In our fast paced, increasingly technological world, there are countless electronic devices and gadgets designed to make our lives easier. Along with these devices and gadgets come their counterparts: cables. There are numerous types of cables that operate differently, and it can be difficult to tell them apart. Here’s what you need to know about the many different kinds of cables in our ever changing world of technology.
One of the main types of cables used to get connected to the World Wide Web is an Ethernet cable. Unlike USB cables, there are several different models of Ethernet cables. All Ethernet cables consist of 4 twisted pairs of wires. The twist of the Ethernet cable prevents any currents and interference that might happen in the pairs. The most common Ethernet cable used today is the 10 Mbps, the one invented by Xerox, Digital and IntelR. Even though 10 Mbps Ethernet cable is ideal for households that include two to three computers, people tend to buy fast network cables like 100 Mbps or more in order to have faster Internet connection.
While all Ethernet cables essentially have the same purpose, they differ in how they operate. Cat5 cables are the most basic – they’re fast and durable and will get the job done. Cat5e cables are the ‘enhanced’ version – they offer slightly higher connection speeds. Cat5e cables are especially useful for users who do a lot of downloading or uploading.
Finally, Cat6 Ethernet cables are capable of bringing higher speeds and frequencies than both Cat5 and Cat5e cables. Although they’re a bit pricier, it’s often worth the extra money if you’re someone who uses the Internet for high speed activities such as gaming. As our technology improves, so will our Internet speeds, and while Cat5 and Cat5e cables may eventually become obsolete due to these improvements, you can rest assured that Cat6 Ethernet cables will remain at the highest level of efficiency when it comes to maintaining a high-speed Ethernet connection.
Overall, there are several different types of Ethernet cables to familiarize yourself with. Although the difference in price is minimal, be sure to assess your Internet requirements and do your research to find the type that best meets your needs.