Network Cables 101: What You Need to Know

NETWORK AND ETHERNET CABLES

These are the go-to choice for most everyday home and office wired networks. They typically include twisted pairs of copper wires (featuring four pairs of twisted copper wiring), and feature an RJ45 Connector to link computers, routers, and switches within wired networks. Network and Ethernet Cables include Cat 5, Cat5e, Cat6, Cat6a, Cat7, and Cat8 cables. “Cat” is short for “Category,” and each higher category in the numerical series typically offers increased bandwidth (frequency in megahertz or MHz), higher transmission speeds (in Gigabits per second or Gbps), and better shielding or crosstalk protection (especially from Cat6 and above). However, shielding is not guaranteed with a higher number. The RJ45 is the standard connector type for Network and Ethernet Cables.

FIBER OPTIC CABLES

Enterprise networks (private networks), high-bandwidth settings, and environments with heavy interference, benefit from using light instead of electricity for high-speed or long-range setups. These often implement Fiber Optic Cables to transmit data at ultra-fast speeds, which is ideal for long-distance performance, and minimal signal loss. Fiber Optic Cables have their own specialized Fiber Optic Connectors, which vary by application.

DATA AND CONNECTIVITY CABLES

When connecting and configuring devices, including servers, peripherals (external hardware), or older technology, there are Data and Connectivity Cables that make device-specific connections. USB (an acronym for Universal Serial Bus) is one type of cable often used in phone plugs, or to connect devices to computers. It earned its name with “Universal,” meaning it replaces multiple connector types with one standardized interface. Then “Serial,” for the way it transfers data sequentially or serially, rather than parallel, which sends multiple bits. Serial communications require fewer wires. A “Bus System” transfers data between components, such as a computer and connected device. USB has been a trusted and widely compatible connection for decades that simplifies communications between components.

Audio/Video Cables, such as HDMI® (for High-Definition Multimedia Interface) enable transmission between devices, such as a TV and gaming console, with high-quality signals, high-definition video, and multi-channel audio.

Connectors for Data and Connectivity Cables will differ depending on the cable type.

MORE ABOUT ETHERNET CABLES

Now let’s take a deeper dive into some aspects of the Ethernet Cables.

ETHERNET CABLE BREAKDOWN

Network and Ethernet Cables will differ in their speed, frequency, and shielding. According to an article in NetworkWorld, the Ethernet was developed in 1973 and only operated at 2.94 Mbps (megabits per second) in its earliest days. Cat1 through Cat4 existed informally, but were never standardized under the TIA/EIA, the Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA) and Electronics Industries Alliance (EIA), which began standardizing cables in approximately 1991. And while the EIA acronym is still in use, the EIA is no longer an entity, and the ECIA (Electronics Components Industry Association) oversees the past and current EIA standards.

Some of these earliest cables may still be in existence today with older technology, but never with new installations because they cannot keep up with the demands of modern equipment. Cat1, with a 1MHz frequency, was made for telephone use only, and was never made a standard by the TIA/EIA. Cat2 supported 4 Mbps speed for 1980s Token Ring, data, and voice networks. Cat3, another networking cable now considered obsolete, was in use during the earlier part of the 1990s within the ethernet of that timeframe, including the 10BASE-T—and could only operate at 10 Mbps. Cat4 cables were only briefly used during the 1990s for voice and data applications at 16 Mbps.

Cat5 is one of the older Ethernet Cable types the TIA/EIA standardized in 1991. It is still available in use for legacy equipment but is not in use or recommended for new installations. Cat5e Cables superseded Cat5 in 2001. They can support up to 1 Gbps, and frequency of 100 MHz. After Cat5e superseded Cat5, the TIA/EIA no longer standardized it.

The T568B or T568A wiring standards define the pinout for terminating twisted-pair network cables in RJ45, eight-pin modular connector plugs, panels, and jacks. These standards are commonly used within structured cabling systems for Category 5e and higher. T568B is the preferred format for new networks in the United States, and T568A is often used in U.S. Government applications. Each has a very specific wiring order and should T568A and T568B components need to be connected on any rare occasion, a cross-over patch cable transitions the standards to make a connection.

The most common Network and Ethernet Cables below are used in home and office networks to connect computers, routers, switches, and more with fast, stable connections. They are best suited when reliable, wired internet is needed at short to medium distances. The breakdown includes:

Cat5e – Cat5e Cables, with “e” for “enhanced,” supports speeds up to 1,000Mbps or 1 Gbps and 100 MHz. Beginning in 2001, this cable replaced Cat5 as the standard in new installations, and is best for home use. Cat5e is jointly recognized by the TIA/EIA.

