What are lan cables for?

These physical cables are limited by length and durability. If a network cable is too long or of poor quality, it won't carry a good network signal. These limits are one reason there are different types of Ethernet cables that are optimized to perform certain tasks in specific situations.

An Ethernet cable resembles a traditional phone cable but is larger and has more wires. Both cables share a similar shape and plug, but an Ethernet cable has eight wires, while phone cables have four. Ethernet cable connectors are also larger.

Ethernet cables come in many different colors, but phone cables are usually grey.

Ethernet cables plug into Ethernet ports, which are larger than phone cable ports. An Ethernet port on a computer is accessible through the Ethernet card on the motherboard. This port is usually on the back of a desktop computer, or on the side of a laptop.

Ethernet cables support one or more industry standards including Category 5 and Category 6. Most technicians refer to these standards as CAT5 and CAT6, respectively. Because of this, many online stores that sell network cables use this abbreviated language as well.

Ethernet cables are manufactured in two basic forms:

A single Ethernet cable has a maximum distance capacity, meaning the cable has an upper limit as to how long it can be before there is a signal loss (called attenuation). This problem results because the electrical resistance of a long cable affects performance.

Both ends of the cable should be close enough to each other to receive signals quickly, and far enough away from outside electrical interference to avoid interruptions. However, this precaution doesn't limit the size of a network, because hardware like routers or hubs can join multiple Ethernet cables together on the same network. This distance between the two devices is called the network diameter.

The maximum length of a CAT5 cable, before attenuation occurs, is 100m (328ft). CAT6 can go up to 700 feet. Ethernet cables can be longer but may suffer from signal loss, especially if they pass near large electrical appliances.

Different types of RJ-45 connectors serve different purposes. One type, designed for use with stranded cables, is incompatible with solid cables. Other types of RJ-45 connectors may work with both stranded and solid cables.

Wireless technologies such as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth have replaced Ethernet in many home and business networks. Most tablets and other mobile devices don't have a network port.

These wireless technologies are advantageous if the cable runs outside or in locations with a heightened risk of wire damage.

In our everyday life, they have been indispensable for decades, and yet most could not give a clear answer to the question « What is a LAN cable? » probably could not give a clear answer.

The idea of this article is to help you answer that question. In this text, we are taking a look at how Ethernet cables work, the technical differences, and advantages and disadvantages of LAN cabling.

A LAN cable is a conductor that connects devices in a Local Area Network (LAN) with a network connector. The network cable provides communication between several devices (computers, routers, switches,…). The term “LAN” is an overtake for Ethernet cable.

It was created in the 1970s by the XEROX company. Universities and laboratories were dependent on the interconnection of their computers and terminals already at that time. Employee Robert Metcalfe wanted all computers to be able to print from XEROX’s new laser printer. The local area network was born.

A lot has happened since the early days of LAN technology. We have already explained in more detail which standards exist today, which categories of cables, and which plug-in technologies are used and what an ethernet cable is.

First and foremost, such a LAN cable is used to connect devices within a network. It is a physical plug connection. Basically, any data cable that is used for communication between end devices can be called a network cable.

Some of them are particularly suitable for short distances. Their design can be particularly space-saving so that they can also be used in confined areas. Others are designed for longer distances or outdoor use.

However, all of these serve only one purpose: to connect devices to each other with a network connector. In addition to computers, routers or servers, peripheral devices such as printers or IP cameras also form part of the network.

For this purpose, a LAN cable is connected to a terminal device. The data reaches the other end device via a LAN distributor. Of course, this must also be integrated into the network.

From the outside, a LAN cable looks very similar to a telephone cable. It is also covered with a plastic sheath. The most common colors are blue, orange, yellow or gray. Inside are the eight different strands. These are in turn twisted into four pairs of wires.

However, the network cables have one outstanding characteristic. They look the same at both ends. There are RJ45 plugs, which are rectangular in shape and often have a small nose with which the plug locks into the ethernet port.

Furthermore, the plugs have a small light built in. Depending on the light signal, this can be used to detect activity on the end device. If it lights up green, for example, the device is correctly connected to the network. A red signal indicates an error.

As long as the light is on, however, it means that there is at least communication between the device and the LAN distributor.

Computers, servers and other network-enabled devices have a LAN port. This actually looks somewhat similar to the telephone connection. The RJ45 cable connector is a standard for a variety of devices.

