A common network patch cable consists of eight wires with four twisted pairs. In the each side, the cable features RJ45 connectors, for instance the Enhanced Category5 (CAT5e) patch cable. It’s accustomed to develop connection with or between network devices and applications. This particular Ethernet cable is mainly used for connecting computers with devices such as routers, hubs or switches.
However, so far as the utility of a CAT5e patch cable is concerned, it is chiefly used in Ethernet connection where one should join a host of the computing devices for enhanced connectivity. In fact, this cable supports connection on some sophisticated telecommunication platforms for example ATM. High-speed data transmission is its USP also it meets the cabling requirements of most from the Ethernet environments.
One of the key reasons for the usability of this enhanced version of the CAT5 cable is it has a fair run length 100 meter that is enough for cabling in a small and medium-size Ethernet environment. Though within the recent years, CAT6 and CAT6e patch cable has been designed to offer run period of 550 meters and 1000 meters respectively, these products aren’t compatible with most of the network devices a sophisticated network uses. These are vendor-specific and also you need install just those hardware and software products which are fine with them. This unsuitability of latest category cables has occasioned such wide utilization of CAT5e patch cable which is universally accepted.
Moreover, CAT5e patch cables are available in both unshielded twisted pair (UTP) and shielded twisted pair (STP) configurations. Though it holds true the UTP patch cables are comparatively more frequent, certain specific network applications demand the STP because the later is greatly useful in preventing transmission disturbances brought on by Electro-Magnetic Interference (EMI).
Network patch cables can be found in the stranded and solid variety too. Within the former, the primary cable consists of a cluster of thin cables in a metallic jacket, while the eight wires inside the cover are solid copper wires within the later. However, both in of these categories, the wires are coupled to create four pairs. Despite the fact that each of them offer seamless link with Internet, the stranded cable includes a greater degree of usability because of its interference and noise-canceling capability. The stranded variety is preferred to the solid category also since it involves lesser amount of risk in the process of unplugging.
Crossover cable also operates as Ethernet patch cable and may connect two PCs together. While such an array of network patch cables is available in the marketplace, you have to consult a network engineer to know which will suit your Ethernet network the most.
However, apart from the common four-pair patch cable, engineers may also opt for a fiber optic patch cable. Though the utility of CAT5e network cable has never been questioned, fiber patch cables are extensively used too. This variety of patch cable is made of fiber optic material and also the connectors at the two different ends are also available in the fiber optic.