Cat6 – Cat6 Cables support 10 Gbps over shorter distances (only between about 121 feet/37 meters and 180 feet/55 meters at bandwidths of 250 MHz). Transmission depends on crosstalk (a type of electromagnetic interference) conditions. Its performance is limited to 1 Gbps over 328 feet/100 meters. Cat6 is backward compatible, meaning it supports earlier standards like Cat5e and Cat5. The Cat6 is also appropriate for home and small business local area networks (LANs).

Cat 6a – The Cat6a Cables are often used in high-traffic office and enterprise applications, with the “a” meaning “augmented.” It supports10 Gbps over longer distances with double the bandwidth of Cat6, at 500 MHz.

Cat 7/7a/8 – These cables were designed to support high-performance, high-speed internet applications, such as data centers. Cat 7 and 8 cables were intended for future-ready applications and are not frequently used in home network setups. Cat 7 supports up to 10 Gbps speed and 600 MHz bandwidth. Cat 7a (with the “a” again for “augmented”) increases the bandwidth to 1,000 MHz and was created for commercial telecommunications applications. Neither Cat7 nor Cat7a are part of American National Standards Institute (ANSI) or TIA oversight, but are recognized under International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standards. They additionally may sometimes use GG45 or TERA Connectors, instead of the RJ45, making them less compatible. Cat8 is recognized by the TIA, can handle up to 40 Gbps and 2,000 MHz. And while it is used for data center applications, some use it for home gaming for future proofing reasons and/or its perceived performance benefits. However, Cat6a is typically sufficient for home gaming systems.

UNSHIELDED VERSUS SHIELDED CABLES

Knowing the terms “unshielded” and “shielded” for Ethernet Cables is important to understand and familiarize yourself with, to make the best choices for your setup. Unshielded cables are often referred to as “Unshielded Twisted Pair” (UTP) Cables, because their wire pairs do not have any shielding, and are more flexible in terms of their construction. How the UTP Cables differ from the “Shielded Twisted Pair” (STP) Cables is that STP Cables are covered with a metallic shield of foil or braided mesh that helps to lower electromagnetic interference (EMI), or high-frequency electronic noise. Crosstalk is a type of EMI that can occur when unwanted electrical currents from one conductor impact another conductor. STP Cables, may feature shielding over each pair, the overall cable, or both (known as Shielded Foil Twisted Pairs or S/FTP), depending on the specific type of cable. UTP Cables tend to be less expensive, and are used within legacy and traditional phone systems, as well as common networking applications. Modern phone systems use traditional UTP Cables differently, as they are increasingly digital or Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) based. STP Cables are within applications susceptible to electronic interference, including data centers, medical, and industrial machinery.

WHAT IS A PATCH CORD?

A Patch Cord, also known as a Patch Cable, is a type of Ethernet Cable. But it isn’t exclusive to Ethernet, and can be found among Fiber Optic Cables, Coaxial Cables, and A/V Cables. This type of cable tends to be shorter, with connectors like an RJ45 (for Ethernet) on each end, to connect devices. They are considered “plug-and-play,” as they just plug in and go, linking devices together like computers, routers, switches, and patch panels.

WHAT ARE KVM CABLES?

KVM is an acronym for Keyboard, Video, and Mouse. KVM Cables are 3-in-1 cables that can connect computers directly to KVM Switches, which allow a single console (keyboard, monitor, and mouse) to control multiple systems.

JACKETS AND BOOTS FOR ETHERNET CABLES

These jackets and boots are specific “apparel” to Ethernet Cables and Patch Cords. The cable jackets are the coverings over cables, whether they are UTP or STP. Materials may include PVC, which is the standard cable jacket for general purpose use. Low Smoke Zero Halogen (LSZH) cable jackets are designed to minimize toxic smoke, in case of a fire. Plenum Cables are rated for the air-handling spaces in buildings, like ceilings and air ducts, with these jackets often required by code in many commercial buildings. Then the RJ45 plugs may have different boot styles that accommodate certain scenarios. These are add-ons to the connector that “armor” Ethernet cable ends, to improve durability, flexibility, and longevity, especially in high-use or high-density environments. They relieve strain on the cable, to prevent breakage to the connector. For example, Snagless Boots on Patch Cords are intended to prevent latch damage in applications with frequent plugging and unplugging. Molded Boots offer strain relief and protect the connector. A Slim Boot was created for high-density patch panels and tight spaces.

