For smartphones, laptops, and tablets we prefer WiFi as the go-to option for connecting with local networks. Wired ethernet cables like cat5e ethernet cable still are the fastest and stable way to connect to the internet.

A wide array of cables, adapters, and various keystone jacks like cat6 keystone jack and many more makes for faster connection options.

We all know the number of ethernet cables we use in our everyday lives and its advantages. So, to understand them better, let's dive deep into the ethernet cables.

Brief History of Ethernet Cables:

"Ethernet" means a collection of technologies that are useful to connect computers and other devices together. It forms a connective branch of local area networks (LAN) and wide area networks (WAN).

The early standard of ethernet networking originated in the early 1970s, drawing inspiration from early networking tests. It went through a continuous iteration throughout the 70s and then went on to become commercially available and standardized in the early 1980s.

During coaxial cables, the dominant form of connective technology has a bit rate of 10 megabits per second across local networks. In the decades that followed, the cables got higher bit rates and bandwidth as well. A slow transition made with twisted pair and fiber optic hardware, along with a new technology switch. It enables speeds up to 400 gigabits per second.

There are thousands of networking technologies that have come up over the years. Today ethernet networks are the strongest wired network connection in the world and provide better stability and speed by connecting billions of devices, homes, data centers, and many such things.

Going further, let's understand importance of ethernet cables in our homes:

It is widely useful in a variety of industries but best known for its use in general public cables which connect home networks to the wider internet. Cables with RJ45 header or cat6 keystone jack connect desktops and laptops to local routers.

There are various types of cables such as cat 5, cat 5e, cat 6, cat7, and many more. These different types have different importance and play different roles based on their capabilities.

Categories older than Cat 5 provide low speed and fewer features. Whereas, modern ones provide better features and high bandwidth.

Which one to pick, Cat 5e or Cat 6?

The two most famous ethernet cables in current time are Cat5e ethernet cable and Cat 6 twisted pair cable. Picking the right cable is difficult as there are many variations with different features.

So, here we will be discussing some of the specifications of both cables and help you choose the right one. Let's first understand the acronyms i.e. TP stands for Twisted Pair, S and U stands for Shielded and Unshielded, F stands for Foiled.

So, when you see a word UTP, then it stands for unshielded twisted pair, FTP means foiled twisted pair, SFTP is a shielded and foiled twisted pair.

I know understanding tech stuff is very difficult and sometimes investing in them is costly too. But, data integrity is important, and investing wisely can help you get the most of your buck:

2. Cat 5e:

    

4. It's an old but enhanced version of Cat5 specification and overcomes the limitations of Cat5. It provides improved bandwidth capabilities and reduced crosstalk.

   It expands the maximum network speed to 1000 Mbps or one gigabit per second. It has a wire gauge of 24-36 meter and the cable 100 meters long.

6. Cat6:

    

8. Cat6 has overcome the limitations of Cat5e. It uses long cables for better performance and decreases crosstalk. It supports frequencies up to two and half times of Cat5e cables.

    

10. They can deliver up to 10,000 Mbps or 10 gigabits per second over lengths of cable up to 55 meters. It maximizes length of 100 meters with the longest cable length of Cat6 cables.

     

12. Apart from speed, Cat6 cables give less crosstalk and system noise mitigation. To provide these features, manufacturers use spline, a longitudinal separator within the cable to isolate individual wires within ethernet cabling.

     

14. Cat6 wires twist tighter and provide extra protection from external noise sources. This provides an extra benefit by preventing a Cat6 cable from stretching.

Further, there is a variant available of Cat6 like Cat 6a which is an enhanced version of Cat6 in terms of speed and cross talk.

Remember, even if Cat 6 is a new standard and provides improved features over Cat5e, it is backward compatible. It means they are available with the same endpoint connectors.

Thus, you will not run into problems while buying a Cat6 cable. If your network previously uses Cat5e or Cat5 cables and you are thinking to upgrade them then you can do so easily.

Final Words:

Cables or wires are very difficult to understand initially. But, once you know, you can handle them with ease. Today not a single infrastructure can exist without ethernet cables; be it internet or intranet. Hence, it's very important to understand the various types, differences, and uses of each.

