Cat5 which pairs are used by ethernet

Create a free Team What is Teams? Learn more. Use of unused pairs in cat5 ethernet cables? Asked 4 years, 10 months ago. Active 4 years, 10 months ago. Viewed 48k times. Improve this question. Tolsadus He's asking about the function of the wires, not the color. Add a comment. Active Oldest Votes. As you can read on Wikipedia page about "Category 5 cable" in "Applications" section: Cat 5 is also used to carry other signals such as telephony and video But let's get back to ethernet.

Crosstalk: The "bleeding" of signals between one cable into another due to "induction" will result in slow network transfer speeds, and even block the transfer of signals over the cable. Before knowing the shielding type of Ethernet cables, it is suggested to be familiar with the shielding code in advance. The shielding type of Ethernet cables and their applications are as follows:.

The above focuses on the main factors that you need to consider when choosing the right Ethernet cable. In terms of speed and bandwidth, the later version of network cable performs better than the former one, but one more important point you should keep in mind is that network cables support different speeds over different distances. Take Cat6 cable for example, the max transmission speed is 1 Gbps at meters, while 10 Gbps at meters. Cat6a Ethernet cable can reach 10 Gbps over a distance of up to meters.

So you can choose the suitable network cable according to the cabling length and network speed you need. After taking these key factors into consideration, then you can pay more attention to the shielding type of Ethernet cables as well as their applications. In addition, the price might be a factor that you need to consider when choosing the right Ethernet cable.

Ethernet IEEE Often these cables are supplied free with equipment that uses Ethernet connectivity in some way or another. There are several different varieties and categories of Ethernet cable that can be obtained: speed variations, crossover cables, Cat 5, Cat 5e, Cat6, Cat 6a, Cat 7etc.. Normally Ethernet cables will be bought and there is no major need to understand what is inside or on the connectors, although it can be both interesting and helpful on some occasions.

Even so, an understanding of the different types of Ethernet cable and the maximum lengths that should be used is helpful. The commonly used network cables: Cat 5, Cat 5e, Cat 6, Cat 6a, Cat7 all have different levels of performance, and therefore to is necessary to buy or select the right cable for the right application.

These network cables are used for connecting a variety of network elements from Ethernet switches and Ethernet routers to computers, servers and other network items - if there is an Ethernet interface, they can be connected using Ethernet cables. The Ethernet cables for connectivity in most office and home environments rely on twisted wire pairs within an overall cable - Cat 5, Cat 6 and Cat 7 all used this format. Twisting the wires together enables the currents to balance, i.

In this way, data can be transmitted over considerable lengths without the need for undue precautions. As several twisted pairs are contained within a particular network cable, the number of twisted per unit length is arranged to be different for each pair - the rate being based on prime numbers so that no two twists ever align. This reduces crosstalk within the cable. The Ethernet cables are available in a variety of lengths as patch cables, or the cable itself is available for incorporating into systems, buildings, etc.

The terminations can then be made to the required connector using a crimp tool. These network cables are available in a variety of lengths - long Ethernet cables are available, some of the longest being up to 75 metres.

Earlier network cables were unshielded, but later ones were shielded to improve the performance. For example an unshielded twisted pair UTP cable may be satisfactory for a short run between a computer and router, but a foil shielded cable, FTP, is best longer runs or where the cable passes through areas of high electrical noise. There are different methods that can be used for shielding Ethernet cables.

The most common is to place a shield around each twisted pair. This not only provides shielding for the cable externally, but also reduces crosstalk between the internal twisted pairs as well.

Manufacturers can further enhance the performance by placing shielding around all the wires in the cable just under the cable sheath. There are different codes used to indicate the differs types of shielding:. A further difference within the Ethernet cables whether Cat 5, Cat 5e, Cat 6, Cat 6e, or Cat 7 can be whether solid or stranded wires are used within the cable. As the description implies, a solid cable uses a single piece of copper for the electrical conductor within each wire of the cable whilst stranded wire uses a series of copper strands twisted together.

Although when buying a patch cable, it may not be necessary to know this, when installing a long cable run it may be important as each type is slightly more suitable for different applications. Does Gigabit use all 8 wires? What 4 wires are used in cat5? Do all Ethernet cables support Gigabit? Can I use phone cable for Ethernet? What cable is used for Gigabit Ethernet? Cat 6 cable. Why is it called Cat 5 cable?

What are the types of Ethernet? Types of Ethernet Networks. Fast Ethernet. What is base? What is cat 5 wiring used for? What is Ethernet cable color coding? Ethernet Cable Tips:. Is Ethernet bidirectional?

What is a cat 6 cable used for?