Ethernet cables are used to connect devices within a LAN (Local Area Network). They are in action since 1985. They are commonly used to connect a modem to a router. They are able to carry broadband signals between the computer, modem, and routers. Ethernet cables are categorized according to the industry standards such as Cat3 (Category3), Cat5, Cat 6 and Cat7. All these differ in their applications and specifications. This article deals with the different types of these Cat cables and their uses.
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| Fig 1. Ethernet cables used in computer networking technology |
UTP CABLES
As mentioned before Ethernet cables are sequentially categorized based on different specifications. Ethernet cables sometimes use twisted pair cabling to eliminate the electromagnetic interference from outside sources.
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| Fig 2. STP and UTP cables |
Twisted pair cabling means two wires of a single circuit are twisted together. Twisted pair cables without any shielding are called UTP (Unshielded Twisted Pair) cables. Cables with shielding are called STP (Shielded Twisted Pair) cables.
Based on the signal carrying capability, the distance required to travel and durability these Ethernet cables are categorized. Let us see what are the technical differences between these categories of cables.
Cat3 cable
Cat3 or Category 3 is the oldest form of these Ethernet cables used in two-line telephone systems. It is a UTP cable with a data carrying capability of 10 millions bits per second (Mbps). They can provide a performance up to 16 MHz bandwidth.
Cat5 and Cat5e cables
Cat5 is also a UTP cable but can transfer data with greater speed than Cat3 cables. It can carry data with a speed of 10 Mbps or 100 Mbps. Cat5 cable has a maximum possible bandwidth of 100 MHz. Cat5 cables are overridden by Cat5e (Cat5 enhanced) cables. Cat5 cables are likely to have some conductive/inductive/capacitive coupling with neighboring cables. This sort of electromagnetic interference is referred to as crosstalk and is mitigated by the introduction of Cat5e cables.
Cat5e is the most widely used Ethernet cable available on the market. Like Cat5 cable, it also has a bandwidth of 100 MHz. It can handle data with a speed of even 1000 Mbps (Gigabit Ethernet speeds).
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| Fig 3. Cat 3, 5, and 6 cables |
Cat6 and Cat6a cables
Cat6 cables are standardized twisted pair cables. They are certified to handle Gigabit Ethernet speeds with a bandwidth of 250 MHz. They have much lesser electromagnetic interference with parallel going cables.
Augmented Category 6 cable is referred to as Cat6a cables. They are characterized to 500 MHz. They are usually available in STP form and can handle data with a speed of 10,000 Mbps.
Cat7 cables
Cat7 cables are thicker and bulkier STP cables. They are also with a data handling speed of 1000 Mbps. And are characterized to 600 MHz.
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| Fig 4. Comparison of different Cat cables |
Ethernet cables are widely used in the modern computer network due to its various characteristics and they are advancing day by day as the technology develops. Enhancement of these different cables makes a larger demand of them in different bandwidths of applications.
