Understanding LAN Cable Specifications and What They Mean

When it comes to networking, the type of cable you use can make a big difference in performance. LAN (Local Area Network) cables are used to connect devices within a local network, such as computers, printers, and servers. There are many different types of LAN cables available, each with its own set of specifications. In this article, we will discuss the most common LAN cable specifications and what they mean.

Cable Category

One of the most important LAN cable specifications is the cable category. The cable category refers to the performance capabilities of the cable. The higher the cable category, the better the performance. The most common LAN cable categories are Cat5, Cat5e, Cat6, Cat6a, and Cat7.

Cat5 cables are the oldest and least expensive type of LAN cable. They are capable of transmitting data at speeds up to 100 Mbps. Cat5e cables are an improved version of Cat5 cables that are capable of transmitting data at speeds up to 1 Gbps.

Cat6 cables are the most common type of LAN cable used today. They are capable of transmitting data at speeds up to 10 Gbps. Cat6a cables are an improved version of Cat6 cables that are capable of transmitting data at speeds up to 10 Gbps.

Cat7 cables are the newest type of LAN cable. They are capable of transmitting data at speeds up to 100 Gbps.

Conductor Type

Another important LAN cable specification is the conductor type. The conductor type refers to the material used to make the conductors in the cable. The most common conductor types are copper and aluminum.

Copper conductors are more expensive than aluminum conductors, but they offer better performance. Copper conductors are less resistant to electricity, which means that they can transmit data more efficiently.

Aluminum conductors are less expensive than copper conductors, but they offer lower performance. Aluminum conductors are more resistant to electricity, which means that they can transmit data less efficiently.

Shielding

Shielding is another important LAN cable specification. Shielding refers to the material used to protect the conductors in the cable from electromagnetic interference (EMI). EMI can cause data errors and slow down network performance.

There are two main types of shielding: unshielded twisted pair (UTP) and shielded twisted pair (STP). UTP cables do not have any shielding, while STP cables have a metal foil or braid that surrounds the conductors.

STP cables are more expensive than UTP cables, but they offer better protection from EMI. STP cables are typically used in environments where there is a lot of EMI, such as industrial settings or near power lines.

Conclusion

Understanding LAN cable specifications is important for choosing the right cable for your network. The cable category, conductor type, and shielding are all important factors to consider. By choosing the right cable, you can ensure that your network will perform at its best.