Network Cables, Connectors and Ethernet Types Explained
Network Cable Types
Cables can transmit signals using electrical or light pulses. Twisted pair cables reduce interference by twisting pairs of conductors together, but they are still sensitive to interference from nearby conductors.
Twisted Pair Cables
UTP (Unshielded Twisted Pair): a cable without a metallic shield around the twisted pairs, which makes it sensitive to interference.
STP (Shielded Twisted Pair): a cable with a metallic shield that protects against external interference. STP cable is more expensive, but avoids external interference.
Fiber Optic Cable
Fiber optic transmission carries signals as light. Fibers are made of glass or other plastics and are insensitive to external electromagnetic interference. Transmitting data over optical fiber requires a light source such as a LASER or LED.
Connectors
The cable connector is the interface between the cable and the communication system's device.
Common Connectors
RJ11, RJ12, RJ45: these connectors are usually used with UTP, STP and twisted pair cables.
AUI, DB15: used in the formation of topologies with twisted pair cables, or to connect the cable at each connection.
BNC: used with thin coaxial cable, typical of Ethernet.
Coaxial T: used to naturally connect the first and last stations of a coaxial cable bus.
DB25 and DB9: connectors used in the serial port.
Baluns and transceivers: allow adapting capacities by converting coaxial, twinax, dual coaxial, UTP or general twisted pair cables, shielded or not.
Installation Components
Rack: a closet where cables are neatly organized and connections are made to all the terminals.
Patch cords: short cables used to extend or connect the cables from the wall outlets or rack.
Cable trays: metallic or plastic structures placed on the floor or wall, which house all cable inside.
Plate and Roster connectors: connectors inserted into the tray, attached to the wall, which serve as the interface for the patch cord and cable connection.
Tools Used in Cable Installation
Tools for connectorization include cutters, crimpers and other components needed for optimal installation: heat shrink tubing, flanges, identification labels, and other tools such as scissors, pliers, screwdrivers, punches, cutters, tweezers, resins and tape.
Types of Ethernet
10Base5: the original Ethernet specification, using thick coaxial cable for baseband signals.
10Base2: also an original Ethernet specification, using thin coaxial cable, typically RG-58 50-ohm cable, for transmission of up to 10 Mbps.
10BaseT: uses twisted pair UTP cable to produce 10 Mbps.
100BaseT: similar to 10BaseT, but with speeds up to 100 Mbps.
1000BaseT: Gigabit Ethernet, a standard with speeds of 1000 Mbps.