What are ethernet cables? Their features and classifications

1.1 What is Ethernet?

Ethernet is a very popular network connection technology that allows devices such as computers, printers, and storage devices to communicate with each other within a local area network (LAN). Ethernet was developed in the 1970s and has become the dominant connection standard in offices and factories. This technology operates based on the principle of transmitting data via cables, ensuring high transmission speeds and stability.

With Ethernet, devices on the network can communicate quickly and efficiently through a standardized protocol system, supporting the transmission of large amounts of data simultaneously. Thanks to its flexible scalability and upgradeability, Ethernet is suitable for both small and large networks such as data centers or industrial networks.

1.2 What is an Ethernet cable?

Ethernet cables (also known as Ethernet network cables) are cables designed to transmit data signals between connected devices in an Ethernet network system. These cables are typically made of conductors (copper or fiber optic) with an outer insulating jacket to protect the inner wires from environmental influences.

Ethernet cables provide wired connections between computer devices at the physical layer within a local area network (LAN). These cables connect to Ethernet ports on various devices, most commonly connecting a Wi-Fi router or modem to an internet access port or telephone line. Additionally, Ethernet cables are used to directly connect other devices besides computers, such as servers, storage devices, and printers, as well as smart devices like TVs and Internet of Things (IoT) devices, for example: surveillance devices, IP cameras, VoIP phones, and satellite receivers.

Ethernet cables also support "plug-and-play" connections; simply plug them into the appropriate Ethernet port to connect. A small latch helps secure the cable, or a port lock can be used for added security. If more ports are needed than are available, for example on a router, a network switch can easily be added to provide additional ports. Some ports also have LED lights that illuminate when connected and flash in a specific pattern to indicate connection status and usage level.

Ethernet cables come in a variety of colors for easy cable management and classification. Additionally, different colors of Ethernet cables can be used to distinguish between different floors, departments, or functions within a company, connected from a stack of network switches.

>>See more: HELUKABEL Ethernet cable products

2.1 Outer sheath of an Ethernet cable

Ethernet cables come in various lengths, designs, and structures, though all share a common feature: eight wires twisted into four pairs, along with a rip cord. The twisted pairs help reduce crosstalk from adjacent wire pairs, enhancing resistance to electromagnetic interference (EMI). The rip cord is designed to cut through the cable's outer sheath, making handling and installation easier. When you strip the outer sheath of an ethernet cable, you'll see a simple structure of eight individual conductors twisted in a specific color-coded pattern as defined by ethernet cable standards. On closer inspection, you'll notice that the number of twists per inch increases depending on the cable type.

These twists in the cables play a critical role in protecting the signal, ensuring its stability, and minimizing interference. As current flows through the cables, it generates a magnetic field. Thanks to the twists, this magnetic field is shielded from external signals, significantly reducing interference, commonly referred to as "crosstalk."

>>See more: Understanding the phenomenon of crosstalk

2.2 Shielded and unshielded Ethernet cables

Ethernet twisted-pair cables are typically classified into two types: shielded and unshielded. Shielded twisted-pair cables (STP) have a protective conductive layer, such as tinned copper braids, copper tape, or conductive polymer. This shielding reduces interference from crosstalk and other external noise sources. The additional shielding enhances the cable's ability to perform in environments with high electromagnetic interference (EMI).

Unshielded twisted-pair cables (UTP) lack any protective shielding layer. They are simpler in design, with wire pairs bundled inside a rubber or plastic outer sheath. UTP cables are suitable for most standard LAN environments. Since STP cables are thicker and less flexible, UTP cables are often preferred for easier installation in typical network setups.

Technical article: The difference between UTP and STP twisted pair cables

Basic symbols for identifying types of shielding on Ethernet cables:

• U (Unshielded): Refers to Ethernet cables without a shielding layer.
• S (Shielded/Screened): Symbol for the type of Ethernet cable with a protective layer around each twisted pair, helping to enhance noise immunity.
• F (Foiled): Mark cables with a metal foil layer wrapped around them to minimize interference throughout the entire cable.
• TP (Twisted Pairs): Refers to cables that use twisted pairs of wires to reduce interference.

