Types of Ethernet Cable and Which to Choose
Ethernet cable is one of the most common and important elements in modern computing and home entertainment set ups.
Typically an Ethernet cable is used to connect a device, such as a computer or a games console to the internet and to networks, allowing for online usage, downloading and streaming.
Fortunately, Ethernet cables are so widespread that it is not difficult for amateurs to find a suitable item for their needs.
One of the first things to remember however is that not all Ethernet cable is exactly the same, there are a variety of categories that vary in terms of quality; that quality determining the amount of data a specific cable can handle.
Cat 3 cable is usually used for voice communications and anything up to 10Mb Ethernet.
It is the lowest in the ranking system and hence the least capable of handling large amounts of data.
Most people see these as an older form of cable that has now been replaced by higher quality categories.
The next step up is Cat 5.
Cat 5 Ethernet cable is used as the successor of Cat 3.
It can handle around 100 Mbps and interestingly has a thinner wrapping to reduce the number of twists and hence interference.
Cat 5e cable is an advanced version of the Cat 5.
The major advancement is that it can handle gigabit Ethernet and as such is more than capable of performing well in both domestic and more commercial environments.
Predominantly this type of cable is widely available at low prices and hence is one of the most widely used options.
Cat 6 represents one of the higher end categories of cabling, it is once more a step up from the Cat 5e variant.
This form of cabling is most popular for networks that are running close to capacity and need higher data transferral speeds.
As you may expect this category is physically thicker than cat 5 variants.
Hopefully this has been insightful to the reader, the basic information that applies to customers is that if you need a cable it is likely that Cat 5e will be a suitable option if you are connecting from a PC to a hub.
Typically an Ethernet cable is used to connect a device, such as a computer or a games console to the internet and to networks, allowing for online usage, downloading and streaming.
Fortunately, Ethernet cables are so widespread that it is not difficult for amateurs to find a suitable item for their needs.
One of the first things to remember however is that not all Ethernet cable is exactly the same, there are a variety of categories that vary in terms of quality; that quality determining the amount of data a specific cable can handle.
Cat 3 cable is usually used for voice communications and anything up to 10Mb Ethernet.
It is the lowest in the ranking system and hence the least capable of handling large amounts of data.
Most people see these as an older form of cable that has now been replaced by higher quality categories.
The next step up is Cat 5.
Cat 5 Ethernet cable is used as the successor of Cat 3.
It can handle around 100 Mbps and interestingly has a thinner wrapping to reduce the number of twists and hence interference.
Cat 5e cable is an advanced version of the Cat 5.
The major advancement is that it can handle gigabit Ethernet and as such is more than capable of performing well in both domestic and more commercial environments.
Predominantly this type of cable is widely available at low prices and hence is one of the most widely used options.
Cat 6 represents one of the higher end categories of cabling, it is once more a step up from the Cat 5e variant.
This form of cabling is most popular for networks that are running close to capacity and need higher data transferral speeds.
As you may expect this category is physically thicker than cat 5 variants.
Hopefully this has been insightful to the reader, the basic information that applies to customers is that if you need a cable it is likely that Cat 5e will be a suitable option if you are connecting from a PC to a hub.
