What Is A LAN Cable? Understanding Types, Uses, & Differences For Data Cabling Installations

LAN Cable is important when working with data cabling installation. LAN cable is an essential connectivity component whether it is a data center or a small business. Business owners need to learn about the basics of LAN cable. Knowing about LAN cable will help to understand how data is transmitted through various cables, and connect multiple other devices. In this article we will walk you through the different types of LAN cables and where they are used to aid in your choices for data cabling installations.

What Is A LAN Cable? 

The cable used to transmit devices in the local area network is known as Local Area Network Cable (LAN). It joins computers, servers, switches, and routers by providing communication between them. Proper selection of cables needs to be done for high data rates, less interference, and durability in case of data network cabling installation.

LAN cables are available in different types and speeds, maximum distances they can transmit signals over without amplification as well as protections against crosstalk or interference. 

Types Of LAN Cables

• Cat5 (Category 5): This kind of cable used to be very in style and was the business customary for Ethernet connections. They provide up to 100 Mbps speed and are ideal for mini networks. On the other hand, they are relatively slower and therefore being replaced by more advanced alternatives. 
• Cat6 (Category 6): With speeds of up to 10 Gbps, Cat6 sits right between the two and is well-suited for most medium-to-large networks. They also have thicker insulation, which makes them less prone to interference. Cat6 is a great choice for future-proofing your data network cabling installations.
• Cat6a (Category 6a): It is one step above Cat6, and the cabling supports up to a speed of 10 Gbps over greater distances. This is the go-to option for companies that have a lot of data load or want to scale their network infrastructure. Ideal for enterprise-level data cabling installations. They are reliable and fast. 
• Cat7:  This ethernet cable with 6 x shielded twisted pair (STP) of copper wires supports a frequency range of up to 600MHz. It can transmit data at speeds up to 10Gbps over the distance cables can cover, without electromagnetic interference. It offers up to 100 Gbps for short distances and has very good shielding against interference. For a state-of-the-art network that you are building from scratch, this is the best to future-proof cable perfect for high-performance data transfers.

Uses Of LAN Cables 

There are numerous applications for which a LAN cable. This cable can be used from simple home networks to complete corporate infrastructures. The most commonly used cases are:

• Office Networking: LAN cables connect workstations, printers, servers, and routers to allow easy communication between these. Cat5e or Cat6 are the preferred products for any data cabling contractor when dealing with small to medium-sized offices.
• Data Centers: Businesses that either run their servers or process large data streams need high-speed cables like Cat6a and particularly Cat7 to have quick connections between the server components and networking hardware.
• Home Networks: LAN cables are important when it comes to home networks, of which they help provide stable internet and device communication. Cat5e is good enough for home networks, but some like us go a step further and install Cat6 to get that extra speed. 

Many businesses and homes use LAN cables to connect their security cameras with NVR (network video recorder) used for viewing and recording in the surveillance systems. You should have reliable data transfer here, so good cables like Cat6 or even better — Cat6a are often advised.

Type Of LAN Cables 

The difference between these cables is associated with speed, bandwidth, and shielding.

• Speed: Goes from the slowest with Cat5 to blazing-fast speed in Cat7. Some small businesses can get away with just Cat5e or even Cat6, but larger organizations or those needing increased data throughput should at least consider moving to either the newer version of 10Gbps-over-ethernet (Cat6a) if not standard supported cabling like Cat7.
• Bandwidth: Refers to the amount of data the cable can handle simultaneously. Cat7 cables provide the highest bandwidth to be transferred simultaneously which is used in applications where huge data need transfer within a space like that of Data Centers.
• Shielding: Shielding protects cables against electromagnetic interference (EMI). Cat6 and Cat7 cables are shielded so much more from this to provide a stable connection even in the presence of heavy electrical interference.

Selecting The Best LAN Cable To Deploy On Your Data Network Cabling Infrastructure 

Choose a LAN cable that you will deploy in an upcoming network cabling installation, and consider not just current, but also future needs. You can start by considering these presentation factors:

• Speed Requirements: (Without a doubt, Cat5e ought to be fine for every basic network… 1 Gbps) If you need faster speeds, Cat6 supports up to 10 Gbps. Cat6a & Cat7 categories are providing as much as 100 Gbps on high-performance networks with short distances.
• Bandwidth: Cat5e would be the appropriate choice for small networks with limited data load. Cat6 and the like offer more bandwidth, to cater to larger business premises or data centers that get a lot of movement.
• Future-proofing: A higher-category cable (Cat6a/7) can decrease network cabling costs in the future if you plan to scale your network. Buy cables that will support you as your business expands, and adds more data traffic.

Pro Tips: Cat5e is the cheapest option for small networks. More expensive than Cat6 and above but has higher performance and longevity.

Conclusion

The choice of the LAN cable installed in data network cabling is very important. They can be basic (Cat5) or high-speed future-proof options like Cat7. In either case, be it a small office network or an advanced data center construction project, selecting the correct LAN cable can make sure that your community runs effectively. Looking for expert help? Data cabling contractors will assess your circumstances and provide you with custom-made solutions according to the network requirements at home or office.