How to differentiate the types of network cables?

27 Nov.,2024

 

How to differentiate the types of network cables?

There are three primary types of network cables that are used in modern communication systems: fiber optic coaxial, and twisted pair. Each of them can be used for different purposes and is therefore unique. However, they have something in common, they all can perfectly work for network communication. So how is each one different in terms of specifications and features? What are the differences in performance and capacity between fiber optic cables, twisted pair cables, and coaxial cables?. We will analyze their main characteristics to find out.
 
Fiber Optic Cables
Fiber optic cables, also known as optical fiber cable, is a type of Ethernet cable that consists of one or several optic fibers used to transmit data. Fiber optic cable transmits data by sending light pulses through tiny tubes made of glass. These cables have a transmission capacity 26,000 times greater than twisted-pair cables.

These types of cables can be classified into single-mode fiber and multimode fibers. A single-mode optical fiber only allows one mode to propagate at once. It has a smaller core. In contrast, multimode fiber cables have a larger core that can simultaneously carry multiple light rays. The single-mode fiber cable can transmit for several kilometers, while multimode fiber is able to do it for up to 550m over a 10G network.
 
Twisted Pair Cable
Twisted pair cable is used frequently for communications and modern Ethernet Networks. It is a type of wiring where two conductors in a single circuit are twisted., making a circuit that can transmit data. To protect against noise from adjacent pairs, the pairs are twisted together.
 
Coaxial Cable
Coaxial cable (or coax cable) is a popular choice for many applications; however, it is mainly used to transmit high-frequency signals. It is made up of a copper conductor with three layers of insulation and shielding that prevent crosstalk from motors, lighting, and other sources of EMI. The shield construction allows for longer coaxial cables between two devices.

There are many versions of this cable available, but only two &#; RG59 and RG6 &#; are most commonly used in residential applications. The name &#;RG&#; is a World War II term that means &#;radio guide&#;, but it doesn&#;t mean anything today.
 
What is the difference?
These three types of cables, in some scenarios, have similar uses, but it is possible to differentiate them for their performance and capacity.

Coaxial cables and twisted pair cables are built using copper or copper-based wire and are surrounded by insulation with other materials. Both can transmit television, , and data using electrical signals. Fiber optic cables,  on the contrary, can send out the same signals at a higher frequency, with a wider bandwidth and faster speed. They are made from delicate, flexible tubes of plastic or glass.
 
Which one is cheaper?
Fiber optic cable is generally more expensive than copper because of its superior performance and capacity. However, prices for coaxial, twisted pair and fiber optic cables vary among vendors and suppliers in the cable market. It is crucial to compare these cables before you buy them.
 
If you would like to receive a quote for any of custom cables or connectors, please do not hesitate to contact us by sending an to  or calling us at (972) 638-. 
 

Types of Ethernet Cable

An ethernet cable allows the user to connect their devices such as computers, mobile phones, routers, etc, to a Local Area Network (LAN) that will allow a user to have internet access, and able to communicate with each other through a wired connection. It also carries broadband signals between devices connected through it. In this article, we are going to discuss different types of ethernet cable used in local area networks for reliable internet connection.

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Types of Ethernet Cables

Mainly there are three types of ethernet cables used in LANs

  • Coaxial Cables

  • Twisted Pair Cables

  • Fiber optic Cables

1. Coaxial Cables

A coaxial cable is used to carry high-frequency electrical signals with low losses. It uses 10Base2 and 10Base5 Ethernet variants. It has a copper conductor in the middle that is surrounded by a dielectric insulator generally made of PVC or Teflon. The dielectric insulator is surrounded by a plaited conducting metallic shield which reduces Electromagnetic Interference of the metal and outside interference and finally, the metallic shield is covered by a plastic covering called a sheath usually made of PVC or some other fire-resistant plastic material. Its maximum transmission speed is 10 Mbps. It is usually used in systems, cable TV, etc.

Design: Coaxial cable design choices affect physical size, frequency performance, attenuation, power handling capabilities, flexibility, strength, and cost. It consists of an inner conductor which might be solid or stranded surrounded by an insulator and, to provide flexibility, it is further surrounded by a copper mesh which is further surrounded by a plastic or insulating jacket.

Types of Coaxial Cables

  • Hardline Coaxial Cable: It

    is used in applications where high signal strength is required, this type is most commonly used. They are used in internet lines and lines.

