Basics Of Ethernet Cables

Computers & TechnologyNetworking

  • Author Sion Tan
  • Published September 10, 2010
  • Word count 600

There are many articles online, teaching you how to make a cat6 network cable. It will be a great help for you if you at least know the basics for further understanding of your network. To buy cables especially, you have to familiarize yourself what those technical terms are, like fiber optic cables, network cabling, and other common ethernet cables you will be using in your network.

There are almost 100 ethernet cables available. However, not all of them are well known. Basically, ethernet cables assist in connecting your computers hardware devices to transmit the data using this ethernet protocol. And you have to be able to identify these types for a better selection.

Every computer device, like your keyboard, mouse, your CPU, the modem and other computer paraphernalia are connected by using an ethernet cable. These ethernet cables or some fiber cables are being distinguished through their quality. Below are some of the common ethernet cables.

• Ordinary Ethernet Cables

These are straight-through cables in which smaller cables within the ethernet cable at equal ends have the same color orders, starting from left up to the right. Two standards are arranged with these normal cables, namely T-568A and T-568B. Such variations of their order in colors does not indicate their performance, it is just with their standard. Commonly, this kind of ethernet cable is being utilized in connecting your computer to the router, to the switch or to the hub.

• Ethernet Crossover Cable

This type of ethernet cable is being used in connecting computer devices all together, even without the utilization of a switch or a hub. Such cables though have various plugs on every side. The wires inside an ethernet crossover cable may be reversed to transmit, as well as receive signals. Beginning from the left side, 1st together with the 3rd wires as well as the 2nd and 6th wires are made crossed. These can be seen also via the RJ-45 connector in every end of crossover cable.

• Ethernet Cable (Cat) Categories

Following categories are from Cat 3 up to Cat 7 ethernet cables. Cat3 is used for voice cabling, cat4 is used for token ring networks, cat5 is utilized for 10/100Mb ethernet, and cat6 is like cat5e and cat7, which is a standard ethernet.

Following are the tips on how to make network cabling.

• Should you need your network cable to be future-proof, it is recommended you go for UTP CAT6 standard or CAT5, except for Gigabit Ethernet.

• You have to be aware as well that when you buy plenum cables, CMP is more expensive. There is a requirement in codes during installations since cable will go through the ducts.

• You have to note that there are types of fiber patch cables and it is based on how wires are being connected. Patch cable in favor of straight through and crossover cable also. They both utilize RJ45 connectors, but there is distinction in each of their wiring as well as their use.

• You have to familiarize yourself with the color codes also. Two layouts for colors are specified with the standards of ethernet (586a and 586b).

• Take note that for straight through cables, ensure to make both ends accurately the same, and only use one of these two color codes for the ends of your cables.

• For crossover cables – these should have different ends; one must have 568a while the other 586b. These crossover cables have dissimilar ends because they have its send as well as receive pairs.

• Remember always that the orange and green pairs are made to be swapped just to create a crossover cable.

Check out http://www.cat6-cable.com on more information and resources about CAT6/5/5e Gigabit Ethernet Cables and Networks.

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