Network Cables

Network cables are essential networking hardware that connects one network device to others. There are different cables to choose from, like coaxial, optical fibre, and twisted-pair cables depending upon the network’s physical layer, size, and topology. Let us explore in detail.

A network cable is a cable that connects or transfers information and data between computers, switches, routers, and more devices. There is a range of cables to choose from. Your selection should rely on the structure of the overall architecture of the system. One of the most common types is twisted pair cable popular in office environments, copper communication cabling etc. On the other hand, an optical fibre cable consists of a centre glass core surrounded by many layers of protective material. Its deployment is costlier than copper, but at the same time, it also offers higher bandwidth and can also cover longer distances. Similarly, there is a lot to choose from. We will explain a few more details you need to know to buy network cable online in the UAE on this page.

Things you need to know about network cables

Buying a network cable is not as easy as it seems. There are different lengths, colours, and types you can choose from. To ensure it is the right one, you will have to research and find information on various available options. Several aspects such as type, quality, and more factors may affect your decision. For example, if you purchase ethernet cables, the common cables you will find include cat-5, cat-5e, cat-6, cat-6e and more. Cat-5 offer a speed of up to 100 Megabits/second speed and operate at 100 Mhz, whereas it offers up to 1 Gigabit per second and operates at 100 Mhz. Similarly, there is much more to choose from. Let us explore further popular networking cables .

Ethernet cable

The word ethernet cables originate from the word ethernet. Straight through and crossover cables are two popular types. Straight through connects devices like a computer to hub, computer to switch, and router to switch, whereas cross over is useful when connecting two devices that use the same wires to send and receive data. The most common ethernet cable is UTP, i.e. unshielded twisted pair. You can find it in different grades, and the most common form of this type is CAT5 cable. However, some of the cables are also STP, i.e. shielded ones. Ethernet cables have seen a long history and progression from 10 to 100 megabytes. Later, it became 1 to 10 gigabytes. Some data centres have already reached 40 G and beyond.

LAN cable

It is any specific type of cable that helps in the process of computer networking. Its use is for small distances, though. The LANs generally use wired connections to make a link or access any data. Factors such as network topology and media characteristics will help you differentiate between different LANs. Network topology refers to machines’ geographical placement and the way a local area network gets a connection. Media characteristics are the physical connection of various devices to the network. Depending upon protocols, there are two main LAN cables: client/server LANs and peer-to-peer LANs.

RJ45 crossover cable

A crossover Ethernet cable is one of the popular Ethernet cables widely used to connect different computing devices directly. It is not like the straight-through cable as it uses two different wiring standards. One end typically uses the T568A wiring standard, whereas the other has the T568B wiring standard. You can find a wide range of cables out there in the market. However, the selection depends upon your network requirements. From the cheapest network cable to an expensive and advanced one, you can find many varieties. Different devices and connections may require different kinds of cables.