Different Ethernet Cables with Their Features and Applications

Ethernet cables have a wide range of uses and continue to remain popular even after the rise of wireless networking systems. In wired networks, they serve as the main component that keeps all devices connected.

These cables offer excellent speed, stable connectivity, and enhanced security, making them ideal for use in offices, homes, and across local or wide area networks. Depending on factors such as shielding technology, performance requirements, and intended use, there are several types of Ethernet cables designed for specific purposes. Each cable type comes with its own unique characteristics. Let’s explore the different types of Ethernet cables in more detail.

About Ethernet Cable

An Ethernet cable is a typical type of cable made with twisted wire technology, where multiple pairs of wires are twisted together to build the cable. This cable is used to connect different networking devices, computers, routers, etc., forming a local area network or a wide area network.

In our home, office premises, data centers, etc., where there are requirements of shared network connections through LAN (Local Area Network), MAN (Metropolitan Area Network) and WAN (Wide Area Network), these types of cables are used for superior networking speed, security, and compatibility.

Although Ethernet cables were first developed between 1973 and 1974, their commercial use began in the early 1980s. Since then, they have undergone significant advancements, becoming more reliable, efficient, and technologically upgraded over time.

Today, a wide variety of Ethernet cables are available on the market. To choose the right one for your setup, it’s important to understand the different types and their unique features so you can select the cable that best fits your network requirements.

What are the Different Types of Ethernet Cables?

Depending on factors such as performance, shielding properties, and application needs, Ethernet network cables can be classified into several types. The three main categories are:

1. Coaxial Cables
2. Twisted Pair Cables
3. Fibre Optic Cables

1. Coaxial Cables

Coaxial cables are the oldest Ethernet technology used in networking systems. This cable has a core conductor covered with an insulator. Over the insulator, there is a metallic shield for an extra layer of protection, and at the top of that, there is a plastic cover for additional protection.

The maximum data transmission speed of this cable is 10 Mbps. It was widely used in applications such as television signal transmission, radio connections, and early networking setups.

Features

• Coaxial cables are capable of transmitting networking signals over larger distances.
• The cable offers higher bandwidth capacity.
• It has better shielding technology with a property of reduced electromagnetic interference from outside sources.
• Because of the additional layers of coating, this cable is quite costly compared to others.

Types

Depending on the construction, flexibility, impedance of transmission lines, and shielding properties, there are different types of Coaxial cables:

• Hardline Coaxial Cable: Has a hard center conductor made out of copper or silver, which ensures low signal loss. Suitable for long-distance uses and high power transmission requirements.
• Flexible Coaxial Cable: The center conductor is surrounded by a polymer insulation, ensuring more flexibility. Easy to install.
• Semi-Rigid Coaxial Cable: There is a solid copper outer sheath along with a PTFE insulation between the cable conductors. Suitable for high-performance network peripherals.
• Formable Coaxial Cable: The metal outer sheath used in this cable is very flexible. Also has PTFE insulation between the cable conductors.
• Rigid Coaxial Cable: PTFE insulation is used to separate two copper tubes of wires. The cable is very rigid and has severe flexibility issues.
• Twinaxial Cable: In a single cable and outer shield, there are two inner conductors. Suitable for digital signalling at a shorter distance.
• Triaxial Cable: In a single cable, there are two inner conductors along with an additional layer of insulation. A second conducting shield is there for protection against additional noise.
• RG Series (RG-6, RG-59, RG-58): Radio guide coaxial cables were earlier used in military services.

2. Twisted Pair Cables

The second type and most popular Ethernet Network Cable is twisted pair cable. A conductor is made by twisting two or more wires together. The copper wires are twisted together to form a pattern and are shielded by a plastic cover.

The inner twisted wires help in high-speed data transmission. The insulated copper wires are capable of reducing the crosstalk electromagnetic interference that is introduced from outside environments.

Features

• Insulated twisted copper wires are used.
• Capable of noise cancellation and reduction of electromagnetic interference generated outside.
• The wires are flexible and easy to install.
• The cost of twisted pair cables is less compared to other types of Ethernet wires.
• Data transmission speed and quality are better.

Types

There are two different types of twisted pair cables available based on the shielding property:

1. Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP): In this type of twisted pair cable, no additional shielding technology is used to cover the wire. The cable has 4 twisted pairs of wires made with copper. A plastic cover is used to protect the wires from the outside.
2. Shielded Twisted Pair (STP): In this kind of twisted pair cable, an additional layer of shielding is used to cover the twisted pairs. The shielding is typically made of braided mesh or foil. This additional shielding ensures extra protection against additional interference and crosstalk.

3. Fiber Optic Ethernet Cable

The fiber optic Ethernet cable is another type of Ethernet wire that is made out of plastic or glass wires instead of copper wires, and it is surrounded by a cladding layer outside for shielding.

Features

• Made out of optical wires instead of copper wires.
• The fibers used in optical cables are made of plastic or glass.
• This kind of cable transmits data as pulses of light, which enables faster data transmission.
• It automatically cancels electromagnetic interference.
• Suitable for longer distances.
• Fiber optic cables are very expensive.

Types

There are two different types of fiber optic cables:

1. Single-Mode Fiber (SMF): The core size of this kind of fiber optic cable is small (8–10 microns). There is a single path for light travel.
2. Multi-Mode Fiber (MMF): The core size of this kind of fiber optic cable is quite large (50 or 62.5 microns). There are multiple paths for light travel so that multiple pulses of light can travel side by side.

Best Ethernet Cable Type

Different Ethernet cables serve different purposes and offer unique benefits. Before purchasing Ethernet wires for your networking setup, it’s important to identify your specific needs. Based on those requirements, you can choose the most suitable type of cable.