Ethernet Cable (Without Ends)
Ethernet cable is widely used for data transmission in industrial commercial and network environments where reliable communication is required. Cat 5, Cat 5e, and Cat 6 Ethernet cables are constructed using twisted pair conductors that reduce electromagnetic interference and crosstalk between communication lines. These cables are commonly used in control systems building networks automation equipment and office infrastructure due to their flexibility ease of installation and consistent performance.
Cat 5e Ethernet cable is the enhanced version of Cat 5 and supports network speeds up to 1 Gbps with bandwidth up to 250 MHz. Compared to standard Cat 5 cable Cat 5e is designed to reduce crosstalk and signal interference making it suitable for modern data networks. Cat 5e cables are backward compatible with Cat 5 equipment and use standard RJ45 connectors for seamless integration into existing systems.
Cat 6 Ethernet cable offers improved performance with support for network speeds up to 10 Gbps at shorter distances and operating frequencies up to 500 MHz. Internal construction features such as a nylon spline help separate twisted pairs reducing interference and improving signal quality. While Cat 6 performance decreases to 1 Gbps at longer distances it remains a common choice for higher bandwidth applications where future network capacity is required.
FAQs
Q: What is twisted pair Ethernet cable?
Twisted pair cable uses two insulated conductors twisted together to reduce electromagnetic interference and crosstalk. Ethernet cables such as Cat 5 Cat 5e and Cat 6 use multiple twisted pairs within a single cable jacket.
Q: What is the difference between Cat 5 and Cat 5e cable?
Cat 5e cable supports faster network speeds and higher bandwidth than Cat 5. Cat 5e supports up to 1 Gbps and 250 MHz while Cat 5 typically supports 10 to 100 Mbps and 100 MHz.
Q: What advantages does Cat 6 Ethernet cable offer?
Cat 6 cable supports higher frequencies and faster data rates than Cat 5e including up to 10 Gbps at shorter distances. Its internal design helps reduce crosstalk and improve signal stability.
Q: Are Cat 6 cables backward compatible with Cat 5e?
Yes. Cat 6 Ethernet cables are backward compatible with Cat 5e and Cat 5 systems and use the same RJ45 connectors.
Q: Is Ethernet cable available by the foot or only in bulk rolls?
Ethernet cable is available both by the foot for custom installations and in bulk rolls for larger projects and production environments.
Industrial Wire Types: Part 2
Twisted Pair Wire
Twisted pair wire is most commonly seen in scenarios where data is being transfer to and from certain locations. It uses two separate conductors, twisted together, for a single circuit. The two conductors are twisted together to reduce electromagnetic interference or “cross talk” between the two wires. It is common to use twisted pairs in place of a coax cable for data transfer. Coax can be fairly expensive and can be more difficult to run whereas twisted wire is not as thick or rigid and can easily be maneuvered in tough to reach locations. Twisted wire will always come in pairs, but there are no limits to how many pairs can be included in a single cable. For instance, CAT5 or CAT6 cable, which is commonly used in home and office networks, uses twisted pair wire. This type of cable has four different pairs of communication lines.
Shielded Wire
Shielded wire is different from regular wire insulation in that it is made of a conductive material. This conductive material includes, braided strands of copper (or other types of metal), non-braided aluminum and copper tape. The purpose of this shielding is to protect the signal passing through the wire from any outside interference. Unlike twisted cable, which is trying to eliminate interference among wire being used in the same circuit, shielded wire needs protection from outside interference and from other electrical circuits in the area.
Tray Cable
Tray Cable is a factory assembly of two or more insulated conductors, with or without associated bare or covered grounding conductors under a nonmetallic sheath, for installation in cable trays, in raceways, or where supported by a messenger wire. It is common to see tray cable that has many different conductors that can be used for control wiring, instrumentation and signal wiring as well as many other applications. Tray cable is often rated for use in direct sunlight applications, as well as direct burial applications. Because of the potential weight of tray cable when suspended, it will need to be supported properly to avoid hazardous environments.
Why Buy Ethernet Cable from RSP Supply
RSP Supply offers a wide selection of Ethernet cable including Cat 5 Cat 5e and Cat 6 options available by the foot or in bulk quantities. These cables are suitable for industrial networking control systems automation equipment and commercial installations. Customers rely on RSP Supply for dependable sourcing accurate product selection and consistent quality across industrial wire and cable solutions.