology, Ethernet cables remain vital, particularly in business settings. Hardwiring your network ensures consistent and rapid performance. Devices connected via Ethernet cables are not affected by obstacles or wireless signal interference, which can cause sudden drops in network performance.

This consistency and quality in Ethernet connections make them highly recommended for video conferencing hardware. Gamers too will appreciate the enhanced speed and reduced lag when using a hardwired Ethernet connection compared to Wi-Fi.

SHORT HISTORY OF ETHERNET CABLES

Ethernet technology was first developed between 1973 and 1974 by Bob Metcalfe at Xerox PARC. It was intended to link computers, servers, and printers in a high-speed network to facilitate data sharing. Ethernet debuted commercially in 1980 and was standardized by the IEEE in 1983. All Ethernet cable manufacturers adhere to these IEEE standards.

CATEGORIES OF ETHERNET CABLES

In network installations, you might have encountered terms like Cat5 or Cat6. "Cat" stands for "Category," classifying cables based on bandwidth, data rate, and shielding. Here are the various categories:

• CAT 1: Unshielded twisted pair, commonly used for telephone systems.
• CAT 2: Unshielded twisted pair, supporting voice and data communications at 4 Mbps.
• CAT 3: Unshielded twisted pair with four pairs, supporting digital voice and 10BaseT networks at up to 10 Mbps.
• CAT 4: Unshielded twisted pairs with eight wires in four pairs, handling data up to 16 Mbps.
• CAT 5: Twisted-pair cables for networking, with up to 100 Mbps data rate. Cat 5e enhances Cat 5, offering up to 1 Gbps speeds and better resistance to crosstalk.
• CAT 6: Twisted pair with a physical separator and foil shielding, providing up to 10 Gbps at short distances. Cat 6a offers even better performance and crosstalk reduction.
• CAT 7: Highly shielded cables with proprietary connectors, supporting up to 40 Gbps over 50 meters and 100 Gbps over 15 meters, though not IEEE or EIA-approved.
• CAT 8: The latest in IEEE standards, shielded against EMI with data rates up to 40 Gbps over 30 meters.

FEATURES OF ETHERNET CABLE

LENGTH

The length of an Ethernet cable affects signal strength due to attenuation—the signal's degradation over distance. The standard maximum length for Ethernet cables to maintain their maximum data rate is 100 meters (328 feet). Beyond this, the signal quality diminishes, impacting network speed and reliability.

SHIELDING

Twisted pairs in Ethernet cables counter electromagnetic interference (EMI) from nearby electrical sources. While twisted pairs suffice for most home and small business setups, complex business environments often demand additional shielding.

Shielded Ethernet cables come in several types:

1. Shielded Twisted Pair (STP)
2. Foiled Twisted Pair (FTP)
3. Outer Foil Shield/Unshielded Twisted Pair (F/UTP)
4. Outer Braided Shield/Unshielded Twisted Pair (S/UTP)
5. Outer Braided Shield/Foiled Twisted Pair (S/FTP)

FSW，Flexible Ethernet Cable.