As a rule, the Ethernet port sockets are found on the back of routers or PCs. On laptops, they are found on the side. Due to the space-saving design of modern notebooks, the sockets are no longer installed everywhere. However, adapters can be used to remedy this.

After all, the LAN port only has the use of creating a wired access to a network. A wireless network cannot be established directly with it.

Before we can answer this question, we must first clarify: What is Ethernet? Because the differences are small but still important.

Ethernet refers to a wired data transmission in a local area network (LAN). Devices within this environment are connected by a cable, the LAN cable.

However, this was initially only an all-encompassing synonym, a kind of generic term. Actually, only certain types of cable were referred to as Ethernet cables.

It was a copper cable twisted in itself. Data is forwarded in a standardized manner via this cable. The information is packed by Ethernet frames into a larger package, which contains checksums and MAC addresses in addition to the actual data.

In addition to the Ethernet standard, the Arcnet and Token Ring protocols also exist. However, these have been superseded by the Ethernet.

When buying a network cable, there is no difference between a LAN cable and an Ethernet cable. It is a twisted copper cable.

While LAN by definition describes a specific area – several hundred meters – Ethernet is about the type of cabling. In other words, the protocols behind it or the defined plug connection.

However, since the two terms are used synonymously, there are no differences at all when it comes to acquisition.

A patch cable is also a network cable. Although there is no exact definition for it, this term usually refers to short conductors. They usually refer to cables that are not permanently installed and are therefore often used in offices and the like.

They are also used to connect devices within a network. Their short length is a characteristic feature.

They can be purchased pre-terminated, i.e. assembled. Installation cables are often delivered without RJ45 cable connectors and have to be adapted afterward. Nowadays, however, the manufacturing quality is so high that there is basically nothing to be said against buying “ready-made” patch cables.

The biggest difference between a LAN cable and Wifi is the physicality. In the truest sense of the word. Because while LAN is a physical interconnected network, Wifi is a wireless network.

Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) is a standard assigned to devices that can receive WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network). This standard is certified by the Wi-Fi Alliance, an association of companies that research in this field.

Although often used in the same breath, Wifi and WLAN are not the same things. Strictly speaking, the latter is the generic term for wireless local area networks. With WiFi, one speaks of the device standard.

LAN cables have much more to offer in terms of transmission speed than WLAN. Modern standards allow a rate of 40 Gb/s in the wired network. That is many times more than is possible in wireless networks.

Even with the latest Wi-Fi 6 standard (WLAN AX), data streams of up to 9.6 Gb/s can be achieved. However, this is only a theoretical value, since it cannot be achieved in real environments due to external interference factors.

There are roughly two materials used for LAN cables: copper and fiber optics. Fiber optic cables are not only faster and have a higher transmission rate, but are also significantly thinner. Furthermore, they are less susceptible to interference. However, they are a little more costly.

You can find out more about single mode vs. multimode fiber here.

Ethernet cables have some advantages compared to other types of transmission.

However, there are also disadvantages with LAN networks, which are:

However, wired network connections are clearly superior to WLAN environments in terms of security. Cracking attacks can be used to access the wireless network from outside. Jammer attacks can also be used to disrupt or even completely paralyze the WLAN signal.

For jamming attacks on the LAN, the hacker would need physical access to the network.

There is no general answer to the question « What should I look for when buying LAN cables? ». It depends strongly on the conditions of the own network.

SF/FTP cables are recommended to avoid interference as much as possible. They are twisted, shielded and have double protection to the outside. Cat6 cables are now the common standard and can be used in both private and business environments.

In our everyday life, they have been indispensable for decades, and yet most could not give a clear answer to the question « What is a LAN cable? » probably could not give a clear answer.

The idea of this article is to help you answer that question. In this text, we are taking a look at how Ethernet cables work, the technical differences, and advantages and disadvantages of LAN cabling.

A LAN cable is a conductor that connects devices in a Local Area Network (LAN) with a network connector. The network cable provides communication between several devices (computers, routers, switches,…). The term “LAN” is an overtake for Ethernet cable.

It was created in the 1970s by the XEROX company. Universities and laboratories were dependent on the interconnection of their computers and terminals already at that time. Employee Robert Metcalfe wanted all computers to be able to print from XEROX’s new laser printer. The local area network was born.

