What is an Ethernet Cable?

Ethernet cables are relatively versatile cables that might seem old school but are incredibly useful even though they have been used for nearly 40 years. This cable and technology have withstood the test of time despite all of the other incredible technological advancements since the 1980s when it was first released.

So “What is an Ethernet Cable?”, I hear you cry.

It is a cable that enables you to hard-wire two physical devices, such as a router and a computer or TV which will then provide direct access to a network or internet to said device.

Wi-Fi is currently a very convenient and popular way to connect to the internet, especially for a home computer or entertainment system but utilizing an ethernet cable can usually provide faster, more reliable and secure internet connection.

These versatile ethernet cables can be used in a home or office environment. The port is not only standard across all of the cable categories, but also internationally recognized so if you travel, and you have a device that uses ethernet port via an ethernet lead then you will likely be able to find or utilize an ethernet connection.

In your home, an ethernet cable would connect directly from your router to a device such as a tv (assuming it’s a smart TV), gaming system, or computer. Laptops are often equipped with ethernet ports so they can be hardwired in when used in a single location. In businesses, most desktop computers are hardwired in using an ethernet lead, as ethernet provides faster, stable and more consistent internet.

If everyone in a large office were attempting to use Wi-Fi at the same time, it would most likely be a very slow connection. You don’t want a slow connection when you are doing your day to day tasks. Having ethernet equipment and computers hardwired into the internet utilizing an ethernet cable frees up the Wi-Fi connection for visitors or smaller devices such as laptops or phones.

Cable Categories/Types of Ethernet

To make life less simple however, like most things in this world, there is not just one type of ethernet cable or ethernet Category. At Attock Network Products we will try to help you through this maze and give you a helping hand.

There are a handful of categories that are common but have slight differences which primarily deal with the speed of which information passes through the cable. Here are some of the most popular ethernet cable categories today, the main difference between them is the construction and specification of the cable and certain conditions that must be adhered to which in turn affect the performance of the cable and in turn the speed and bandwidth of your connection.

Category types (“CAT” 5, 6 7 8)

Category 3 (Cat 3) and 5 (Cat5) are older categories of ethernet cable and will process and transfer information at a speed of 100 megabits per second. Though these are probably not available on the market these days. Cat 3 is not used these days.

Category 5e (Cat5e) is currently the most popular and slightly faster than a standard Cat5 and also is designed so there is little interference with other electrical cables or devices. This cable gives you an advantage with crosstalk compared to Cat5 cable.

Category 6 (Cat6) transfers information at a speed of up to 10 gigabits per second, significantly faster than a Cat5 or Cat 5e. It is known for being a bit stiffer though which can be challenging if you have to pull the wire through walls or around corners. It’s spec is rated for 1Gb up to 100 meters (328 Feet) and 250Mhz.

Category 6a (Cat6a) is simply an advanced version of Cat6. It can handle up to twice the bandwidth of a standard Cat6 while providing an increase in data transmission up to 500Mhz. Cat6A cable is great for a consistent 10Gb network. Even though Cat6 cable can do 10gb at shorter distances, Cat6A cable will always give you a more reliable connection.
When powering 10Gb that is a very important feature.

The design of this cable also protects against electrical noise interference as well as electromagnetic radiation.

Category 7 (Cat7) cables are meant for long-distance. This is not necessarily a cable you would use to run from your tv to your router a few feet away, but one that offers 10 gigabits per second of speed across distances up to 100 meters. It also is considered shielded, which means there is almost no possibility of electrical interference with the cable when terminated properly with shielded connectors.

Category 8 (Cat8) Ethernet cables are the newest cable category and the highest-rated. They are built for data centres or businesses that have a large volume of technologies that need to be wired in. They are some of the fastest cables that provide the most enormous amount of bandwidth.

Get a whopping 40GB and 2000MHz at distances up to 30 meters with this cable.

Should you require further advice or assistance, then please do not hesitate to contact us where our very knowledgeable colleagues will be happy to assist.