Trim Cables to Size With an Ethernet Cable Kit
An Ethernet cable kit is great for those who fancy networks and cables because it contains everything to get your network up and running. This network tool kit comes in several varieties, such as an RJ45 network kit or a Cat6 cable kit. Having this handy tool makes it possible to trim, crimp, and strip Ethernet cables.
What are the categories of Ethernet cables?A few common categories of Ethernet cables are:
- Cat5- This is the successor to the earlier Category 3. Like Cat3, Cat5 is a UTP cable, but it's able to carry data at a higher transfer rate of either 10 Mbps or 100 Mbps speed, the latter known as Fast Ethernet.
- Cat5e- This is an upgraded version of Cat5 cables, which are optimized to diminish unwanted transmission of signals between channels. This works for 10/100 Mbps and Gigabit Ethernet.
- Cat6- Compared to its Cat5e predecessor, Cat6 offers better transmission performance and handles Gigabit Ethernet with a greater bandwidth of up to 250 MHz. Aside from this, they also have better insulation and thinner wires.
- Cat6a- Also called augmented Cat6 cable, this is an upgraded version of Cat6 cables since it can now have 10,000 Mbps data transmission rates and also double the maximum bandwidth up to 500 MHz. Cat6a cables are available in STP form and must have specialized connectors that ground the cable.
- Cat7- Sometimes called a Class F cable, Cat7 is a fully shielded cable that supports speeds of up to 10 Gbps and bandwidths of up to 600 MHz. Cat7 cables consist of a screened, shielded twisted pair (SSTP) of wires.
There are important considerations when choosing the right Ethernet cable to use. Both data transmission rate and bandwidth decrease with the increase of cable length, so the shorter the length, the better. Another important distinction in Ethernet cables is if they contain either solid or stranded conductors. Solid conductor cables are better for fixed wires within the walls or structure of a building. Stranded conductors are better suited to be crimped into an RJ45 connector.
What cable types can be made with Ethernet cable kits?- Straight through- Also called a patch cable, this is a type of twisted pair cable is used in LAN to connect a computer to a hub. Straight through cables use one wiring standard: both ends use T568A or T568B. In both standards, the wired pins should match.
- Crossover cable- A type of Ethernet cable used to connect computing devices together directly. This cable uses two different wiring standards: one end uses T568A, and the other uses T568B. The internal wiring of cables reverses the transmit and receive signals.