Source: https://www.sooperarticles.com/communications-articles/broadband-internet-articles/what-ethernet-cables-1782920.html

• Shielded Jacks
• Flush Mount Jacks
• Mini Jacks
• 8P8C modular jacks for computer networking
• 6P6C RJ11 modular jacks
• Optical fiber connectors
• Banana connectors
• F connector for TV antenna, satellite, or cable
• HDMI Jacks

They are female connectors used in data communication, usually for LAN wiring. Generally, the jack is set up in a patch panel or wall plate. There is a matching male connector which is a keystone plug, attached to the end of a cord or cable.

The name ‘keystone’ itself comes from the features of the jack. It resembles the standard RJ-11 wall jack that connects telephone sets, dial-up, fax machines to conventional telephone lines.

Where Are They Used?

The keystone jack is an important accessory for any high-end entertainment system, high-tech computer unit or any data-heavy communication unit in a busy office. Keystone jack and plug come in a snap-in package in various designs that you can use to mount any type of cable or cord. This setting will also include conductors attached to the electrical devices.

If you are looking to buy keystone jacks for any use, it is important to know the correct type for your use.

Here are the major types you can refer to:

• Shielded Jacks
• Flush Mount Jacks
• Mini Jacks
• 8P8C modular jacks for computer networking
• 6P6C RJ11 modular jacks
• Optical fiber connectors
• Banana connectors
• F connector for TV antenna, satellite, or cable
• HDMI Jacks

Additional Information Required

These small-sized keystone jacks are integral parts of any home system. These are available in various designs and every variation is suitable for different applications. Hence, choosing the right jack can benefit you with versatility. Knowing about specific types of keystone jacks with applications will help you make an informed decision.

So, to further help you, we’ve listed out the most frequently used keystone jacks and their usage.

RJ-11 And RJ-12

When you want to extend your phone, modem, phone connection to any room, there are the ideal connectors to look for. They are available in “toolless” varieties which means you can install the wires without using a screwdriver or any soldering device.

If you are new to this, there is a plastic clamp hinge at the back of the unit which you can pull up. This is where you insert wires and then pull it down to secure the wires firmly into the sockets. They display various telecom colors. Two lines, one long and one short indicate the color of the wire which goes in a specific slot. The long patch of color indicates the primary color, while the shorter one indicates the stripe color present on a wire. Hence, it is important to make sure that you buy one that provides secure locking and shows the colors on the slots.

Cat5e Keystone Jacks

They are suitable in Cat5e cabling scenarios for both commercial and domestics settings. Its construction style is popular because you will not have to replace blades when you switch from keystone jacks to patch panels. Additionally, termination contacts made of the phosphor bronze of some high-quality Cat5e keystone jacks add plenty of robustness to the unit and allow it to withstand punch-downs without falling apart.

When looking for buying Cat5e keystone jack, you need to ensure that it meets the relevant standards - TIA/EIA 568-B code. When you commit to buying the accepted standard, it ensures that your unit is durable, long-lasting and provides superior performance. You also need to ensure that the jack you buy has both wiring color codes labeled properly.

Cat6 Keystone Jacks

One of the most sophisticated and known for outstanding performance in both domestic and business settings is Cat6 Keystone jack. And the most important part, you can buy these jacks without making a hole in your pocket. You can use them for home entertainment systems and complex data communication systems in offices.

Some of the high-grade varieties of this keystone jack contain phosphor bronze contacts with strain relief caps. These contacts spread the physical pressure which enables the jack to absorb punch-downs without breaking. Moreover, the contacts securely locks the cords and cables connected to the keystone making sure that there is no disruption in signal transmission.

This termination contacts, in some models of Cat6 keystone jacks, may also be gold plated to provide an additional degree of sturdiness and increased conductivity. You can use these jacks with unloaded keystone wall plates and patch panels, angled multimedia wall plates, surface boxes and more.

These jacks are available in a variety of colors to suit any particular housing requirement. When you consider buying such jacks, it is important to ensure that the ports on the unit contain color codes to guide you when inserting wires. Also, ensure that there is a secure locking mechanism for the wires.

