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Ethernet-cables / Categories and types

An Ethernet cable is a type of cable used for wired connections in local area networks (LAN), such as computers, routers, switches, and other network devices. It transmits data using electrical signals and ensures high-speed and reliable data transmission.

Cat-5100 Mbps up to 100m
Cat-5e1 Gbps up to 100m
CAT610 Gbps up to 55m
CAT6a10 Gbps up to 100m
CAT710 Gbps up to 100m
CAT825 Gbps up to 100m
40 Gbps up to 30m
Cable categories and bandwidth

Ethernet cable types

  • UTP (Unshielded Twisted Pair):
    No shielding, minimal interference protection. Used in low-interference environments like offices and homes.
  • FTP (Foiled Twisted Pair):
    Overall foil shielding provides medium protection against electromagnetic interference. Suitable for environments with moderate levels of interference.
  • SFTP (Shielded and Foiled Twisted Pair):
    Double shielding with foil and braided layers offers high protection against interference. Suitable for high-interference environments.
  • STP (Shielded Twisted Pair):
    Each pair of wires has individual shielding, providing high protection against interference. Used in high-interference environments.
  • ScTP (Screened Twisted Pair):
    Also known as F/UTP, it has overall foil shielding without individual pair shielding, providing medium protection against interference. Used in moderate-interference environments.
  • PiMF (Pairs in Metal Foil):
    Each pair of wires is individually wrapped in foil, offering very high protection against crosstalk and external interference. Suitable for high-performance applications and high-interference environments like data centers and industrial settings.
Cable TypeFull NameShielding
UTPUnshielded Twisted PairNo shielding
FTPFoiled Twisted PairOverall foil shielding
SFTPShielded and Foiled Twisted PairDouble shielding: foil and braided
STPShielded Twisted PairIndividual shielding for each pair
ScTPScreened Twisted PairOverall foil shielding (F/UTP)
PiMFPairs in Metal FoilIndividual foil shielding for each pair
Cable types are arranged from the most unprotected UTP to PiMF – the cable with the highest protection

Cable Crimping

Crimping a cable is the process of attaching an RJ-45 connector to the cable ends to connect network devices. There are two main crimping standards: T568A and T568B, which determine the order of the conductors in the connector.

If you are unsure which standard to use, crimping according to T568B is a safe choice)

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