Ethernet

Ethernet is the accepted standard protocol for communications that is rooted on software applications and hardware devices designed for LAN (Local Area Network) structure. Initially, Bob Metcalfe from the DIX (Digital, Intel and Xerox) company put forward it in 1973. Later, Ethernet was on labeled as the standard model structure for LANS globally.

The concept of Ethernet was generally in view of communicating computers structure via shared coaxial cable. Coaxial cable serves as a broadcast transmission medium function. The shared cable links all computers, which provides a communication channel attached to the ether. Ether is the basis for the name Ethernet.

This general concept was employed by the initial Ethernet structure, which was later on developed to employ more efficient and dependable system. It was not long before Ethernet became the base foundation of standard LAN (Local Area Network) structures. Point -point links was employed via Ethernet hubs links or switches which are more cost efficient and effective.

Ethernet can run at different speed rate with corresponding cable category on each rate of speed.

Ethernet Cable Categories

Cat-1

Cat-1 wiring is popularly used for regular plain old telephone service (POTS) and Integrated Service digital network (ISDN). ISDN is a digital transmission standard over POTS. This category is not duly approved by the TIA (Telecommunications Industries Association).

Cat-2

Cat-2 is a wiring category widely used for 4Mbit/s token ring networks. Like Cat-1 wiring Cat-2 wiring is not also accepted by the (TIA).

Cat-3

Cat-3 Ethernet cable is commonly used on 10Mbps Ethernet networks before Cat-5 cable. This cable has the ability to support up to 16 MHz frequencies of data networks. Cat-3 Ethernet cable has been identified in TIA/EIA-568-B.

Cat-4

Cat-4 Ethernet cable is popularly used on token networks which operate at 16 Mbps and can accommodate up to 20 MHz frequencies. This category of Ethernet cable is not duly recognized by the TIA/EIA.

Cat-5

Ethernet cable category Cat-5 is generally used on 100Base-T and 1000Base-T networks. This is due to its ability to operate data transmissions at a minimum of 100 Mbps to a slightly higher Ethernet. Of course, Caledonian Cables can provide fire resistant UTP cat 5 Data cables.

Cat-5e

Cat-5e is Ethernet cable category is a duly approved by TIA/EIA-568-B. This cable is almost similar to Cat-5 the only difference is Cat-5e is twice more efficient and functional than a regular Cat-5 cable. Cat-5e can support up to 125 Mbps and is most ideal Ethernet cable category for 100Base-T and 1000Base-t (Gigabit Ethernet). Besides, Caledonian Cables Ltd manufactures flame retardant cat 5e data cables, which are with copper wire braid armoured & flame retardant mud resistant outer sheath suitable for basic voice and data installations up to 100 MHz.

Cat-6

In comparison to Cat-5 and Cat-5e ,Cat-6 Ethernet cable is designed with faster and more efficient technology. This Ethernet cable category can support up to 250 Mbps frequencies. For example, fire resistant UTP cat 5 Data cables feature more stringent specification for crosstalk and system noise.

Cat-7

In common, Cat-7 Ethernet cable is used on applications that require 600 Mbps frequencies. This cable category is consist of individual pair of wires with additional shielding on each pair plus an over all cover to shield the cable.