Among various categories, networking is the least interesting topic for many users but the time has changed drastically as every house and office needs internet access to support its business operations and likewise.
Similarly, Bulk Ethernet Cables (1000ft Cables) are the backbone of this modern networking and also the speed. The network cable is the fastest way to connect and get the desired speed. You need a true cable to match the server speed with the LAN cable.
The reason to include the history of ethernet cables is to provide you with the right information so that you can choose the right type of cable for your networking needs according to the Network Cable. One more thing is that you all know about the Cat5e ethernet cable, the Cat6 ethernet cable, and the Cat6a network cable. All these 3 types of cables are frequently used for supporting Fast Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet, and Future Ethernet (10 Gbps).
Enough with the introduction, now let’s roll the history of Bulk ethernet cables and their speed and bandwidth capacity.
History of Ethernet Cable
The history of ethernet cable starts with the Category 1 cable which is obsolete nowadays. A scientist Robert Metcalfe along with his colleagues has invented the LAN cables that can support speed. The first ever cable used for the internet was coaxial cable having a single conductor which was later replaced with the category cables.
The category cable was invented in the 1970s and from low speed and bandwidth modern ethernet cables are now renowned for their high speed and progressing to compete with faster data transmission.
| Ethernet Cable Categories Speed and Bandwidth Chart | ||||
| Category | Data Rate | Max Length | Cable Type | Applications |
| Cat1 | Up to 1 Mbps | Below 30 meters | Twisted pair | Old Telephone cable |
| Cat2 | Up to 4 Mbps | Below 30 meters | Twisted pair | Token Ring Networks |
| Cat3 | Up to 4 Mbps | 100 meters (328ft) | Twisted pair | Token Ring, 10BASE-T Ethernet |
| Cat4 | Up to 16 Mbps | 328ft | Twisted pair | Token Ring Networks |
| Cat5 | Up to 100 Mbps | 100 meters | Twisted pair | Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, and Token Ring |
| Cat5e | 1000 Mbps (1 Gbps) | 100 meters | Twisted pair | Ethernet (10MBps), Fast Ethernet (100Mbps), and Gigabit Ethernet (1000Mbps) |
| Cat6 | 10 Gbps speed | 100 meters | Tightly twisted pair | Gigabit Ethernet, 10G Ethernet approx. 50 to 55 meters |
| Cat6a | 10 Gbps speed | 100 meters | Tightly twisted Pair | Gigabit ethernet and 10G Ethernet |
| Cat7 | 10 Gbps speed | 100 meters | Tightly twisted pair | Gigabit Ethernet, 10G Ethernet 100 meters |
Product Review of Cat5e, Cat6, and Cat6a Ethernet Cables
A true network cable is always on top regarding its quality, designed to withstand harsh conditions whether outside or cable performance. Let’s hear about the Riser jackets cable with each category cable like Cat5e riser cable, Cat 6 riser cable, and Bulk Cat6a riser. Starting with the low category Cat5e Ethernet Cable.
What Is Cat5e Network Cable?
The Cat5e LAN cable is an enhanced category cable which is exceptional and the reason for the obsolete cat5 network cable. The cable has a 24 AWG conductor size ideal for different Fast Ethernet Applications. The core part has two types of conductors CCA (Copper-Clad Aluminum) and Pure Copper.
Cat5e riser 1000ft comes with the pull box with sequential length markings of “Ft” to analyze the remaining length of the cable. The cable throughput is 350 MHz, the frequency at which the data travels.
Cat5e Riser cable is the best source to use for residential and commercial applications. Also, there are some of the major changes in the speed. You can use Cat5e riser 1000ft cable over shorter and longer runs. If you want to get Gigabit speed (1 Gbps) the length of the cable should be below 55 meters or approximately 50 meters. It can also be used to a maximum of 100 meters in length.
Disclaimer: Do not extend the length of the cable above 100 meters (328ft) or else you will feel the lag or slow data transmission speed. Over longer runs the cat5e riser copper cable becomes susceptible to attenuation and signal loss.
Review of Cat6 Ethernet Cable
The next category of cable is Cat6 cable which is available in Riser, plenum, and direct burial jackets to accommodate indoor and outdoor installation. Similar to the Cat5e riser 1000ft cable, the Cat 6 riser cable is the cost-effective choice in CCA and Pure copper conductor.
It is observed that it has even better specifications than the Cat5e Ethernet Cable. Starting with the twisted pairs it has 5-6 twists per inch to overcome the crosstalk (AXT and NEXT). The additional advantage is spline (A plastic material between the twisted pairs) which helps reduce pair-to-pair crosstalk.
The Cat6 riser 1000ft cable can be used in residential, commercial, and industrial setups. Due to its future-proof nature, the cable is more accepted as you have the edge to add highly advanced technology equipment like PoE switches, and other machinery that operates on fast data transmission.
Speed ratings of the Cat6 riser bare copper cable are 1/10 GbE. Over a shorter length, the cable delivers 10 Gbps speed and 1 Gbps over longer runs. It features a 23 AWG conductor size.
The Cat6 riser bare copper has 550 Bandwidth which means you can transfer bulk information within seconds. The cable outer jacket is the ultimate security for the cable and protects the internal structure.
What Is Cat6a Ethernet Cable?
Augmented Category 6 cable is the next modern ethernet cable for this generation. A 10 Gbit/s speed makes it feasible for fast data transmission. It has tight twists per inch (6-7) making it best to cancel out the interference and other nearby signals.
The cable is only made of copper conductor so that the speed and performance are not compromised. Bulk Cat6a riser cable has a 23 AWG conductor size and therefore the cable is not for slow server speed or vice versa. It needs at least a 10 Gbps speed server.
Moreover, the cable is bulkier and is weighted, and therefore it’s a challenge to install Cat6a riser cable to your buildings or so.
The cable is only for commercial and industrial needs as it will not support low server speed or gigabit speed. The 750 MHz bandwidth capacity of this cable is quite impressive so you can easily add additional latest technology devices with the Cat6a riser 1000ft cable.
Final Thought
All the category cables like Cat5e are specially designed to support gigabit speed over shorter length. If you further proceed towards the next category cables they are more sophisticated and able to handle bulk information.
Yeah, Cat6 riser copper cable is the ultimate need for performance and speed. It is used for long-distance installation but not above 100 meters. Similarly, the Cat6a riser cable has no comparison in speed as it will pour out 10 Gbps speed which is tremendous for fast data transmission.
Choosing an ethernet cable is not a piece of cake but you need to understand both terms like its specification and which cable is your ultimate choice.
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