Ethernet Cable Assemblies

More Information about Ethernet Cable Assemblies

Ethernet cable assemblies depend crucially on their cable lengths. The reason for this is evident: if the cable is of insufficient length, it will not be able to reach the device it is meant to connect with. Conversely, if the cable is excessively long, it will produce additional signal interference, which can seriously impair effective data communication over that link.

Ethernet cables fall under a certain specification—Cat, short for category. This specification is vital as it furnishes what one needs to know about the data rate and other performance aspects of the cable. Examples of common categories include Cat5e, Cat6, and Cat7. implicitly, the name of a category alone should give you an idea of what type of data rates and transmission speeds you can possible expect for the type of cable you're working with.

FAQs

Do Ethernet patch cables come in colors such as blue, gray and green?

Yes, Ethernet patch cables come in a variety of colors, including blue, gray, and green.

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.