Many computer networks rely on cables to transmit information to electronic devices within their local area network (LAN). The type of cabling depends on the topology, protocol, and size of the network.
The common types used in LAN systems are category 5e and category 6 cables. These are unshielded twisted pair (UTP) cables, meaning they consist of four pairs of wires that are twisted a different number of times per inch. The twisting method is designed to eliminate cable noise interference from other electrical devices. The more twisted a UTP cable is, the higher the transmission rate. UTP cables are usually equipped with an rj45 connector. These connectors are made of plastic and are similar to those used for phones.
Category 5 cable
Commonly used for Ethernet cabling systems due to its high signal integrity, Cat5e bulk cable is capable of handling networks that generate up to 1000 megabits of information per second (mpbs). Cat5e is also used to carry voice and video systems in equipment such as ATMs.
While polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is most commonly used to make the outer jacket of the cable, another material such as hydrogen chloride (HCL) is also used. Many Cat5e cables also have a test rating of 350 megahertz (MHz), which means that it is capable of transmitting data at a speed of one gigabyte.
The internal composition of a Cat5e cable will have a solid or stranded conductor depending on the intended use. The cheaper of the two, solid conductors, consist of a solid piece of copper and are commonly used for fixed installations.
Also known as Cat5e patch cord, stranded conductor cable is known for providing flexibility due to the use of copper in bundled form. It is commonly used to connect computers or gaming systems to a switch or router.
Category 6 cable
Much of the physical makeup of Category 6 cable is the same as Category 5. The main difference is its data transmission capabilities. Mainly used for Gigabit Ethernet systems, Cat6 bulk cable and cat6 patch cables can run networks with data transmission rates up to 10,000mbps at speeds up to 400mhs. Unshielded cat5e and cat6 cables are available in lengths up to 100 meters for most purposes.
Which cable is best suited for your network? As mentioned above, that will depend on the size of the system, as well as the topology and protocol.
But no matter which one you use, it’s reassuring to know that Category 5 and Category 6 UTP cables have a solid reputation for providing high-quality data transmission to local networks around the world.
