Ethernet Cables, UTP vs STP, Straight vs Crossover, CAT 5,5e,6,7,8 Network Cables

Summary

This video script explains Ethernet twisted pair cables, essential for local area networks. It distinguishes between unshielded and shielded types, with unshielded being common for home and business use due to its resistance to electromagnetic interference. The script details the process of creating custom cables, including wiring standards 568A and 568B, which dictate the color-coded order of wires. It also covers the use of straight and crossover cables for connecting dissimilar and similar devices, respectively. Finally, it discusses cable categories, from CAT 3 to CAT 8, highlighting their speed capabilities and applications.

Takeaways

• 🌐 Ethernet twisted pair cables are used for connecting devices in local area networks for internet access.
• 🔌 There are two types of twisted pair cables: unshielded (common in homes and businesses) and shielded (used mainly in industrial settings).
• 🧵 Unshielded twisted pair cables consist of four pairs of color-coded wires twisted to reduce electromagnetic interference.
• 🛡 Shielded twisted pair cables have an additional foil shield for extra protection against interference.
• 🔩 Custom network cables can be made by wiring a bulk roll of twisted pair cable and attaching RJ45 connectors.
• 🔍 A cable stripper is used to remove the protective sheathing to expose the wires for connector attachment.
• 🔄 The order of wires in a cable can differ based on the cable's purpose, with two main wiring standards: 568A and 568B.
• 🔄🔄 The 568A and 568B standards differ only in the arrangement of green and orange wires.
• 🔄🔄🔄 A straight cable, or patch cable, uses the same wiring standard at both ends and is used to connect dissimilar devices.
• 🔄🔄🔄🔄 A crossover cable uses different wiring standards at each end and is used to connect similar devices.
• 📈 Categories of twisted pair cables (CAT 3, CAT 5, CAT 6, CAT 7) indicate maximum speed and resistance to interference, with CAT 8 being the latest offering 40 gigabits per second.

Q & A

What are Ethernet twisted pair cables used for?

Ethernet twisted pair cables are used in local area networks to connect devices such as computers to routers or modems for internet access.

What are the two types of Ethernet twisted pair cables mentioned in the script?

The two types of Ethernet twisted pair cables are unshielded twisted pair (UTP) and shielded twisted pair (STP).

Why are the wires in twisted pair cables twisted around each other?

The wires are twisted to prevent electromagnetic interference or crosstalk, which can disrupt the signal transmission.

What is the purpose of the foil shield in shielded twisted pair cables?

The foil shield in STP cables provides an extra layer of protection against electromagnetic interference, preventing it from leaking into and out of the cable.

What is the main difference between unshielded and shielded twisted pair cables?

The main difference is that shielded twisted pair cables have a foil shield for additional protection against electromagnetic interference, while unshielded twisted pair cables do not.

What are the two wiring standards for Ethernet cables, and what do they represent?

The two wiring standards are 568A and 568B. They represent the color order in which the wires are arranged within the cable.

What is the difference between a straight cable and a crossover cable?

A straight cable uses the same wiring standard at both ends and is used to connect dissimilar devices, while a crossover cable uses different standards at each end and is used to connect similar devices.

Why might one choose to use the 568A standard over the 568B standard, or vice versa?

The choice between 568A and 568B does not affect the functionality of the cable; it is a matter of preference or what is commonly used in a specific region. In the U.S., the 568B standard is more commonly used.

What are the categories of twisted pair cables, and what do they signify?

The categories are CAT 3, CAT 5, CAT 6, CAT 6a, CAT 7, and CAT 8. They signify the maximum speed the cables can handle without crosstalk or interference, with higher categories supporting faster speeds.

What is the maximum speed that CAT 7 cables can support?

CAT 7 cables can support speeds of up to 10 gigabits per second.

What is the main advantage of CAT 8 cables over previous categories?

CAT 8 cables, being shielded twisted pair, offer a delivery speed of 40 gigabits per second up to 30 meters, which is four times faster than CAT 6a or CAT 7.