Key Features to Look for in Internet Network Cables
In this article, we will discuss the key features to look for when choosing Internet network cables. With so many different types of cables on the market, it can be difficult to know which one is right for your needs. By understanding the key features of network cables, you can make an informed decision and choose the best cable for your home or office.
Conductor Type
The first thing to consider when choosing a network cable is the conductor type. There are two main types of conductors: copper and aluminum. Copper is the more common type of conductor and is generally considered to be the better choice. Copper cables are more durable and have a higher data transfer rate than aluminum cables. However, copper cables are also more expensive than aluminum cables.
Cable Category
The cable category is another important factor to consider when choosing a network cable. The cable category refers to the speed and performance of the cable. The higher the cable category, the faster the speed and the better the performance. The most common cable categories are Cat5, Cat5e, Cat6, Cat6a, and Cat7. Cat5 is the oldest and slowest cable category, while Cat7 is the newest and fastest cable category.
Cable Length
The cable length is also an important factor to consider. The length of the cable will determine how far you can run the cable without losing signal strength. The longer the cable, the more signal loss you will experience. For most home and office applications, a cable length of 100 feet or less is sufficient. However, if you need to run a cable over a longer distance, you will need to use a cable with a higher AWG rating.
AWG Rating
The AWG rating refers to the thickness of the copper wire in the cable. The higher the AWG rating, the thicker the wire and the lower the resistance. A lower resistance means that the cable will lose less signal strength over long distances. The most common AWG ratings for network cables are 24 AWG, 23 AWG, and 22 AWG. 24 AWG is the thinnest wire and has the highest resistance, while 22 AWG is the thickest wire and has the lowest resistance.
Shielding
The shielding refers to the protective layer that surrounds the conductor wire. Shielding is used to protect the cable from electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radio frequency interference (RFI). EMI and RFI can cause signal loss and errors. There are two main types of shielding: foil shielding and braid shielding. Foil shielding is a thin layer of metal foil that is wrapped around the conductor wire. Braid shielding is a woven mesh of metal wires that is wrapped around the conductor wire. Braid shielding is more effective than foil shielding, but it is also more expensive.
Connectors
The connectors are the plugs that connect the network cable to the network devices. The most common type of connector is the RJ-45 connector. RJ-45 connectors are used on all types of network cables, including Cat5, Cat5e, Cat6, Cat6a, and Cat7. RJ-45 connectors have eight pins that are used to transmit and receive data.
Conclusion
When choosing a network cable, it is important to consider the conductor type, cable category, cable length, AWG rating, shielding, and connectors. By understanding the key features of network cables, you can make an informed decision and choose the best cable for your needs.