The right Ethernet cable can make or break your computer network. It all depends on getting the perfect cable for maximum speed and fast connectivity. There are multiple factors that make an Ethernet cable just the right one for your network. If you are looking to get cable for an enterprise-level network, then you need an entirely different cable from a domestic cable.
What are the factors that make Cat6 Plenum ethernet cables perfect for giant computer networks? Which cable is the best for your home network? In this article about computer network cabling, we’ll discuss all these topics. So, let’s start.
The history of Ethernet cables goes back to the 70s when the first cable was invented. Since then it has come a long way. There have been many changes and updates along the way. Nowadays, you can get a variety of Ethernet cables from the market. There is a wide range of cable accessories available as well.
An Ethernet cable is a network cable that establishes a connection between two devices like a computer and a router. You can use this cable for various types of connections like for data transfer or for the internet. This is still a popular form of network connection. This cable is a wise choice for local area networks like schools, hospitals, and data centers. You can choose this cable because it is secure and reliable. This cable is also known for it’s high-speed.
There are a number of categories for Ethernet cables. Categories 3, 4, 5, and 6 are some of those categories. Cat is the shorter form of the category. You can know a lot about cable just by its category. For example, as you can tell that cat3 and cat4 are older cables. Most of these cables do not exist anymore. Compared to them, cat5 and cat6 are relatively newer cables. People in the Ethernet industry use these cables all around the world.
There are many characteristics that differentiate these categories. Data transfer rate, frequency, and connection stability are some of them. It all depends on your network requirements. Category 5 cable can offer a 1Gbps data transfer rate. You can use them for home networks. For big data centers, category 6 or higher categories would perfectly fine.
Category 6 cables offer up to 10Gbps speed. These cables work well against crosstalk and electromagnetic interferences. You’ll have a steady connection with better connectivity with newer categories.
This division of cables is based on their outer jacket. There are mainly three types of jackets of an Ethernet cable; plenum, riser, and PVC. The plenum and riser are indoor cables while PVC is ideal for outdoor installations.
Plenum jacket – the cables with the plenum jacket are ideal for plenum spaces. These are horizontal spaces between the ceiling and floors. Plenum spaces have regular airflow for air conditioning and heating purposes. Due to the regular airflow, these places can become highly dangerous in case of fire. The plenum-rated cable would burn slowly. It will not release toxic fumes into the air. You should always install plenum cables in the plenum spaces of your home or building.
Riser jacket – riser cables are good to go with riser spaces. These are vertical spaces like an elevator shaft. You can install Cat6 plenum cable in a riser space but you cannot do it the other way around.
PVC jacket – PVC or polyvinyl chloride is used to make hard plastic. PVC cables are ideal for outdoor spaces. These cables can withstand harsh weather conditions and extreme temperatures.
Check all your networking requirements before getting computer network cabling.
The interior of an Ethernet cable is made of pure copper wires. There are eight wires twisted together in four pairs. These twisted wires offer better protection against crosstalk and electromagnetic interference.
The Ethernet cable can be either shielded or unshielded. If there is an extra layer of coating around each twisted pair and a steel net around all the pairs, the cable would fall under the shielded category. If those pairs are not covered, then you are getting an unshielded cable. Shielded cables are a bit more expensive as compared to unshielded. If you are getting one for your home network, UTP cables would perfectly fine.
Choosing the best cable for your computer network can be quite a task. Some research would help you before making a decision about computer network cabling.
