Which of these Cat5e Ethernet Cable, Cat6 Ethernet Cable, or Cat6a Ethernet Cable is better for your needs? If you are a beginner looking to buy ethernet cables for the workplace, you will quickly get lost in these complicated terminologies. But stick with us because we've got your back.
What is the purpose of Ethernet cables?
Ethernet cables are used to link PCs or laptops to networks, modems, or routers. The aforementioned ethernet cables are made up of four twisted pairs of eight solid core copper wires that transmit data through RJ-45 connectors.
While you can transmit data using just two pairs of ethernet cable, optimum reliability and superior results can only be obtained by using all four. Wired networks [networks comprised of ethernet cables] outperform wireless networks in terms of reliability and protection.
Cat5e Ethernet Cable, Cat6 Ethernet Cable, and Cat6a Ethernet Cable are the most common and in-demand cables these days. Let's look at each specification separately so you can make an educated decision when purchasing ethernet cables.
Ethernet Cat5e Cable
Cat5e Ethernet Cable is designed to provide data transfer speeds of up to 1Gbps (Gigabits per second) over distances of up to 100 metres. It has a bandwidth range of 350 MHz.
This cable complies with both EIA and TIA requirements. This cable is made up of 8 pure copper wires twisted together in 4 shielded pairs, resulting in less crosstalk and EMIs (electromagnetic interferences).
The four twisted pairs can be shielded or unshielded. The cable would be labelled UTP if it is unshielded. If the cable is protected, the acronym STP will appear on it.
All three forms have the same data transfer speed and bandwidth capacity. The main aspect that separates them is the jacket content.
Plenum cable jackets are available in CMP ratings. The fire-retardant plenum-rated cables are useful in the event of a fire because they prevent it from spreading to other floors. They are also immune to UV rays. Cat5e plenum cable can be used in place of Cat5e riser cable due to its increased longevity.
Ethernet Cat6 Cable
Cat6 Ethernet Cable raises the bar in terms of data transfer speed and bandwidth capacity. These cables can transmit data at a staggering 10 Gbps (Gigabits per second) over a distance of 165 feet or 50 metres. When the length is increased to 330 feet, the speed drops to 1 Gbps.
It, too, has eight copper connectors twisted into four pairs and an RJ-45 connector. Cat6 Ethernet cables are also used in UTP or STP configurations. CMP-rated jackets are used on plenum cables. It means they are made of high-quality materials and are suitable for use in both residential and commercial settings. CMP-rated jackets provide superior resistance to fire progression. Underwater has also UL910 accredited these cables, which meets rigorous industry requirements.
Ethernet Cable Cat6a
Cat6a Ethernet Cable's "a" stands for "augmented." The Cat6a ethernet cable has 750MHz bandwidth and can accommodate a data transfer rate of 10 Gbps (Gigabits per second) over a distance of 100 metres.
This cable is suitable for use in 100VG-AnyLAN (IEEE802.12), 10BASE-T, 100BASE-TX, and 750 MHz Broadband Video Voice applications, among many others.
Cat6a cable is an excellent option if you need high bandwidth capability, high performance, low crosstalk, and high data transfer speeds.
5 guidelines for selecting the right ethernet cable for your office
Here are the top five tips for selecting the right ethernet cable for your office:
Examine Your Internet Connection Speed
When choosing an internet cable for your workplace, the first thing you should consider is your office's internet speed. If you need up to 100Mpbs, Cat5e ethernet cable is the best choice.
The cable's length
The length of the ethernet cable is the second factor that determines your decision; the longer the cable, the slower the signal speed, and the shorter the cable length, the faster the signal speed.
Installation Site
The location of installation is also important since certain cables are only permitted in certain areas. For example, in your office's plenum spaces, you'll need a plenum-rated cable; in riser spaces, you can use both plenum-rated and riser-rated cables; and for outdoor installation, PVC cables are the best.
Often purchase pure copper wire.
Ethernet cables are made from either pure copper or copper-clad aluminium. We suggest that you always use pure copper ethernet cables for the best experience, including reduced crosstalk and high signal power.
The pure copper cable is labelled “TIA 568-C22,” while the copper-clad aluminium cable is labelled “CCA.” Although the latter is less expensive, the former provides the best value for money and can last much longer.
STP or UTP STP ethernet cables provide an additional layer of security in the form of a metal shield on the copper tape. This shield significantly eliminates crosstalk and electromagnetic interference, resulting in faster data transmission.
UTP cables can be used in situations where EMI and crosstalk are not a problem, but STP cables should be used if there are strong magnetic shields all around. Again, STP cables are quite pricey, but they have the ultimate experience.