MORE ABOUT FIBER OPTIC CABLES

For the fastest, most reliable data transmission, more people are turning to Fiber Optics every day. It works at longer distances, greater speeds, and with a higher immunity to EMI, since it does not utilize electrical signals as copper wires do. There are various types of Fiber Optic Cables recommended for different applications, including:

Multimode Fiber – It is designed for short-range, high-bandwidth connections, such as within data centers and college campus networks. Multimode Fiber features a large core for multiple light paths, and is frequently used for short interconnects, server connections, and LANs.

Singlemode Fiber – This type of fiber is intended for ultra-high-speed communication applications and longer distances. Singlemode Fiber uses a very small core with a single path for light, which minimizes signal loss and distortion over the span where it travels. It is ideal for telecommunications, ISPs, and similar applications, where performance and scalability are key.

There are standard types of connectors that are used in Fiber Optic applications, and they are:

LC (Lucent Connector): It features a small form factor, and push-pull style. This connector style is frequently used in Singlemode and Multimode cables. It is common within modern, high-density network equipment.

SC (Subscriber Connector): This type of a connector also has the push-pull design but is larger than the LC. SC is known for its easy, snap-in connections, and although it is still widely in use today in some scenarios, such as some enterprise networks, it is often associated with older or legacy systems.

ST (Straight Tip): The ST style features a bayonet-style, twist-lock mechanism. It is still present in some older Multimode Fiber systems, such as campus networks, but is now rarely used in new deployments.

MPO/MTP® (Multi-Fiber Push-On): These high-density connectors are used in data centers and high-speed backbone systems. They are ideal for 40 Gbps and up to 100+ Gbps applications. These connectors can hold 12, 24, or more fibers in one plug, but typically hold less. MTP® is a proprietary, enhanced version of MPO, created by US Conec.

Fiber Optic Cables are equipped with different jacket materials suitable for their environments, including:

PVC – Polyvinyl Chloride is applied for general use, indoor cables. It is not fire-rated for plenum spaces. It is a flexible and cost-effective jacketing material.

Plenum-Rated – Known as Communication Plenum (CMP), Plenum-Rated Cable Jackets are required within air-handling spaces like raised floors and drop ceilings. They are fire-resistant, low-smoke emission cables.

Outdoor Jackets – Designed to resist UV light, moisture, and temperature changes, outdoor cable jackets are frequently labeled “direct burial” (because they can be installed directly into the ground) or “UV resistant.” They may be reinforced with materials that make them stronger and easier to pull through conduit or bury underground.

MORE ABOUT DATA AND CONNECTIVITY CABLES

Data and Connectivity Cables are specialty cables for networking and communication equipment, including Audio/Video Cables and USB Cables and Hubs.

The Audio/Video Cables category at CableOrganizer® features cables plus converters, amplifiers, extenders, splitters, couplers, connectors, repeaters, jacks, and adapters for these applications. Cable types include: HDMI®, speaker wire, coaxial cable (cable for video and sound), and Component Video Cables with RCA Connectors (RCA Connectors deliver analog audio and video to television monitors from media devices).

The USB Cables and Hubs category at CableOrganizer® includes an array of USB Cables, Hubs, Extenders, and Data Transfer Cables. One of the options is the
360 Electrical® Fluid Charge/Sync Cable, which extends up to five feet and offers different connector options, including USB A to C, USB A to LTG, USB C to C, and USB C to LTG. USB to D89 Serial Adapter Cables help provide additional ports for printers, laptops, digital cameras, and other media devices, to expand or convert DB9 Serial Devices to USB. Among its Curated Kits, CableOrganizer® offers its Charging Cable Kits. These convenient kits provide comprehensive collections of charging devices and wires that meet today’s digital lifestyle.

Fiber Optic Cables have their own connector styles, as previously mentioned in this article. And Network and Ethernet Cables, such as Cat Cables, use RJ45 Connectors, Keystone Jacks, and RJ45 Couplers. To recap, RJ45 Connectors are the standard, 8-position modular plug for Cat Cables. They may also use Keystone Jacks that snap into wall plates or patch panels to accept RJ45 plugs. Then RJ45 Couplers join two Ethernet Cables together and are useful for patching or extending a run.

HDMI® Cables have their own style connectors, which can be on the ends of the cables themselves, within HDMI® Keystone Jacks, Couplers, Adapters, and Converters, which connect two different types of network media.

