To combine computing systems into a single network, an intermediate medium is needed, through which the appropriately modulated signals can reach their destinations. Now this task is increasingly assigned to radio waves - Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, etc. The advantage of such data exchange is obvious - it is mobility. At the same time, the limited area covered by the transmitter, as well as the nuances of organizing the protection of transmitted information, in many cases force owners to give preference to classical networks that use traditional cable products for interconnection. It is practically impossible to intercept a signal transmitted in this way from the outside. What is a network cable? Let's start with the existing varieties.

Modern solution

If you now go to a computer store and ask to demonstrate a network cable for a computer, then it will most likely be the so-called twisted pair cable. Outwardly, this is a cable with a diameter of about 5 mm, inside of which there are several conductors covered with insulation. Between themselves, they are intertwined in pairs, each with its own pitch of turns. Such a solution allows to significantly reduce the mutual influence of electromagnetic interference on signal transmission. In the 1990s telephone lines massively used a similar twist in pairs. The conductors themselves can be either single-core or multi-core (the number of "hairs" in the bundle). From the point of view of the convenience of laying, the network cable of the second type is more preferable. It is what you can buy in stores. Options in which pairs are made of solid conductors are rare, but are used for laying in pipes and ducts between two junction boxes. Its main advantage is the lower attenuation, which allows to increase the length of the line.

A twisted-pair computer network cable is used to create networks operating at speeds from 10 to 1000 Mbps. Signal transmission in the most common 100 Mbit solutions is carried out over 4 conductors. The remaining wires extinguish interference. Also, such a network cable inside the common sheath contains a thin nylon thread, which increases the overall strength (short length routes can be pulled even without a suspension), and also helps when cutting the insulation.

Twisted pair color coding and material

Although the standard does not impose any requirements on the color of the sheath, the most common types of cable are gray, white and black. The latter, as a rule, is used for street laying, and the first two are used indoors. Sometimes you can find orange modifications: substances that prevent combustion have been added to the composition of the insulation. Nevertheless, you should always carefully read the accompanying documentation for the bay. Otherwise, a situation is possible when the insulation of a cable laid on the street cracks after 1-2 years.

So, buying one of the most affordable options for the street, you will have to pay about 10 rubles. per metre. A non-combustible variety (SFTP or LSZH) will cost almost 20 rubles. The network cable, the price of which is less than 5 rubles, is intended only for intra-house laying. With its excess, it is possible to carry out the wiring of lines in pipes and ducts, but this is already an “invention”. By looking at the specification, it is quite easy to determine external environment for which the network cable is designed. If polyethylene (PE) is used as the shell material, then this option will withstand 60-degree heat and 40-degree frost. But polyvinyl chloride (PVC, well-known electrical tape) is intended for indoor routes.

Categories

Depending on the version, there are 10 types of twisted-pair cable. Each of them is characterized by the number of pairs of conductors and their cross section, operating frequencies, winding pitch, the presence or absence of an additional shielding layer, as well as the scope. Designated as CAT1 - CAT7a. To build modern computer networks, CAT5e is widely used. It uses 8 conductors (4 pairs). The data transfer rate reaches 1 Gbps. Subsequent modifications (CAT6 - CAT7a), although they have the same number of conductors, allow you to work at speeds of 10 Gbps at a distance of 55 meters, as they are able to transmit a signal of more high frequency. So, if CAT5a is designed for signals up to 100 MHz, then CAT7a does an excellent job with 1200 MHz. Under normal conditions, it is not advisable to purchase such top-end modifications, since the cost of a meter of such a product is about 60 rubles.

Anti-interference

When laying a cable near third-party sources of electromagnetic radiation, a simple interlacing of wires to protect against induced current is not enough. To solve this problem, a simple solution is used - a metal screen.

The most secure modifications are SSTP. In them, each pair of conductors is placed in an aluminum braid from a strip of soft foil.

All of them are covered with a metal braided mesh. An additional metal core is also often used - the so-called drain wire, designed to drain the induced potential to the grounding device. Typically, these models have high-quality polyethylene insulation. Connecting a network cable of this design is advisable on ships, when laying near existing electrical installations, as well as in fire hazardous areas.

The simpler varieties are SFTP. In them, the aluminum braid is the same for all pairs. The grid is also included.

For simple laying, you can use FTP (there is an aluminum braid between the pairs and the outer sheath) and a UTP network cable. The latter does not have a screen, but due to its low cost, it is an excellent option for laying tracks inside residential premises.