An Overall Digest

While buying such keystone jacks or any other type, it is important that it has a compact company casing that fits into a standard-sized face plate, panel, or outlet box without any efforts from your end. Apart from it, it is also important to make sure that the device fulfills all the required standards. They are not expensive but checking for these parameters will give you an assurance that you don’t have to be satisfied with the less-than-optimal performance or other issues. It will benefit your business in more than many ways.

SF Cable offers all kinds of jacks under the sun, in varying lengths. You can browse them here.

There is a wide variety of keystone jacks available in the market. And this is the guide that will help you make an informed decision. Everything you need to know about types of keystone jacks.

Originally posted https://www.sfcable.com/blog/how-choose-correct-keystone-jack/

They are female connectors used in data communication, usually for LAN wiring. Generally, the jack is set up in a patch panel or wall plate. There is a matching male connector which is a keystone plug, attached to the end of a cord or cable.

The name ‘keystone’ itself comes from the features of the jack. It resembles the standard RJ-11 wall jack that connects telephone sets, dial-up, fax machines to conventional telephone lines.

Where Are They Used?

The keystone jack is an important accessory for any high-end entertainment system, high-tech computer unit or any data-heavy communication unit in a busy office. Keystone jack and plug come in a snap-in package in various designs that you can use to mount any type of cable or cord. This setting will also include conductors attached to the electrical devices.

If you are looking to buy keystone jacks for any use, it is important to know the correct type for your use.

Here are the major types you can refer to:

• Shielded Jacks
• Flush Mount Jacks
• Mini Jacks
• 8P8C modular jacks for computer networking
• 6P6C RJ11 modular jacks
• Optical fiber connectors
• Banana connectors
• F connector for TV antenna, satellite, or cable
• HDMI Jacks

Additional Information Required

These small-sized keystone jacks are integral parts of any home system. These are available in various designs and every variation is suitable for different applications. Hence, choosing the right jack can benefit you with versatility. Knowing about specific types of keystone jacks with applications will help you make an informed decision.

So, to further help you, we’ve listed out the most frequently used keystone jacks and their usage.

RJ-11 And RJ-12

When you want to extend your phone, modem, phone connection to any room, there are the ideal connectors to look for. They are available in “toolless” varieties which means you can install the wires without using a screwdriver or any soldering device.

If you are new to this, there is a plastic clamp hinge at the back of the unit which you can pull up. This is where you insert wires and then pull it down to secure the wires firmly into the sockets. They display various telecom colors. Two lines, one long and one short indicate the color of the wire which goes in a specific slot. The long patch of color indicates the primary color, while the shorter one indicates the stripe color present on a wire. Hence, it is important to make sure that you buy one that provides secure locking and shows the colors on the slots.

Cat5e Keystone Jacks

They are suitable in Cat5e cabling scenarios for both commercial and domestics settings. Its construction style is popular because you will not have to replace blades when you switch from keystone jacks to patch panels. Additionally, termination contacts made of the phosphor bronze of some high-quality Cat5e keystone jacks add plenty of robustness to the unit and allow it to withstand punch-downs without falling apart.

When looking for buying Cat5e keystone jack, you need to ensure that it meets the relevant standards - TIA/EIA 568-B code. When you commit to buying the accepted standard, it ensures that your unit is durable, long-lasting and provides superior performance. You also need to ensure that the jack you buy has both wiring color codes labeled properly.

Cat6 Keystone Jacks

One of the most sophisticated and known for outstanding performance in both domestic and business settings is Cat6 Keystone jack. And the most important part, you can buy these jacks without making a hole in your pocket. You can use them for home entertainment systems and complex data communication systems in offices.

Some of the high-grade varieties of this keystone jack contain phosphor bronze contacts with strain relief caps. These contacts spread the physical pressure which enables the jack to absorb punch-downs without breaking. Moreover, the contacts securely locks the cords and cables connected to the keystone making sure that there is no disruption in signal transmission.

This termination contacts, in some models of Cat6 keystone jacks, may also be gold plated to provide an additional degree of sturdiness and increased conductivity. You can use these jacks with unloaded keystone wall plates and patch panels, angled multimedia wall plates, surface boxes and more.

These jacks are available in a variety of colors to suit any particular housing requirement. When you consider buying such jacks, it is important to ensure that the ports on the unit contain color codes to guide you when inserting wires. Also, ensure that there is a secure locking mechanism for the wires.