  • RG-6 Coaxial Cable:

    It is used where better signal quality is required; it has a thicker dielectric insulator, they are used in broadband internet, cable TV, etc.

  • Tri-Axial Cable:

    They offer more

    bandwidth

    and interference rejection; they use an additional copper braid shield. Commonly used in connecting cameras and cable TVs. Etc.

Types of Connectors Used in Coaxial Cable

  • BNC (Bayonet Neil Concelman)

  • N series Connectors

  • F Type Connectors

  • SMA or Subminiature Connector

  • TNC (Threaded Neil Concelman) etc.

2. Twisted Pair Cable

A twisted pair is a copper wire cable in which two insulated copper wires are twisted around each other to reduce interference or crosstalk. It uses 10BASE-T, 100BASE-T, and some other newer ethernet variants. It uses RJ-45 connectors.

Design: A twisted pair cable usually contains two or more conducting wires either shielded by an insulator or not and, further these twisted pairs of wires are coated for protection from any damage.

Types of Twisted Pair Cable

  • Shielded Twisted Pair (STP) Cable:

    In STP the wires are covered by a copper braid covering or a foil shield, this foil shield adds a layer that protects it against interference leaking into and out of the cable. Hence, they are used for longer distances and higher transmission rates.

  • Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP) Cable:

    Unshielded twisted pair cable is one of the most commonly used cables in

    computer networks

    at present time. UTP consists of two insulated copper wires twisted around one another, the twisting of wires helps in controlling interference.

Categories of UTP Cables

Category 

 Bandwidth

 Speed     

  Use

1

1.4 MHz  

1 Mbps    

wire

2

4 MHz  

4 Mbps             

Transmission Lines

3

16 MHz

16 Mbps  

10BaseT Ethernet

4

20 MHz 

20 Mbps  

Used in Token Ring

5

100 MHz         

100 Mbps   

100BaseT Ethernet

5

100 MHz    

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1 Gbps    

Gigabit Ethernet

5e

100 MHz   

1 Gbps  

Gigabit Ethernet

6

250 MHz   

10 Gbps  

Gigabit Ethernet

7

600 MHz  

10 Gbps       

Gigabit Ethernet

7a

1 GHz  

Up to 10 Gbps   

Gigabit Ethernet

8

2 GHz 

25 Gbps to up to 40 Gbps 

Datacenters

3. Fiber Optic Cable

Fiber optic cables use optical fibers which are made of glass cores surrounded by several layers of covering material generally made of PVC or Teflon. It transmits data in the form of light signals due to which there are no interference issues in fiber optics. Fiber optics can transmit signals over a very long distance as compared to twisted pairs or coaxial cables. It uses 10BaseF, 100BaseFX, 100BaseBX, 100BaseSX, BaseFx, BaseSX, and BaseBx ethernet variants. Hence, it is capable of carrying information at a great speed.

Design: An optical fiber consists of a core and a cladding chosen for their total internal reflection due to the difference in refractive index between the two. In real optical fibers, the cladding is usually covered with a layer of acrylate or polyimide polymer. The coating protects the fiber from damage and several layers of protective sheathing, depending on the application are added to form the cable.

Types of Fiber Optics Cable

  • Single-Mode Fiber:

    It uses one single ray of light to transmit data. It is used for long-distance transmission.

  • Multi-Mode Fiber:

    It uses multiple light rays to transmit data. It is comparatively less expensive.

Types of Connectors Used in Fiber Optics Cable

  • ST (Straight-Tip) Connector

  • FC (Fiber Channel) Connector

  • SC (Subscriber) Connector

  • LC (Lucent) Connector

Conclusion

Ethernet cables are used to connect devices to a network, allowing them to communicate with each other and access the internet. These cables come in different types, each designed to support various speeds and performance levels. They are essential for both home and office networks, ensuring stable and reliable connections.

Frequently Asked Questions on Types of Ethernet Cable &#; FAQs

How many types of ethernet cables are there?

Currently there are seven categories of ethernet cable in the market CAT5, CAT5E, CAT6, CAT6A, CAT7, CAT7A, and CAT8

What are the three types of fast Ethernet Cables?

Three type of fast Ethernet Cables are-

  • 100BASE-TX

  • 100BASE-FX

  • 100BASE-T4

What is the full form of &#;Ethernet&#;?

Ethernet stand for &#;Ethernet Local Area Network Standard&#;.

Why is Ethernet called a cat?

The &#;Cat&#; is the short form of &#;Category&#; in Cat5e or Cat6.



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