Preparing to create a network

A prerequisite for connecting computers is the installation of special lugs-connectors at the ends of the cable route. Outwardly, they resemble telephone ones, but they have a large number of contacts, which affects the dimensions. Among specialists, the term "compress the cable" is often used. The easiest way to do this is in a store - usually such a service is provided at all points of sale.

maintainability

People who have seen the times of 10-megabit networks and coaxial cables with a characteristic impedance of 50 Ohms remember very well that in the event of a line break, it was impossible to restore it by twisting or soldering - at best, packet losses reached enormous values. Twisted pair CAT5e does not have this drawback. In case of damage, it is enough to at least twist the corresponding wires and you can continue to work. True, the speed may decrease, but the overall performance will remain.

Today, almost all users of computers or laptops have access to the World Wide Web. Moreover, everyone uses different methods for connecting (via a cable for the Internet, a wireless connection, using a modem, etc.).

We simply cannot consider everything in the framework of this article. Therefore, let's figure out today which network cord would be better to use to connect to the World Wide Web. After all, if you choose the wrong option or the cable is of poor quality, the Internet speed will not match the one that the provider can provide.

Every day, one of the users decides to connect their machine to the Internet. Whether it is a student who has a need to obtain the necessary information, or happy newcomers who have moved into a newly commissioned house, it does not matter. So far, the most common tool for this purpose is a cable. In this case, the Internet can be connected unlimited and at a fairly high speed. It will be distinguished by a small monthly fee and reliable communication. But, unfortunately, many in this case simply ignore the fact that the Internet cable must be chosen carefully.

For you to know, it has its own classification. According to its structure, it can be both two-core and single-core. This is the first parameter that the cable for the Internet has, and it is determined, as the name implies, by the number of veins involved. Single-core, as a rule, are used in cases where it is necessary to lay the cable in walls or under panels. This type has only one, but thick copper wire. It is absolutely not designed to bend.

A stranded cable for the Internet has many veins that are thin and completely unsuitable for this cord to be laid in the wall, for the reason that during the design of the outlet, these thin wires are twisted and split. Therefore, this type is better suited for connecting a computer or laptop to an outlet to which a single-core cable is already connected.

True, he has one good advantage. He is not afraid of various kinds of bends and twists. Although it is fair to say that its stranded structure often contributes to the fact that the signal will fade. Based on the foregoing, it will be best if you use both of these types of cable at the same time. The single core will be installed in the wall, and the stranded one will be used to connect your computer or laptop to an internet outlet.

I also want to say a few words about cable protection. Some have shielding. There are four types of cords. The first has no protection. The second is equipped with foil. The third is equipped with foil and shielded. The fourth has the highest degree of protection. It's called protected shielded. What does shielding do? It provides resistance to various electromagnetic waves of other equipment. This allows data packets to be transmitted with virtually no loss.

Lan or twisted pair cable - a communication cable consisting of several pairs of insulated conductors twisted with a certain pitch in a plastic sheath. The twisting of conductors is done in order to increase the connection in a pair and weaken the influence of electromagnetic interference and mutual interference. At the same time, the UTP 5e cable is equipped with twisted pairs with different pitches to reduce the connection between the conductors. In fact, it is a standard for building local networks. Although there are other ways to build computer networks, in most cases it is easier and cheaper to buy a LAN network cable and connect computers using 8P8C (RJ45 or RJ-45) connectors.

What you need to know to buy the right LAN cable

If you are going to buy a cable for the Internet, you need to imagine that twisted pair has several categories: from CAT1 to CAT7. The higher the category, the better the cable will be. At the same time, CAT1 cable refers to telephone cables, and CAT2 - CAT4 - are obsolete. The UTP CAT 5e cable is popular, the price and characteristics of which are the most optimal for building networks with data transfer rates up to 1000 Mbps. In most cases, those who are going to buy a LAN cable can be recommended this category of twisted pair. If you need maximum data transfer rates, then you can recommend buying fiber optic cable for the internet. Another point that you need to know when you are looking for where to buy an Internet cable is that not only the metric system, but also AWG can be used for its manufacture. The UTP 24awg cable designation indicates that the conductor cross section of a single twisted pair wire is 0.511 mm.

Benefits of LAN cable

The small price of a UTP cable is not its only advantage. Twisted pair has such important advantages as:

• long service life;
• convenience and wide laying possibilities (the cable is quite flexible, it can be laid in cable channels and outdoors, it has a small bending radius);
• ease of installation - RJ-45 connectors are quickly mounted by crimping and do not require high qualifications for laying the network.

Where to buy internet cable

You can rewind and buy a LAN cable of the required length in our Prestige online store. We are ready to deliver a modern computer cable in the required quantity to all Russian regions in the shortest possible time. The assortment of our store includes all popular twisted pair modifications used by IT specialists for the installation of modern computer networks. If you have any questions about choosing a twisted pair cable, the terms of its payment, or providing discounts for large orders, please contact our online managers. They are ready to discuss all issues and help you make the best and best purchase.