Các bài viết liên quan:
Choosing a network cable (Ethernet) is for most cases relatively simple. However, there are a few things to keep in mind if you want to get the most out of your internet and LAN connection.
Different types of network cables
Wired networks are generally very easy to use. Usually, you just plug the cable into the Ethernet port or adapter on your computer. But buying a network cable seems much more complicated, it has many different standards, speeds and specifications that you need to take care of.
Network cables are divided into many different types, with the basic standard being Cat-5. Just like different Wi-Fi standards, different network cables have different speeds. Current network cabling standards include:
- Cat-5 with up to 100Mbps, usually unprotected.
- Cat-5e with up to 1Gbps, both protected and unprotected.
- Cat-6 with up to 10Gbps running under 55 meters, both protected and unprotected.
- Cat-6a with up to 10Gbps, protected.
- Cat-7 uses a proprietary GG45 connector instead of the standard RJ-45 connector found on other cables for shielded, 10Gbps speeds.
- Cat-8 with up to 25Gbps (Cat-8.1) or 40Gbps (Cat-8.2) at 30 meters, protected.
Normally, network cables are sketchy, such as running about 100 meters and using a standard RJ-45 Ethernet connector. Each generation of cable is designed to be compatible with previous generations, so you can use Cat-6a cables with router only 1Gbps speed is supported.
Network connection and usage
Let’s say you’re looking to set up a simple wired network in your office, a room where you already have a router and a computer. You do it because you want the fastest and most efficient network. You don’t use a network drive or copy large files over the network between other machines.
The first thing you need to check is the speed of your internet connection, as well as the router and the speed it supports. If your router is limited to a maximum of 1Gbps, then you should choose a Cat-6 or higher cable because Cat-5e matches the router’s maximum speed.
But if you use a router that supports 10Gbps networks and you have Internet connection speeds in excess of 1Gbps, then you should also buy Cat-6 or higher to get the most out of your hardware and connectivity. You can see more high-speed network packages from your ISP and see the maximum bandwidth on the back of the router.
In another situation, you might wire your entire home network to connect multiple computers and devices. You want to play video over the network, access large project files from a central network drive, or other network-intensive tasks. In addition to investing in a powerful router that can handle 10Gbps (or better) networks, Cat-6a or even Cat-8 cabling should also be considered.
If you want to save money and time, then you should invest in a quality network cable from the beginning so that later on, you just need to upgrade the router.
Shielded or unprotected cable?
You may not have the option of shielded and unshielded cable, depending on the standard you use. Most Cat-5e cables come in both shielded and unshielded, with the benefits and drawbacks of each.
Shielded cable is commonly referred to as Shielded Twisted Pair (STP). These cables are designed for environments with a lot of electromagnetic interference, such as power lines, wireless networks, or more common radio environments like universities or television studios.
Because the cables are tightly coupled, these cables are stiffer, thicker and require grounding. It is also more expensive due to additional materials and processes.
Unshielded cable, or Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP) cable, is more suitable for environments with less cross-communication or interference. Covers most homes and small businesses. These cables are more flexible and easier to work with, smaller and cheaper to buy and manufacture.
The type of cable you buy can also make a difference. Higher end cables operating at faster speeds and higher frequencies (Cat-5e operates at 100MHz, while Cat-6a runs at 500MHz) are more susceptible to interference. This is one of the reasons that faster cables are more expensive.
Copper purity and signal loss
Ethernet cables transmit network signals made of copper, a highly conductive and popular material used for telecommunications since the very first telephone lines. The quality of the copper used is often indicative of signal quality, and this is reflected in the price.
Cheaper cables may just use copper-clad aluminum, which may lose signal more often because aluminum expands and contracts as it heats and cools. Pure copper is more stable, more durable and more conductive, but it also has some problems.
Oxygen-free copper wire is made from more than 99.95% pure copper, which has fewer impurities like oxygen and iron than standard pure copper wire which can be “just” 99.5% pure.
Gold plated and RJ-45
Gold is commonly used in connectors for all types of connections, from 3.5mm audio jacks to HDMI cables. There is one obvious advantage that gold has over other metals: its low oxidation rate. While silver may conduct electricity better, gold will oxidize at a slower rate, which means longer life. This is why most RJ-45 connectors will use gold plating.
One thing to keep in mind is the thickness of gold used on the connector, especially if you frequently remove and reconnect the cable. Higher quality cables will use thicker gold plating, which will wear out at a slower rate.
This coating is measured in micrometers, with 50 micrometers being the optimal thickness. It’s best to look for this on the box or in the product description to make sure your cable is of high quality.
Consider punching your own network cable
If you are the do-it-yourself type, you might consider making your own network cables. There are tools and parts available to ensure that you can fix broken connectors, cut frayed ends, and create the exact cables in the time you want. This will cost you more than standard cable at first, but will likely get cheaper over time.
In summary, you should choose a cat6 network cable for the household. I’m using Ugreen’s Cat-6 network cable and it’s fine. You can refer to the Ugreen Cat-6 . network cable product here.
