You must have heard the name of ethernet cables. They are found everywhere nowadays.
And are extremely important in establishing internet connections. You might be well aware of their fame, but do you know what ethernet cables are?
To clarify this term for you, here is a guide. Let us explore ethernet cables through different aspects.
Ethernet is one of the latest technologies for connecting different devices. It is commonly used in local area networks (LAN) to connect all the computers or devices present in that area. It helps these devices to share data, files, and information seamlessly.
In this era of crowded networks, what is better than an efficient file sharing system! These cables are built specifically.
And they can be connected to only those devices which have special ports. The special ports that support ethernet cables are called ethernet ports.
Nowadays, because of the wide usage of ethernet cables, ethernet ports are installed in numerous devices, such as TVs, computers, routers.
Though some will criticize that the use of wire cables in today’s digital era would be a little outdated, it can work brilliantly for devices that aren’t moved much.
Moreover, when talking about the efficiency, speed, and reliability of the connection, there can be no better option than ethernet cables.
What is the Configuration of Ethernet Cables?
Now that you are acquainted with the basic introduction of ethernet cables, you might want to know what ethernet cables look like! To create a picture of ethernet cables in your mind, you can assume that they look much similar to phone cables.
The only difference between phone cables and ethernet cables is that the latter has double the number of wires compared to the former.
Also, the connector of the ethernet cable is a bit sizeable than the connector of the phone cable.
There is a small modular plug at the end of the cable. It helps adjust the ethernet cable in the ethernet port. The small lever on the top ensures that the cable is perfectly fitted in the port.
Sometimes, the port might come with an LED light. When the cable is connected successfully with the port, the LED lights up.
As far as the length of the ethernet cable is concerned, you don’t have to worry about it. Ethernet cables come in different sizes.
You can get any size according to your requirements or preferences by cutting a longer ethernet cable.
Ethernet cables have different colors. The varied colors are not for decorative purposes but to differentiate one type of ethernet cable from the other.
When different ethernet cables are used in a network, and some error occurs, it becomes difficult to find a specific cable if all are of the same color.
It is why internet service providers use ethernet cables of numerous colors, each specific for a particular connection. It makes the maintenance process effortless for you.
What is the Purpose of an Ethernet Cable?
The prime purpose of ethernet cables is to provide an internet connection to different devices present on the local area network (LAN).
The most common channel used for internet connection is WiFI. So, you might be wondering what ethernet cables are good for?
Ethernet cables are the connection source between your WiFi router and the internet service provider. Yes, this is how your WiFi works, and you are dependent on ethernet cables for the internet connection.
Besides, you can use ethernet cables to connect different devices, such as TV, computers, etc., directly to the internet.
What is the Structure of Ethernet Cables?
Ethernet cables are widely used for numerous purposes. And it is why they come with different structures. The most common and widely used structure of ethernet cable is twisted pair ethernet cable.
As the name suggests, this structure includes a pair of cables, which are twisted together. This structure is used in local area network connections as well as industries.
Its functionality and efficiency is the reason behind its wide applications. When it comes to their market competence, no cables other than fiber o[ptics can beat them.
Why is the Twisted Pair Structure so Famous?
There is a reason behind the fame and functionality of this specific structure of ethernet cables. It is their configuration.
When two wires are twisted together, both of them carry data in opposite directions. As the data travels parallel opposite, it results in a balanced magnetic field.
Types of Twisted Ethernet Cables?
Furthermore, ethernet cables having twisted pair structure are available in two different forms, given as,
- Shielded twisted pair structure
- Unshielded twisted pair structure
Both these types have their own characteristics. As the name suggests, one of them has foil shielding around it, and the other doesn’t. As far as the price is concerned, unshielded twisted ethernet cables are cheaper than shielded twisted ethernet cables.
However, the differentiation doesn’t end here. The signal quality of both these types also varies. If the foil shield is absent, the electrical noise will increase.
And consequently, it will affect the quality of the signal traveling inside the wire. On the other hand, if the shield is present, the electrical noise will be decreased, and signal quality will be enhanced.
What are the Types of Ethernet Cables?
We can classify ethernet cables on different criteria. As they have a lot of applications, they should be in accordance with the requirements of the user. So, ethernet cables come in different types.
On the Basis of Device
Ethernet cables must be compatible with the device. Otherwise, they won’t be functional. If we classify ethernet cables on the basis of the device to which it is connected, there are two types of ethernet cables.
- Straight through ethernet cables
- Crossover Ethernet cables
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