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What Is Network Cabling?
Networking is the mechanism of connecting two and more devices to transfer data and information from one device to the other. The medium used for this transmission can be wired or wireless. The wireless network is usually used for connecting devices at home or small businesses where there is normal internet speed required. But if you want a secure and faster data transfer, for your business, in particular, you need wiring networking that is simply known as network cabling such as networking through Bulk Ethernet cables.
What Are Common Types of Ethernet Cables for Your Businesses?
There are several types of networking cables used in businesses for efficient and smooth transfer of data. There are various factors kept in consideration while selecting the type of networking cable such as the amount of data that needs to be transferred, environmental factors, and other business requirements. There are three main types of Ethernet cables that are being used for this purpose in which Cat6 Ethernet cable is the most commonly used and efficient cable. All these are used to support the smooth running of data from one device to the other. Here is more about the three Bulk Ethernet cables.
- Cat5e Ethernet Cable
It is an enhanced version of Cat5 cable which comes under the model of Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP) cables. Cat5e Ethernet cable can handle a speed of up to 1000 Mb per second at up to 350 MHz frequency. As compared to other types of category 5 cables, Cat5e cable is known for its flexibility and easy use for developing new networking systems for your businesses. Cat5e Ethernet cable is the minimum requirement for setting up a Local Area Network (LAN).
- Cat6 Ethernet Cable
It is the most commonly used type of Ethernet cabling with reduced attenuation and cross-talk because the twisted pairs of wires are physically separated from each other. Cat6 Ethernet cable is being used by all the modern LANs that are based on Ethernet cabling. It can provide a speed of 10 Gb per second at a distance of 55 meters at a frequency of up to 550 MHz while the speed decreases if the length of the connection is increased. The enhanced capability of Cat6 cable is decisive if you are planning to buy an Ethernet cable for your business. It is also important to understand the compatibility of the type of cable you are buying with the type of computer network you want to establish. Although it is more expensive than the Cat5e cable, it can provide much better bandwidth.
- Cat6a Ethernet Cable
It is the most enhanced version of category 6 Ethernet cables that can provide a data transfer rate of 10 Gb per second at up to 750 MHz frequency. The quality that sets Cat6a Ethernet cable apart from all other currently used categories is that it potentially removes the length limit for setting up a network. For this reason, this is the most recommended cable for setting up a Local Area Network (LAN) for your business. Today businesses are demanding higher bandwidth with the growing needs for better networking. Cat6a Ethernet cable provides the ultimate bandwidth that is required that also makes it more expensive than Cat6 cable.
Coaxial Cable
It is a double-jacketed network cable that has copper as its only conductor. In a coaxial cable, a plastic layer provides insulation between the central conductor which is copper, and a metal shield. The metal shield is very much helpful in blocking any outside interference. It can provide a greater length of cabling between two or more network devices but it is comparatively difficult to install. Coaxial cable finds its use in CCTV cameras and capturing of satellite signals. Thus, Ethernet cabling should be used between computers and network devices while coaxial cable for the above-mentioned purposes.
Why Is Ethernet Cabling Preferred for Businesses?
The reason for Ethernet Cables being used for setting up network cabling in most businesses is their performance and reliability. Wireless connections are good to use as they are portable and speedy, but when it comes to transferring a large number of files over the local area network, Ethernet cables are the most reliable source. For instance, Cat6 Ethernet cable is best when it comes to fast and secure transfer of data. These cables are most suitable for offices as they are quite handy in ensuring smooth and efficient execution of tasks.
| Specification | Cat5e | Cat6 | Cat6a |
| Cable Jacket | Plenum, Riser & PVC | Plenum, Riser & PVC | Plenum & Riser |
| Wire Gauge | 24-AWG | 23-AWG | 23-AWG Highly Twisted |
| Frequencies | 350 MHZ | 550 MHZ | 750 MHZ |
| Installation Temp | 0°C to 60°C | 0°C to 60°C | 0°C to 60°C |
| Pairs | 4 Twisted Pairs | 4 Twisted Pairs | 4 Twisted Pairs |
| Package | Easy Pull Box | Easy Pull Box | Wood Spool |
| Colors | Black, Blue, White, Red, Green, Yellow | Black, Blue, White, Red, Green, Yellow | Black, Blue, White, Red, Green, Yellow |
| Standard Compliance | ETL, FCC, CE, CSA, ISO/IES, RoHS | FCC, CE, CSA, ISO/IES, RoHS | ETL, FCC, CE, CSA, ISO/IES, RoHS |