A lot has happened since the early days of LAN technology. We have already explained in more detail which standards exist today, which categories of cables, and which plug-in technologies are used and what an ethernet cable is.

First and foremost, such a LAN cable is used to connect devices within a network. It is a physical plug connection. Basically, any data cable that is used for communication between end devices can be called a network cable.

Some of them are particularly suitable for short distances. Their design can be particularly space-saving so that they can also be used in confined areas. Others are designed for longer distances or outdoor use.

However, all of these serve only one purpose: to connect devices to each other with a network connector. In addition to computers, routers or servers, peripheral devices such as printers or IP cameras also form part of the network.

For this purpose, a LAN cable is connected to a terminal device. The data reaches the other end device via a LAN distributor. Of course, this must also be integrated into the network.

From the outside, a LAN cable looks very similar to a telephone cable. It is also covered with a plastic sheath. The most common colors are blue, orange, yellow or gray. Inside are the eight different strands. These are in turn twisted into four pairs of wires.

However, the network cables have one outstanding characteristic. They look the same at both ends. There are RJ45 plugs, which are rectangular in shape and often have a small nose with which the plug locks into the ethernet port.

Furthermore, the plugs have a small light built in. Depending on the light signal, this can be used to detect activity on the end device. If it lights up green, for example, the device is correctly connected to the network. A red signal indicates an error.

As long as the light is on, however, it means that there is at least communication between the device and the LAN distributor.

Computers, servers and other network-enabled devices have a LAN port. This actually looks somewhat similar to the telephone connection. The RJ45 cable connector is a standard for a variety of devices.

As a rule, the Ethernet port sockets are found on the back of routers or PCs. On laptops, they are found on the side. Due to the space-saving design of modern notebooks, the sockets are no longer installed everywhere. However, adapters can be used to remedy this.

After all, the LAN port only has the use of creating a wired access to a network. A wireless network cannot be established directly with it.

Before we can answer this question, we must first clarify: What is Ethernet? Because the differences are small but still important.

Ethernet refers to a wired data transmission in a local area network (LAN). Devices within this environment are connected by a cable, the LAN cable.

However, this was initially only an all-encompassing synonym, a kind of generic term. Actually, only certain types of cable were referred to as Ethernet cables.

It was a copper cable twisted in itself. Data is forwarded in a standardized manner via this cable. The information is packed by Ethernet frames into a larger package, which contains checksums and MAC addresses in addition to the actual data.

In addition to the Ethernet standard, the Arcnet and Token Ring protocols also exist. However, these have been superseded by the Ethernet.

When buying a network cable, there is no difference between a LAN cable and an Ethernet cable. It is a twisted copper cable.

While LAN by definition describes a specific area – several hundred meters – Ethernet is about the type of cabling. In other words, the protocols behind it or the defined plug connection.

However, since the two terms are used synonymously, there are no differences at all when it comes to acquisition.

A patch cable is also a network cable. Although there is no exact definition for it, this term usually refers to short conductors. They usually refer to cables that are not permanently installed and are therefore often used in offices and the like.

They are also used to connect devices within a network. Their short length is a characteristic feature.

They can be purchased pre-terminated, i.e. assembled. Installation cables are often delivered without RJ45 cable connectors and have to be adapted afterward. Nowadays, however, the manufacturing quality is so high that there is basically nothing to be said against buying “ready-made” patch cables.

The biggest difference between a LAN cable and Wifi is the physicality. In the truest sense of the word. Because while LAN is a physical interconnected network, Wifi is a wireless network.

Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) is a standard assigned to devices that can receive WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network). This standard is certified by the Wi-Fi Alliance, an association of companies that research in this field.

Although often used in the same breath, Wifi and WLAN are not the same things. Strictly speaking, the latter is the generic term for wireless local area networks. With WiFi, one speaks of the device standard.

LAN cables have much more to offer in terms of transmission speed than WLAN. Modern standards allow a rate of 40 Gb/s in the wired network. That is many times more than is possible in wireless networks.

Even with the latest Wi-Fi 6 standard (WLAN AX), data streams of up to 9.6 Gb/s can be achieved. However, this is only a theoretical value, since it cannot be achieved in real environments due to external interference factors.

