Copper Cable
Most Ethernet networks run on CAT-5 cable.
It has two distinguishing features:
- It is an unshielded twisted pair cable or UTP cable.
- It takes an RJ-45 connector on either end.
CAT-5 cables have print on the outside giving important information about the cable.
Jacket of Ethernet Cable
Cable Specification | Cable Speed Mbps |
---|---|
Cat 5 | 10 to 100 |
Cat 5e and Cat 6 | 100 to 1000 |
The CAT-5 cable dissected
If you open up a CAT-5 cable, you’ll find coloured wires twisted into four pairs.
Each pair consists of one plain and one striped wire.
For more information see Wikipedia Copper Cable