Ethernet is today perceived as a game changing technology. It is a choice for networking and interconnecting devices in a LAN or sometimes different LANs. Ethernet is primarily a wired network technology used to connect a group of computers in a local area network (LAN). This is done to fulfill basic requirements such as sharing of data which is central to all workstations or a particular workstation. An Ethernet cable is one that you can connect to your modem or router with the other end connected to your standalone computer. In case of a network, an Ethernet cable offers direct Internet connectivity to computers and other connected devices. It’s one end is connected to the router and goes up to a good length such as 100 meters. There are various categories of this Ethernet cable which has been in use from the last 40 years or so. This white paper discusses the different Ethernet category types and why they are still useful in today’s age of advanced wireless network technologies. It also throws light on choosing the right network devices, such as switches and routers, with SFP modules, and the ones which are compatible with Ethernet as well as fiber optic cables.
Ethernet cables are a great option for small LAN-based networks, especially if you have Wi-Fi issues in your area. They offer a decent speed of data transmission and seamless connectivity for up to at least 100 meters as they are directly connected to the router. Cat5 and Cat6 are widely used types of Ethernet cables. Most of these cable types are compatible with Ethernet ports based on the network standard and speed. Cat5e and Cat6 cables require RJ45 connectors which are easily available. While all Ethernet cables perform the same basic connectivity function, they are categorized based on their IEEE standards and other parameters. These standards make it easy for you to choose the right cable for your application.
Standardization has contributed to the widespread adoption for Ethernet. IEEE 802.3 was the first standard introduced in 1983. However, the Ethernet has evolved over the years. Some standards are obsolete, however, others are widely used today. The following are a few popular standards that are widely used today.
Name | Speed | Medium | Duplexing | Standards |
10-Base T |
10 Mbps |
UTP, Category 3+ | Half- and full-duplex |
802.3i |
100BASE-TX |
100 Mbps |
UTP, Category 5+ | Half- and full-duplex |
802.3u |
100BASE-FX |
100 Mbps |
Multimode Fiber | Half- and full-duplex | |
1000BASE-LX |
1 Gbps |
Singlemode Fiber | Full-duplex |
802.3z |
1000BASE-SX |
1 Gbps |
Multimode Fiber | Full-duplex | |
1000BASE-T |
1 Gbps |
UTP, Category 5+ | Full-duplex |
Legacy Ethernet cables are mostly made of copper. Using multiple metallic cables in a network may create noise or electromagnetic interference (EMI). This disrupts or slows down the data transfer process. On the other hand, if the cable pairs are twisted, it reduces capacitance, noise, and crosstalk. Several such individual pairs of cables are twisted together to form a long cable. These good conductor metals when twisted create a balance or symmetry between conductor pairs. Apart from twisting of pairs, most of these cables have a protective sheath or covering which further reduces noise. So, twisting of conductor pairs really set the foundation for all Ethernet classes of cables, primarily to reduce or nullify EMI between the inner and outer wires and other noise related issues.
Most Ethernet cables start with Cat followed by a number. Cat basically stands for Category and the number implies the specifications set by IEEE. Increasing order of numbers imply improved speeds and frequencies. So, periodically, IEEE introduces newer versions of Ethernet cable categories which offer improved bandwidths and speeds, and support high speed data transfer. Before categories of cables, ISO has defined Ethernet classes based on bandwidth capacities. There are classes A to F with sub classes in between and there is an optical class. Here are a few pointers which will ease the understanding of Ethernet classes:
The cable categories belong to one of these classes as they are classified based on not just their physical traits but more so on their bandwidth or frequency capacity, number of conductor pairs, whether they are shielded, and the Ethernet signal they support. Here are the Ethernet cable categories and their details
There is no doubt that shielded twisted pair (STP) cables reduce noise, capacitance, and crosstalk. However, they may not be necessary on all applications. In some basic applications unshielded twisted pair (UTP) cables work better than STP cables. UTP cables are more flexible as they do not have any covering. STP cables are ideal for use in noise-prone and expansive networking environments which require a strong signal strength and fast speed. STP is definitely more expensive than UTP; however, in certain critical applications it proves to be cost-effective in the long run because of better data rates and long distance transmission capacity. Within STP cables, the twisting pattern differs which also impacts their capacity. The twisting could be as simple as a braid or it could be a foiled twisted pair (FTP). In FTP, each wire has its individual sheath which is also called screening.
Whichever cable type you use; you need to choose the right network device. If you are extending your network to fiber optics, this is even more crucial. While most fiber network devices have diferent types of Ethernet ports, it is important to check the number of ports that support Ethernet cables for a range of networks such as from 10 Base to 1000 Base.
As mentioned above, here are some pointers on choosing the right network device in accordance with your cable type.
The best part of using Ethernet cables is their basic nature and the fact that Ethernet as a technology is approved and standardized by IEEE. The organization upgrades Ethernet cable categories based on the requirements. Hence, the standard of this technology can never be doubted as it is internationally recognized. Additionally, Ethernet cables cover a huge range from Cat5 to twisted pair to fiber optic. While Cat5e and Cat6 are still widely used, many players are gradually moving towards fiber optics. Switching to fiber optics while still continuing with your legacy network is a great choice for most players when it comes to sticking to their budget and yet expanding the geographical periphery of your network. While you may be using a twisted pair copper cable, you can always install a media converter and connect it to a fiber optic cable for better data transmission of bulky audio and video files. VERSITRON offers various fiber optic devices and installation kits and offers solutions to upgrade your network without digging your legacy network. For your legacy networks, continued use of Cat6 is the best option as of now. For details, you can visit www.versitron.com and go through the information on various fiber optic network devices such as media converters, switches, connectors, modems, and so on.