An Overall Digest

While buying such keystone jacks or any other type, it is important that it has a compact company casing that fits into a standard-sized face plate, panel, or outlet box without any efforts from your end. Apart from it, it is also important to make sure that the device fulfills all the required standards. They are not expensive but checking for these parameters will give you an assurance that you don’t have to be satisfied with the less-than-optimal performance or other issues. It will benefit your business in more than many ways.

SF Cable offers all kinds of jacks under the sun, in varying lengths. You can browse them here.

There is a wide variety of keystone jacks available in the market. And this is the guide that will help you make an informed decision. Everything you need to know about types of keystone jacks.

Originally posted https://www.sfcable.com/blog/how-choose-correct-keystone-jack/

Why would anyone talk about Ethernet cables in 2019? It sounds primitive. But they are widely used and are always improving. Cat6 Ethernet cables are the current standard everywhere. All the evolving Ethernet cables are backwards compatible, so you don’t have to worry about it not working with your device. Cat6 is a great mid-level cable, compared to Cat5 and Cat7. Most households can use Cat5 depending on the requirements. If you are looking to install in-house wiring, a little extra future proofing always helps. Let us take a deeper look into why the Cat6 Ethernet cable is here to stay and all the ways that you can use one.

When the Wi-Fi is Dead

Yes, your Wi-Fi doesn’t always work. The Wi-Fi signal struggles to pass through concrete walls and glass doors. You might have noticed that your house has dead zones, or some areas get a weak signal. That is not at all fun when you are streaming a thriller movie and stream has to buffer mid-scream. You could simply plug in an Ethernet cable right into your TV (yes a lot of them have Ethernet ports) and never have to wait to be terrified!

To Create a Mesh Wi-Fi Network

These dead zones that we talked about, are easy to take care of by a slightly new trick called mesh network. You get Wi-Fi via a device called a router, which has Ethernet ports. An Ethernet cable connects it to the modem. Nowadays, you can get a single device, which works as a modem and a router as well. The mesh network is a network of small router nodes all over your house. You can get plenty of mesh network router and nodes bundles in the market. Simply connect the main device to your router with a Cat6 Ethernet cable, and then the companion mobile app will guide you through the setup of the nodes. It usually takes about 10 minutes.

These devices are Gigabit Internet compatible, which is why the Cat6 cable is the best option.

Goodbye, dead zones and welcome to great connectivity no matter where you are in the house!

Gaming purposes

Let’s be real. No one wants their screen to freeze when they’re playing Mortal Combat. The easiest solution is to plug in an Ethernet cable for high speed and smooth animation! After all, slow internet can potentially kill your characters.

Video editing and uploading

Anyone can make videos, edit them and post on the internet on any video publishing sites. Generally, shooting equipment nowadays, even if it is a phone camera, shoots in high resolution. So your video is that much more difficult to upload over Wi-Fi. No matter what, Wi-Fi is slower than a direct cable plugged into your computer. So do yourself a favor and plug in a Cat6 Ethernet cable to move things along much faster. The Ethernet cable also means your Wi-Fi won’t accidentally disconnect and you are less likely to see an ‘Uploading Failed’ alert.

These are only some of the many ways that you can use an Ethernet cable in your daily life. Of course, if you have a business that relies heavily on the internet, then it is more practical for you to have your computer and those of your staff connected via an Ethernet cable. The servers that help run your business should also use bulk Cat6 cables because of that server powers all of your computers. Even if one of the cables wears out, it can cause a lot of harm to your workflow.

Another situation where bulk Cat6 cable is useful is when you are building a data center. Companies need more and more data centers as they expand. Even small companies need to have data centers for the proper functioning of the workplace internet.

Concluding:

Wireless technology is great, it has been the force behind many technological advancements, but we are nowhere close to getting rid of wires just yet. So we may as well make the best use of them right now.

This Article is Originally posted here; Cat6 Ethernet Cables: Ideal for Any Household

If you found this article useful, here are some other articles that may be of interest.

A Brief Guide to CAT6 Ethernet Cables and Their Workings

CAT 5E, CAT 6 and 6A: Choosing the Right Cable