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-5 | 100 Mbps up to 100m |
Cat-5e | 1 Gbps up to 100m |
CAT6 | 10 Gbps up to 55m |
CAT6a | 10 Gbps up to 100m |
CAT7 | 10 Gbps up to 100m |
CAT8 | 25 Gbps up to 100m 40 Gbps up to 30m |
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 Type | Full Name | Shielding |
---|---|---|
UTP | Unshielded Twisted Pair | No shielding |
FTP | Foiled Twisted Pair | Overall foil shielding |
SFTP | Shielded and Foiled Twisted Pair | Double shielding: foil and braided |
STP | Shielded Twisted Pair | Individual shielding for each pair |
ScTP | Screened Twisted Pair | Overall foil shielding (F/UTP) |
PiMF | Pairs in Metal Foil | Individual foil shielding for each pair |
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)