Network Cable

Network Cable is a medium that transmits information from one network device (such as a computer) to another network device. It is the basic component of a network. In our common local area network, the network cable used is also of various types. Under normal circumstances, a typical LAN generally does not use a variety of different types of network cables to connect network devices. In large networks or wide area networks, different types of network cables are used to connect different types of networks together.Which network cable to use should be selected according to the network topology, network structure standards and transmission speed.It transmits signals in the form of light pulses and consists of optical fibers made of glass or transparent plastic.Below is some introduction about Network Cable.

As an indispensable part of modern communication technology, it undertakes the important task of data transmission. From the earliest telephone cables to today’s optical fibers that support high-speed data transmission, the types and technologies of network cables have undergone a tremendous evolution.

  The network cable consists of four pairs of wires and eight cores. Each core has a color distinction and is used for data transmission. It can be applied to a variety of different types of scenarios in the integrated wiring system.

1）Classified by usage occasion: can be divided into indoor cables and outdoor cables. Indoor cables refer to cables used to transmit signals inside buildings, such as network cables, telephone lines, and television cables. Outdoor cables refer to cables used to transmit signals in outdoor environments, such as optical cables and coaxial cables.

2）Classified by structure: can be divided into unshielded twisted pair and shielded twisted pair. Unshielded twisted pair refers to twisted pair with no external metal shielding layer, usually used to transmit analog signals at low speeds. Shielded twisted pair refers to the twisted pair with an external metal shielding layer, which is usually used for high-speed transmission of digital signals and has good anti-interference performance.

3）Classified by interface: The interface can be classified into RJ-11, RJ-45, and SC interfaces. The RJ-11 port is used to connect analog telephone lines, the RJ-45 port is used to connect Ethernet cables, and the SC port is used to connect optical fibers.

  RJ-45      RJ11

4）Now the most common network cable can be divided into five types of network cable (CAT.5),  (CAT.5E),  (CAT.6),  (CAT.6A), (CAT.7).

a. Category 5, Cat5

Usage: Category 5 cable is the standard cable for fast Ethernet (100Mbps) and is widely used in home and small business networks.

Features:Transmission frequency: 100MHz.

Data Rate: Designed for 10/100Mbps Ethernet.

Application: Suitable for basic Internet access, file sharing, and basic VoIP services. With the development of technology, it was gradually replaced by Cat5e.

b. Category 5e, Cat5e

Usage: Super Five lines are optimized on the basis of five lines, and can stably support Gigabit Ethernet (1000Mbps).

Features:Transmission frequency: 100MHz

Data rate: 10/100/1000Mbps.

Application: The mainstream choice for modern home, office and small and medium enterprise networks, supporting high-definition video, online games and large amounts of data transfer.

c. Category 6, Cat6

Usage: Six Class lines are designed to meet the needs of higher network speeds, especially for enterprise-class networks and data centers.

Features:Transmission frequency: 250MHz.

Data rate: Supports 1Gbps and can reach 10Gbps over short distances.

Application: It is suitable for environments that have high requirements on network transmission speed and stability, such as enterprise internal networks and data centers.

d.Category 6a, Cat6a

Usage: Super Class 6 Line is an enhanced version of Class 6 line, providing better crosstalk control and shielding effect, designed for high-speed data transmission.

Features:Transmission frequency: up to 500MHz.

Data rate: Stable support for 10Gbps transmission, and the distance up to 100 meters.

Application: Suitable for foreseeable high-bandwidth applications in the future, such as large data centers, cloud computing facilities, and high-speed network switching centers.

From the simple twisted pair design to the introduction of shielding layers and the optimization of cable structure and materials, the development of network cable technology aims to continuously improve data transmission speed, reduce signal interference, and extend transmission distance. With the continuous improvement of users’ demand for network speed and quality, network cable technology has gradually transitioning from the initial analog signal transmission to support high-speed digital communication, and the launch of each generation of network cables is an innovation and beyond the previous generation of technology.The specifications of network cables are marked every 1 meter on the sheath of the network cable. The following figure shows the identification of CAT.6.

The RJ45 connector of a network cable can be a straight-through cable or a crossover cable. Through line is the cable both ends are T568A or both are T568B standard; The method of crossing lines is to use T568A standard at one end and T568B standard at the other end. Now network device network ports support adaptive, through line and cross line can be used.

T568A wire sequence: ① white&green ② green ③ white&orange ④ blue ⑤ white&blue ⑥ orange ⑦ white&brown ⑧ brown

T568B wire sequence: ① white&orange ② orange ③ white&green ④ blue ⑤ blue&white ⑥ green ⑦ white&brown ⑧ brown

There are many types of network cables, and there can be different types according to different classification methods. Select network cables based on actual application scenarios and requirements.

As the cornerstone of network communication, the development and application of network cable is directly related to the efficiency and quality of the information society. With the continuous advancement of technology and the diversification of market demands, choosing the right type of network cable has become the key to building an efficient and reliable network. Understanding the technological evolution, application scenarios, and selection policies of network cables is important not only for network engineers, but also for common users to improve their network experience. Facing the higher requirements of future network communication, continuing to pay attention to the new progress of network cable technology will be an important way for us to connect to the wider digital world.