What Are The Main Ethernet Cable Types?

Whenever we talk about installing network cables, the first question that comes to mind is which cable to use? You can easily purchase additional tools such as a multimedia outlet but choosing the right cable type always becomes a daunting task.

So where should you start? Well, to begin with, you need to make yourself familiar with the different types of network cables that are there in the market. Having a decent knowledge about them before planning the purchase, will help you make the right choice.

After you learn about these types, you can consider your requirements and budget, then go for the one that suits you the best. If you aren’t aware, you must know that there are mainly 3 different ethernet cable types available. Let us discuss from the oldest to the latest one:

Coaxial Cables

When initially these cables were introduced, the first type was the coaxial cable. These are made of copper and are used commonly for cable television connections and sometimes in telephone companies as well. It consists of an inner round copper conductor with layers of insulators. The metal sheet around the cable prevents electromagnetic interference.

Coaxial cables have been in the market for as long as you can think of. It was known for its reliability, and accuracy in transmission. But with time, it couldn’t cope with the newest communication needs of the customers, neither for their homes nor for the offices. This led to the rise of the next cable type.

Twisted-Pair Cables

Today one of the most popularly used Lan cables is the twisted-pair cables. These are generally installed at companies that require a heavy computer network for sending and receiving information. It is called twisted-pair because it has 2 insulated copper-wires wrapped around one another. This twisted structure proves quite effective in protecting from electromagnetic interference.

These are further available as shielded and unshielded twisted-pair cables. The category cables that are introduced generation-wise are unshielded twisted-pair cables. Some of its major types include Cat 5 cables, network cable 5e, cat 6, and category 6a cables.

Fiber Optic Cables

The latest type is your high-speed data transmitting cable, fiber optics. The information you desire to communicate is done through light beams in these cables. As compared to other types, they are a bit expensive but it does provide various features. These are less susceptible to noise and interference. Although, they do require more changes and management than others.

Unlike coaxial and twisted-pair cables, these come with supportive tools such as fiber optic connectors and fiber patch cables. These allow easy maintenance and installation of the cable making it more efficient and durable.

Conclusion

Whenever you plan to install or replace ethernet cables at your facility or home, make sure that you have done enough research to carry out your shopping. The latest type doesn’t need to be the only option that you should go for. Firstly calculate your needs, then make your decision. Dintek is an online Lan cable manufacturer where you can find different types of network cables.