Wich networking cable do I need?
Another word for a UTP cable is a networking cable. Do you want to use the internet with the use of a cable? Networking cables are the cables you are in need of. Netwerkkabel.eu explains the differences in networking cables based on different speeds and bandwidths.
Overview of differences networking cables
| Type cable | Speed | Bandwidths |
| Cat5e | 1 gigabit | 100 mHz |
| Cat6 | 1 gigabit | 250 mHz |
| Cat6a | 10 gigabit | 500 mHz |
| Cat7 | 10 gigabit | 1500 mHz |
| Cat8 | 40 gigabit | 2000 mHz |
| Designation | Cable shielding | Pair shielding |
| U/UTP | none | none |
| U/FTP | none | foil |
| F/UTP | foil | none |
| S/FTP | braiding | foil |
| SF/UTP | foil, braiding | none |
Up next, you can make the choice between a solid copper cable and the so-called CCA cable. CCA is the abbreviation of Copper Clad Aluminium. This means the cable's core is Aluminium. On the plain sight is is hard to notice which cables are CCA-kabel.
One of the pros of a CCA cable is however, that they are way cheaper when purchasing them, compared to a copper cable. They do have several cons, hoewever, being the following:
- The flexibility decreases in time.
- Chance of cracks is bigger.
- More resistance when used as power supply (i.e. PoE).
Internet speed
The Cat5e and Cat6 networking cables ensure a maximum Internet speed of 1 gigabit. Cat7 networking cables are much faster and have a maximum speed of up to 10 gigabit. This way you will be well prepared for the future; these cables are very suitable for higher speeds and fiber optics.
Bandwidth
The bandwidth is the maximum amount of data that is being transmitted over an internet connection in a given amount of time. Usually it is calculated in megahertz (MHz) or megabits per seconds (Mbps).
The Cat5e has a bandwidth of 100 megahertz, the Cat6 a bandwidth of 250 megahertz, the Cat6a a bandwidth of 500 megahertz and the Cat 7 has a bandwidth of at least 600 megahertz, which can reach up to 1500 megahertz. The higher the bandwidth, the more devices will have a more optimal result. We recommend a Cat7 cable for playing good quality audio.
Stranded or solid?
Very well, now that you have chosen a categorie and shielding, only one question remains: do you need a stranded or a solid cable? And what is the difference between them anyway?
Solid
Solid cables are meant for installation, and are used when you are in need of a permantent cable. For instance, when you need to install it to an outlet or patch panel. This can only be done with solid cables.
Note:
- Solid cables are not as bendable as stranded ones and can't be bent in right angles
- It is possible to put connectors on solid cables, but only when using connectors that are suitable for this
Stranded
The biggest pro of stranded cables, is their flixibility: unlike a solid cable, stranded cables can be bent in al angles and curves. However, straned cables are not suitable to install onto LSA strips, since thesecables are meant to be provied with connectors. Luckily, nowadays it is also possible to install them onto some keystones. Though you do need to pay attention when purchasing them: usually keystones are meant for solid cables only, so you need to look out for special keystones that can be installed on stranded ones as well.
So please note:
- Stranded cables can't be installed onto LSA strips (which are on outlets and patch panels)
- Stranded cables can't always be installed onto keystones; this requires special keystones whcih are suitable for straned cables
Have you made your choice? Hurry to our web shop for all our bulk cables!