There are roughly two materials used for LAN cables: copper and fiber optics. Fiber optic cables are not only faster and have a higher transmission rate, but are also significantly thinner. Furthermore, they are less susceptible to interference. However, they are a little more costly.

You can find out more about single mode vs. multimode fiber here.

Ethernet cables have some advantages compared to other types of transmission.

However, there are also disadvantages with LAN networks, which are:

However, wired network connections are clearly superior to WLAN environments in terms of security. Cracking attacks can be used to access the wireless network from outside. Jammer attacks can also be used to disrupt or even completely paralyze the WLAN signal.

For jamming attacks on the LAN, the hacker would need physical access to the network.

There is no general answer to the question « What should I look for when buying LAN cables? ». It depends strongly on the conditions of the own network.

SF/FTP cables are recommended to avoid interference as much as possible. They are twisted, shielded and have double protection to the outside. Cat6 cables are now the common standard and can be used in both private and business environments.

Well, don’t despair. CyberCrew has got the answer for you. We will cover everything from the basics, such as the definition of a LAN cable, all the way through to different LAN cable types, fibre optical cables, protocol speeds, and much more, so you won’t have to call anyone else again!

A LAN cable is a type of cable that is used to connect devices together to form a local area network (LAN). It allows devices such as computers, printers, and routers in a physical space to communicate with each other and share data and resources.

The main purpose of a LAN cable is to establish a high-speed wired internet connection between your computer or other device and your network’s router.

The invention of LAN was the direct result of the increasing need for high-speed interconnections between computers during the late 1960s and early 1970s.

The first LAN technology was invented in the early 1970s by Robert Metcalfe, who was also the co-founder of 3Com. At the time, Metcalfe was a member of the research staff for Xerox PARC, a research company in Palo Alto, California, and was asked to build a networking system for PARC’s computers.

The reason for this was that Xerox was building the world’s first-ever laser printer and wanted all of PARC’s computers to be able to print with that printer. Metcalfe later named the technology Ethernet.

From the outside, LAN cables look very similar to telephone cables. They are usually covered in a plastic sheath and have eight colour-coded wires, twisted into four pairs of wires, unlike telephone cables which only have four wires. The wires are usually coloured blue, green, brown, and orange.

If you want to check whether a cable is a LAN cable or not, there are a few things you can do. Firstly, you can check the connector. LAN cables have RJ-45 connectors, which are shaped like little rectangular boxes, and a small lever on top, which helps to secure the cable.

While LAN cables may come in a range of colours and lengths, there is one characteristic that they all share. Namely, both sides of a LAN cable look the same, regardless of the brand of the cable or the device you are connecting it to.

Once you know how to recognise a LAN cable, it will be easy for you to identify it and connect your devices.

A LAN cable also emits different colours while plugged into the computer, and each colour of light indicates a different activity status. The colours that a LAN cable emits can vary depending on the manufacturer of the cable and the network adapter, but they are usually either green, amber, or red.

When a LAN cable emits the green colour, that means it is sending and receiving data correctly. The amber colour means that there is a transmission error, and the red colour means that there is a collision on the network.

Regardless of the colour, when the light blinks, it indicates that the port is actively transmitting the information. Likewise, a solid light means that the devices are properly connected and ready to transmit data. When there is no light at all, it indicates that no network connection has been established.

There are many different types of LAN cables, each of which has its own advantages and disadvantages. The most common LAN cables are Ethernet cables, which come in eight categories, each differing in terms of bandwidth, maximum transmission speeds, and shielding.

The table below shows the eight major types of Ethernet cables and their main features.

CAT5 cables opened the way for high-speed internet. They can transfer data at up to 100 Mbps and 100 MHz bandwidth. CAT6 cables are newer and can handle speeds up to 10 Gbps and a maximum bandwidth of 250 MHz.

CAT8 LAN cables are the newest type of Ethernet cable with a maximum speed of 40 Gbps and an unprecedented bandwidth of 2,000 MHz. This type of cable is also more resistant to interference, making it more suitable for use in noisy environments.

Fibre optic cables are another LAN cable type that is becoming increasingly popular. Fibre optic cables use light instead of electrical impulses to transmit data, making them faster and more reliable than traditional Ethernet cables. They have a maximum speed of 10 Gbps and can be used to connect devices over long distances.

LAN cables have a number of advantages over other types of cables, including

LAN cables also have a few disadvantages:

What is the difference in protocol speeds? What does this mean for your internet connection? What are the advantages and disadvantages of each connection type?