USB Cables have separate connector types, including A, B, and C style Connectors. USB-A is a flat, rectangular shape, used mostly for computers, chargers, and flash drives. While it is still in use, it has gradually been replaced in newer devices. The USB-B Connector end tends to be squared with a beveled top, and more compact with some variations. It is mostly found on printers, external hard drives, and some older devices, but not often within new technology. The USB Squid Hub, available at CableOrganizer®, can connect with four devices—3 USB A and 1 USB B.

The USB-C Connector style is small, oval, and reversible. It supports high-speed data and is the new standard for a compatible charger on smartphones, laptops, tablets, and accessories. Its aim is to reduce clutter, while standardizing charging and connectivity across all devices. Many of the 360 Electrical® Chargers, Hubs, and Surge Protectors (or combined chargers and surge protectors), accommodate both USB-A and USB-C charging.

SOME DATA AND CONNECTIVITY CABLES AND ACCESSORIES FOR LEGACY EQUIPMENT

There are some types of Data and Connectivity Cables and Accessories on the market that are for older style equipment. VGA (for Video Graphics Array) is an analog cable that transmits video signals from a computer or similar source to a monitor, projector, or display. The cables often feature a 15-pin, D-sub blue connector, with three rows of five pins. It only transmits analog video signals without audio, supporting resolutions up to 1080p (1920X1080), though cable quality and length, signal quality, and distance, limit effective resolution. It is found in older PCs, monitors, projectors in legacy AV setups, and KVM Switches and Docking Stations. VGA has mainly been replaced by HDMI® but is found on older equipment.

RCA Connectors are found on Component Video Cables, which transmit high-quality analog video signals. The RCA Connector is comprised of three color-coded components, including red (carries the red color difference signal), blue (carries the blue color difference signal), and green (carries the brightness/luminance signal). No audio is transmitted through these connectors, and separate cables would be needed. It supports resolutions up to 1080i or 1080p. It is often found on older HDTVs, DVD players, legacy gaming consoles, projectors, and home theater systems. While Component Video Cables offer better quality than Composite Video (another type of analog video through one yellow cable), it has also mainly been phased out in favor for HDMI®, because it carries both high-definition video and audio in one cable.

A DVI Cable is an acronym for Digital Visual Interface, which connects a video source to a display, such as a computer and monitor. Depending on the connector type, it can carry digital, analog, or both video signal types. DVI-D is solely for digital, DVI-A is for analog, and DVI-I supports both. Some DVI types are only found in older computers and monitors, with newer devices now using HDMI®. DVI-D™ provides a secure and easy connection between high-performance graphics cards and compatible digital displays, like monitors, televisions, and projectors. The max resolution and speed depend on the DVI type (single-link versus dual-link). Dual-link DVI supports up to 2560X1600 and speeds up to 9.9 Gbps, while the single link handles bandwidths up to 4.95 Gbps, and resolutions up to 2048 x 1536 pixels.

HELPFUL ACCESSORIES AND TOOLS

When considering all of the above network cables, it is important to keep other tools on hand for specific and routine projects. They can assist with the initial setup and make ongoing maintenance and upgrades easier. Some essentials may include:

Test Instruments – Cable Testers help to verify the signal strength, continuity, and cable wiring.

Strippers, Cutters, and Crimpers – Strippers properly remove the insulation without damaging conductors, cutters trim to the precise measurement, and crimpers attach connectors firmly to the cables.

Labeling Tools – Printers label and identify cables for simpler organization and troubleshooting.

Cable Management Products – Cables can stay bundled and tidy with braided sleeving, hook and loop wraps, cable ties, and more. Some products, like certain types of metal and shielding braided sleeving, are designed to protect wires from EMI and other electrical disturbances.

Patch Panels and Wall Plates – Centralize and organize cables within a Patch Panel, a cross-connect system of joinable connectors. Wall Plates provide a clean and professional-looking cable outlet within a wall or workstation. Keystone Jacks can be placed within a Patch Panel or Wall Plate.

Choosing the right cable type can make or break your connection. Explore all the available cable choices here at CableOrganizer®. Please do not hesitate to contact our team here for assistance with choosing the right products, using our live chat feature during regular business hours (9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET weekdays), or a message us through our website. You can additionally reach us by phone at 1-833-3CABLEORG (1-833-322-2536) during our normal business hours—or email us anytime at sales@cableorganizer.com.