Last Updated on August 18, 2022 by Tech Queries Team
In this article, we will talk about various Types of Ethernet Cables that are used in LAN networks. We will also explain how to identify the Cable Type, what is the Ethernet Cable Color Order, and Which Type of Cable is the Best.
Since the late 80s, Ethernet Cables were used to connect devices to the internet. Even today, we all use Ethernet Cables (LAN Cables) to connect our Computers to the Modem. However, the Ethernet Cables are improved from time to time to enhance their speed and stability. So, there are several Types of Ethernet Cables available in the market.
Check out What is LAN Vs MAN Vs WAN Vs CAN Vs SAN Vs PAN
Table of Contents
What is an Ethernet Cable?
In simple words, Ethernet Cable is used to connect our devices to the Internet in a Local Area Network.
Looking at the popularity that WiFi has gained in recent years, I doubt that young internet users know anything about the Ethernet Cable.
WiFi (Wireless Technology) is more convenient to use and easy to set up. Therefore, some people have completely stopped using Ethernet Cable (Wired Technology).
However, you must know that the Ethernet Cable has several advantages over WiFi, such as Speed, Stability, and Security. We have compared Ethernet Vs WiFi in our previous article.
What Does an Ethernet Cable Look Like?
Here is an Image that shows How Ethernet Cable Looks. You might find it connected to your desktop PC.
Ethernet Cable Explained:
The Ethernet Cable has a total of 8 colored Wires, that are twisted together to form 4 Pairs. Each pair has one plain colored wire and a stripped color wire of the same color.
The solid-colored wire has Negative Polarity, and the Stripped colored wire has Positive Polarity. So, there are only 4 colors used in a LAN Cable that are Blue, Green, Brown, and Orange.
The first version required only 2 Pairs (4 Wires), but the later ones use 4 Pairs (8 Wires) for increased Bandwidth.
The wires are then connected to an RJ-45 8-Pin Connectors on the ends. The RJ-45 Connectors help you plug the cable into the Computers, Routers, and other devices.
Note: The Wires shall be placed using the Standard Ethernet Cable Color Order. There are 8 Wires in a cable. So, in which order should we place them?
Ethernet Cable Color Order in RJ-45 Pin (Ethernet Wire Order):
There are two standard ways of placing the Wires into the RJ-45 Pin.
In 568A Standard, we place the wires in this order:
Starting from Left – Stripped Green, Solid Green, Stripped Orange, Solid Blue, Stripped Blue, Solid Orange, Stripped Brown, Solid Brown.
In 568B Standard, we place the wires in this order:
Starting from Left – Stripped Orange, Solid Orange, Stripped Green, Solid Blue, Stripped Blue, Solid Green, Stripped Brown, Solid Brown.
Note: The Ethernet Cable Color Order should be the same on both sides.
You can use any of the methods, but make sure you connect both ends using the same method. You cannot use 568A on one end and 568B on another. If you use the 568A Method on one end then use the same 568A method on the other end as well.
Similarly, if you have connected the wires using the 568B method on one end, then use the same 568B method on the other end as well.
Types of Ethernet Cables:
Usually, when we go to buy an Ethernet Cable, the shopkeeper hands us whichever Type of Ethernet Cable is available. But, do you know? There are several types (Category) of Ethernet cable, like Cat5, Cat5e, Cat6, etc.
Here, the Cat stands for Category. And, the numbers represent different standards.
They almost look the same, and the newer versions are backward compatible. So, what’s the main difference? The difference is in the performance. Let’s talk about it in detail.
Cat5 Ethernet Cable:
Cat5 is the oldest version. It has a transfer rate of only 100 Mbps at 100 meters in length.
Check out the difference between Mbps and MBPS.
These are not used anymore, and you may not even find them in any store. So, if you still got a Cat5 version cable, you need to replace it with Cat5e or later versions.
Here, the Transfer Rate defines the Speed of the Internet. The 100 meters is the length of the cable for which you will get the specified speed. This means, that if the length exceeds 100 meters, the Transfer rate (speed) will reduce.
Cat5e Ethernet Cable:
Next comes the Cat5e version. Here, e stands for Enhanced as Cat5e is an enhanced version of Cat5 cable. It is able to transfer upto a speed of 1000 Mbps (1 Gbps) at 100 meters.