The current state-of-the-art LAN cables allow for a maximum speed of 40 Gbps. That is much faster than even the next-generation Wi-Fi standard, Wi-Fi 6, which can support speeds up to 9.6 Gbps. What this means is that LAN cables will give you a better internet connection than Wi-Fi because they can download data quicker.

However, one disadvantage of LAN cables is that they are more expensive than Wi-Fi connections. As a LAN network requires several different components to work, such as cables, routers, and switches, it is typically more expensive than a Wi-Fi network.

Another big downside to using these types of cables is that they aren’t as convenient as Wi-Fi. While you can use a Wi-Fi network virtually anywhere where a hotspot is available, LAN cables are only suitable for devices that you don’t need to move around, such as desktop computers.

Other than LAN cables, there are also a few alternatives that are slightly more convenient and still provide the same fast and reliable internet connection. So, what are some alternatives to a LAN cable?

LAN stands for Local Area Network. A LAN is a private network consisting of routers, cables, access points, switches, and other units that let devices link to web servers, internal servers, and other LANs using Wide Area Networks (WAN). The most straightforward technique you can use to set up a LAN is by using an ethernet cable.

So, what is a LAN cable? It is a networking cable that connects different devices. For example, if you have a printer that connects to your router with a cable, that cable is a LAN cable. A LAN cable helps in the connection of computers and hardware to form a LAN and is best for usage in small distances.

No, it is not. An Ethernet cable is basically another type of LAN cable. Explained below are the types of LAN cables.

There are three main types of LAN cables:

Each of the above three LAN cables has different designs and functions, which power your network connections. Get a thorough description and illustration of all these three LAN cables by reading this great article: Fiber Optic Cable vs Twisted Pair Cable vs Coaxial Cable.

You will most likely be using coaxial cables for connection from your Internet Service Provider to your modems. The coaxial cable powers that connection, which provides your network with internet access. Many people use coaxial cables because their shielded design lets the center conductor quickly transmit data while being protected from damage and interruptions.

Copper twisted pair is the ordinary networking cable used to connect computers, routers, switches, and IP cameras. Two insulated copper wires are twisted around one another to minimize crosstalk or electromagnetic induction between pairs of wires. For specific business locations, the networking cable is enclosed inside a shield that works as ground. This is referred to as Shielded Twisted Pair (STP). The ordinary wire to your home is unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP).

The twisted-pair Ethernet cable comes in different categories including:

Fiber optic cables are faster and more efficient at transmitting network signals. Think about the speed of light, and you will understand how they operate. These cables are faster, more reliable, and carry larger bandwidth than the copper wire can handle. Fiber optic cables enable end-to-end connections, where you don't share signals with other users on the network. This limits internet speed slowdowns during peak usage hours. Feel free to check out the Fiber Optic Cable Types: Single Mode vs Multimode Fiber Cable.

Fiber optic cables usually have different connector types, some of which range from:

Always choose a LAN cable with the performance and range you need. What will you need to consider before choosing?

Yes, a plugged-in LAN cable is faster than Wi-Fi. Even though Wi-Fi speeds today have significantly increased, courtesy of standards like 802.11ac and 802.11n, which provide maximum speeds of 866.7Mb/s and 150 Mb/s, respectively, the use of Ethernet through a LAN cable to access the internet is still better and faster than Wi-Fi.

Alternatively, a LAN cable can provide up to 10Gb/s if you have a Cat 6 cable. The exact maximum speed of your LAN cable depends on the type of LAN cable you are using. But still, even the commonly used Cat 5e cable supports up to 1 Gb/s. Unlike Wi-Fi, this LAN cable speed is consistent.

The primary determinant of your internet activities should be based on the internet speeds offered by your ISP. HOWEVER, a LAN cable is unique as it will affect the speed between devices on your network. For instance, if you want to transfer files faster between two computers in your house, a LAN cable is faster than Wi-Fi. Since your internet connection type is not involved in transferring files, it is upon the maximum speeds that your local network hardware can provide.

• Connect the Ethernet cable to a yellow LAN port on your modem.
• Connect the other end of the Ethernet cable to an Ethernet port on your computer or laptop.
• Make sure that the Ethernet light is green and flashing next to the port you have used on your modem.