Many users today connect to the internet through wireless devices, such as laptops or mobile phones. But if you're using a PC, then you must use an ethernet cable to access it. These are physical cables that connect your mobile phones to a modem or router so your computer can have internet access.
So, what is an ethernet cable and what does it do? This article will provide you with a comprehensive idea of what ethernet cables are all about. Let's start by telling you what an ethernet cable looks like.
What Do Ethernet Cables Look Like?
Have you ever seen a traditional phone cable? Well, the ethernet cable is pretty much like that. The difference is that the ethernet cable has more wires and is relatively bigger. Ethernet cables have eight wires whereas phone cables only come with four. Furthermore, the connectors on the ethernet cable are also larger.
Another difference between ethernet cables is that they come in different colors, unlike phone cables which only come in gray. The ports in which ethernet cables connect are bigger than phone cable ports. You can find the port on the back side of your desktop or computer to connect it to the device.
What Does an Ethernet Cable Do?
Ethernet cables play a crucial role in transferring data between devices connected to a network. It allows the transfer of various documents, like videos, photos, internet traffic, files, etc. Most people avoid using ethernet as it can make their workspace clumsy.
They don't want too many wires going around through the laptop or computer. However, they don't realize that connecting to an ethernet cable means faster data transfer. The stable and reliable connection makes ethernet cable a better option to transfer data compared to wireless alternatives.
Ethernet Cable Structure
As mentioned before, ethernet cables have twice the number of wires that you'll find in phone cables (8 vs. 4). Furthermore, the ethernet cable connector size is relatively bigger than a phone cable's connector.
There is also a Registered Jack 45 (RJ45) connector on the end of the cable. With a small lever on top of the RJ45 connector, you can easily secure and unclip the ethernet cable.
Types of Ethernet Cables
Different types of Ethernet cables are available to cater to various network speeds and environments. Luckily, you can find all of them through Delco cables to easily fulfill your needs. Here are some common types of ethernet cables that you can find:
- Cat5 - Cat5 Ethernet cables are designed for data transmission speeds of up to 100 Megabits per second (Mbps), commonly referred to as Fast Ethernet.
- Cat5e - This cable is commonly used for home networks, offering speeds up to 1 Gigabit per second (Gbps).
- Cat6 - It provides higher bandwidth and improved performance compared to Cat5e, supporting speeds up to 10 Gbps.
- Cat6a - Enhanced version of Cat6, offering better Alien Crosstalk (AXT) performance for improved signal quality.
- Cat7 - It is designed for high-performance applications, capable of handling speeds up to 10 Gbps over longer distances.
- Cat8 - This is the latest standard that offers even higher bandwidth and improved performance for demanding networking environments.
Limitations of Ethernet Cables
Now that you know what is an ethernet cable used for, it is important to learn about its drawbacks. While there are many advantages of these cables, they have the following limitations:
- They work only for smaller, shorter-distance networks
- Using longer cables might lead to cross-talk
- Receivers don't acknowledge the reception of data packets
- An increase in traffic can increase the speed
- Troubleshooting can become challenging when finding out which cable or node is the cause of the problem
- It isn't a suitable option for real-time or interactive applications
Power Over Ethernet (Poe)
Power Over Ethernet (PoE) is a technology that allows easy transmission of electrical power alongside data over Ethernet cables. As a result, it enables devices like IP cameras, VoIP phones, wireless access points, etc., to get power directly from the network. It also eliminates the need for different power outlets.
Apart from that, PoE simplifies installation and reduces clutter by combining power and data transmission in a single cable. PoE comes in various standards, such as PoE (IEEE 802.3af) and PoE+ (IEEE 802.3at), each offering different power levels to accommodate various devices.
Why Use an Ethernet Cable?
While there are certain limitations, ethernet cables offer several advantages over wireless connections. For instance, ethernet cables typically provide higher data transfer speeds compared to wireless networks.
You can enjoy a greater speed when using your computer because of the ethernet cables. Furthermore, ethernet cables offer lower latency, resulting in reduced lag and improved responsiveness.
When it comes to reliability, ethernet connections are generally more reliable and less prone to interference than wireless connections. Above all, wired connections can be more secure than wireless networks.
As a result, it can reduce the risk of unauthorized access. Some people might wonder what an ethernet cable is used for on a TV. Well, if you have a Smart TV on the internet, then you can connect the ethernet cable with it. As mentioned before, it will provide better speeds than WI-FI.
Ethernet Cable FAQs
How do I connect an Ethernet cable?
Connecting an Ethernet cable is straightforward. Look for an Ethernet port on your device, typically a square-shaped opening. Insert one end of the Ethernet cable into this port and the other end into a router or another network device with an available Ethernet port.
Which Ethernet cable should I use?
For most home networks, a Cat5e or Cat6 Ethernet cable is sufficient. These cables support Gigabit Ethernet speeds, which is more than enough for most internet activities. However, if you need higher speeds or longer cable runs, you might consider Cat6a, Cat7, or Cat8 cables.
Can I use an Ethernet cable outdoors?
Yes, you can use Ethernet cables outdoors, but you'll need a specific type designed for outdoor use. These cables have protective coatings and weatherproof materials to withstand harsh conditions.