What are the characteristics of a Good ethernet cable

  • Last modified: December 28, 2023

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What are the characteristics of a Good ethernet cable

Ethernet network cables are available in a wide variety with each offering a different set of characteristics. The obvious question that pops up in your mind is that how will you identify whether the quality of a certain cable – Cat6 Cables, Cat5e Cables, or Cat6a Cables – is top-notch or not? Let’s find out the answer to this question.

Ethernet Network Cables – Conductors

The first quality of the top-notch ethernet cable is that its conductors are made up of pure copper [also known as bare copper or solid copper]. It is pertinent here to mention that you can only run pure copper cables in government offices.

Pure copper ethernet network cables come with excellent attenuation features. The term attenuation refers to the loss of signal strength over longer distances. As pure copper cables suffer from less attenuation, it means you get the best value for your hard-earned money in the form of optimum and uninterrupted connectivity [remember that uninterrupted connectivity depends on many other factors, too].

Furthermore, pure copper cables convert more energy into data packets and waste very little in form of heat.

Ethernet Network Cables – Standards

Another top-notch feature of ethernet network cables is that they not only meet all the standards set by the concerning bodies but also surpass them. These standards include  FCC, CS, CSE, ISO/IES, and RoHS.

Here at New York Cables, all of our ethernet cables surpass the aforesaid standards by a wide margin. The TIA/EIA’s bandwidth requirements for Cat5e, Cat6, and Cat6a cables are 100 MHz, 350 MHz, and 550 MHz respectively. But our Cat5e cables, Cat6 cables, and Cat6a cable demonstrate bandwidth capacities of 350 MHz, 550 MHz, and 750 MHz respectively. These requirements are way more than the industry standards.

Ethernet Network Cables – Safety Features

All of our ethernet cables pass through stringent safety standards. Our ethernet network cables pass through stringent standards. All of our cables are Fluke tested and meet all safety requirements. Our plenum and riser cables have excellent fire-resistant and UV-resistant properties. It means when these cables are exposed to fire, they emit no and very little toxicity, respectively. Also, plenum and riser cables halt fire progression.

Likewise, our PVC cables provide excellent protection against outdoor harsh conditions like sunlight and some chemicals.

Ethernet Network Cables – Shielding

Generally, there are two types of environments in which you install a certain ethernet cable. These are harsh environments and normal environments.

Harsh environments are places where electromagnetic interference and crosstalk exist in abundance. As a result of which, the quality of the signal is compromised and whole connectivity is disrupted. Usually, such a situation occurs when there are other types of cables are present alongside Ethernet network cables.

To stop electromagnetic interference and crosstalk [both alien crosstalk and next-generation crosstalk] from messing with your signals, we add another layer of protection in form of a foil sheet. This foil sheet is either wrapped around all twisted pairs collectively or each individual twisted pair separately. Such cables are called shielded twisted pairs cables or STP cables. As they have an extra layer of protection, these cables are usually costly than unshielded twisted pairs.

Why New York Cables?

Here at New York Cables, we manufacture Cat5e cables, Cat6 cables, and Cat6a cables that not only meet but exceed all the industry standards. Furthermore, our cables come at very market-competitive prices, carry a 10-year warranty (terms and conditions apply), and free shipping across the USA on orders above $299.99.

Likewise, we offer special discounts to new customers on the purchase of bulk cables. To get in touch with our sales team, drop us an email at sales@newyorkcables.com.

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
Isabella Anthony

Isabella Nightingale, our Ethernet cables maven, blends style with functionality in networking. Follow her blogs for the latest trends, ensuring your setup is both chic and efficient.


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