3.4 Cat 6 Ethernet Cable

Cat 6 cable can support speeds up to 10 Gbps and a maximum frequency of 250 MHz. While Cat 5e cable has about 1.5-2 twists per cm, Cat 6 cable is more tightly twisted with 2 or more twists per cm (the number of twists per cm may vary depending on the manufacturer). Cat 6 Ethernet cable also has a thicker jacket than Cat 5e, and is fully compatible with existing Cat 5e and Cat 5 devices.

Although standard Ethernet supports distances up to 100 meters, Cat 6 cable only supports distances between 37-55 meters (depending on crosstalk) when transmitting at 10 Gbps. The thicker jacket helps protect against Near End Crosstalk (NEXT) and Alien Crosstalk (AXT). Although Cat 6 and Cat 6a cables offer higher performance, many LANs still opt for Cat 5e cables due to their reasonable cost and ability to support Gigabit speeds.

Physically, Cat 6 cable has more twists per pair and a plastic tube running down the middle, which reduces crosstalk and allows for higher speeds. Cat 6a is a new standard designed to support speeds of 10 Gbps over the entire 100-meter length.

HELUAKBEL's Cat 6 Ethernet cables ensure superior transmission capabilities and can perform well even in the harshest conditions. Some representative products that users can refer to include:

• HELUKAT® 250S CAT.6 CMG SF/UTP PVC CHAIN
• HELUKAT® 250IND CAT.6 AWM SF/UTP PVC STATIC
• HELUKAT® 250IND CAT.6 CMG SF/UTP PVC STATIC

3.5 Cat 6A Ethernet Cable

The letter "a" in Cat 6a Ethernet cable stands for "Augmented." Compared to standard Cat 6 cable, Cat 6a cable supports double the maximum bandwidth and is capable of maintaining higher transmission speeds over longer cable lengths. Cat 6a cable is always shielded, with a thick outer layer that completely eliminates crosstalk, making it less flexible than Cat 6.

Cat 6a cable can support bandwidth frequencies up to 500 MHz, double that of Cat 6 cable, and can also support 10 Gbps speeds like the previous version. However, unlike Cat 6 cable, Cat 6a Ethernet cable can support 10 Gigabit Ethernet at a distance of 100 meters, while Cat 6 cable can only transmit the same speed at a maximum distance of 37 meters. Cat 6a cable also has a more robust outer layer, which eliminates alien crosstalk (AXT) and improves the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR).

HELUKABEL offers a wide range of Cat 6A Ethernet cables, suitable for various applications:

• HELUKAT® 500IND CAT.6A S/FTP PUR STATIC : specially designed for fixed installations in harsh operating environments.
• HELUKAT 500S CAT.6A SF/FTP PVC CHAIN : is a line of Ethernet cables compatible with continuous motion applications such as cable chains, achieving UL CM certification.
• HELUKAT 500S CAT.6A SF/FTP SLIM PUR CHAIN : This product ensures superior transmission capabilities in extremely harsh conditions. With the ability to withstand repeated loads caused by moving applications, this cable line is used for cable chain systems.

Single Pair Ethernet (SPE) is a promising industrial communication technology for the future. Unlike previous Ethernet technologies such as PROFIBUS or PROFINET, SPE enables high-speed data transmission at gigabit speeds using only a single pair of wires. Even power can be supplied directly through the cable. This is a flexible, space-saving, and cost-effective solution that facilitates real-time communication with every small device in the system.

HELUKABEL offers a wide range of Ethernet cables for SPE technology, featuring diverse cross-sections, materials, and applications to meet various usage requirements. Some representative Ethernet cable products for SPE technology include: HELUKAT SPE 1000BASE-T1 Hybrid SPE, HELUKAT SPE 1000BASE-T1 Highlex AWG 26/19, HELUKAT SPE 10BASE-T1L AWG 18/1 PVC UL AWM.

>>Learn more: HELUKABEL cables for Single Pair Ethernet technology