Unit 9 - Networks

 

 

 

 

 

Copper Cable

Most Ethernet networks run on CAT-5 cable.

It has two distinguishing features:

  1. It is an unshielded twisted pair cable or UTP cable.
  2. 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 Speeds
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.

 

inside a cat5 cable

Each pair consists of one plain and one striped wire.

For more information see Wikipedia Copper Cable