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When you are setting up your internet connections, networking cables play a vital role in it. There are so many of these cables out there that one might get confused over the selection. In this article, we’ll narrow down the best cables for you to help you make an informed decision.
Networking cables are the medium between two networking devices. There are many networking cables like Twisted pairs cables, coaxial cables, and fiber optics used for this purpose.
Twisted Pairs Cables
It is a type of cable that has a twisted wiring structure inside the cable. There are copper conductors twisted together because two wires carry equal but opposite signals. If it was not for the twisted pairs, there would be crosstalk between the pairs. Twisting the pairs reduce crosstalk. There are further two types of twisted-pair cables.
Shielded Vs Unshielded Twisted Pairs
Shielded twisted pair cables, also known as STP, have an extra layer of shield around the twisted pairs. The extra layer gives protection against electromagnetic interferences. These cables are a bit more expensive. The extra layer is usually the aluminum foil around the layers.
We also know unshielded twisted pairs as the UTP, do not have the protective layer around them. UTP cables are more prone to interferences. That is why these cables are for indoor telephone applications. Most of the UTP cables use RJ45 connectors.
T568A or T568B Networking Cables
T568A and T568B are the two wiring standards with twisted-pair cables. These are the telecommunications standards from TIA and EIA that specify the pin arrangement for the connectors on UTP and STP cables. The number 568 refers to the order in which the wires within the twisted pair cable are terminated and attached to the connector. The signal is identical for both types of cable.
Coaxial Cables
It is a type of copper cable that is designed with a metal shield or other this sort of components. The purpose of this cable is to keep the interference out of the cable. The primary use of this cable is to connect satellite antenna to the television set.
Coaxial cables have an obvious advantage over the other type of radio transmission line. If the electromagnet field carrying the signals exists only in the space between the inner conductor and outer conducting shield, then it is a good coaxial cable.
Optical Fiber Networking Cables
A fiber optic cable is a type of cable that has numerous numbers of optical fiber bundled together covered in a protective layer. Instead of electrical signals like copper wires, pulses of light pass through to transfer data. Fiber optic cable uses total internal reflection phenomenon.
There are three types of Fiber optic cables available in the market. There is Single mode, Multimode, and Photonic fiber optics. The core diameter is tiny in the single-mode. Multimode has a bigger core diameter. This allows more light to pass through it, which means more data passes through it. This is good for short-distance applications.
In photonic fiber, the cavities around the core guide the transmission of light. The presence of core could be in a glass or even in the air cavity. Although these cables are available in the market, their performance is still under observation.
If you are looking to buy any of these networking cables, you can order them from NewYork Cables at an amazing discounted price with free shipping all across the USA.
| 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 |