Cat6 Ethernet Cable:
Next comes Cat6 Ethernet Cable. It has a transfer rate of 10 Gbps at 55 meters with a Bandwidth of 250 MHz. You will find a plastic core in the middle of the cable that keeps the 4 pairs separated.
Cat6a Ethernet Cable:
The Cat6a is similar to the Cat6 cable. It transfers at the same rate of 10 Gbps but at a distance of 100 meters. And, it also has an increased bandwidth of 500 MHz.
Cat7 Ethernet Cable:
Here is the latest Type of Ethernet Cable. Even though the transfer rate is the same as Cat6a (10 Gbps), it has 600 MHz of Bandwidth. It has the most future-proof design that separates all the Pairs of wires in the cable. The Pairs are covered with a metallic film and all the wires are again wrapped in another metallic firm, separating them from each other as well as the outer layer.
Cat8 Ethernet Cable:
While you are reading this article, the Cat8 Ethernet Cable would be out in the market with a transfer rate of 40 Gbps with 2 GHz of Bandwidth. The paired wires will have more twists and will be shielded with foil wrappings. Also, the four pairs will be further shielded with another foil wrapping just like Cat7 Cables.
Types of Ethernet Cables in a Tabular Form:
| Categories | Transfer Rate | Distance/Length | Bandwidth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cat5 | 100 Mbps | 100 mts | 100 MHz |
| Cat5e | 1000 Mbps (1 Gbps) | 100 mts | 100 MHz |
| Cat6 | 10 Gbps | 55 mts | 250 MHz |
| Cat6a | 10 Gbps | 100 mts | 500 MHz |
| Cat7 | 10 Gbps | 100 mts | 600 MHz |
| Cat8 | 40 Gbps | 100 mts | 2 GHz (2000 MHz) |
| Upcoming | |||
| Upcoming |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Why are the Wires Twisted?
The Twisted Pair Wiring Technique was invented by Alexander Graham Bell in the year 1881.
When the wires are straight, they generate magnetic fields that interfere with other wires’ signals.
So, by twisting the wires, we can reduce the magnetic fields. The Best LAN cable is the one that has the more twists. Because more twists = better performance.
How to Identify the Type of Cable?
As there are several Types of Ethernet Cables, how do we identify them?
You will find a tag along the cable that mentions the category of cable it is. Or, it might be printed on the Cable.
If not, you can identify the cable by looking at its physical properties.
Cat5 cable has 8 single wires, which are later paired to the clip. In Cat5e cables, you can see 4 twisted pairs of wires. The Cat5 and Cat5e cables will be thinner compared to the later versions.
Cat6 and Cat6a cables are thicker as they contain a Plastic core in the middle of the cable that separates all the pairs of wires.
Finally, Cat7 and Cat8 can be identified by looking at their cable thickness and rigidness. It has a metallic film around each pair of wires and a coating separating all the wires from the upper layer of plastic.
How Long Can an Ethernet Cable be?
The Transfer Rate of the Cable also depends on the length of the Cable. There is no limit to how long an Ethernet Cable can be. However, the Speed and Bandwidth start decreasing as the length exceeds 100 meters. Hence, it is used in Local Area Networks.
For Wide Area Networks and other Types of Networks, special types of Cables/Wires are used.
Read more on Types of Networks.
How to Connect Ethernet Cable?
The Ethernet Cable is connected to RJ-45 Pins on both sides. You will find RJ-45 Ports on Desktops, Laptops, Modems and Routers.
What is the Best Ethernet Cable for Gaming?
It is obvious that the latest version will always be better than the older versions. However, the latest version Cables (Cat7 & Cat8) are very expensive. So, for Gamers, the Cat6 cable is well suited as it provides the Speed and Stability required by the users.
Conclusion: Which is the Best Type of Ethernet Cable?
For Home Use, you can use any type of Ethernet Cable besides Cat5. Because among all the Types of Ethernet Cables, Cat5 is outdated.
If the distance/cable length is less, you won’t see much difference in the speed. So, Cat5e or Cat6 is suitable for Home Users and Gamers.
However, for commercial use, you might need the later versions depending on the usage and distance.