Ethernet Cables Cat5e, Cat6, and Cat7

                  Before diving into the content, let’s get to know the different types of LAN cables. Each type of LAN cable can be categorized based on the following details

                  1. Insulation Characteristics: Cables can be classified by their insulation type, whether they have just insulation, insulation with an outer foil, or full foil shielding.

                  2. Usage: Cables are categorized for outdoor (Outdoor) and indoor (Indoor) use. Outdoor cables have stronger and thicker sheathing compared to indoor cables to better withstand outdoor weather conditions.

                  3. Connector Types and Usage: LAN cables can also be categorized based on the type of connectors or their specific applications. It’s important to choose signal cables that are appropriate and compatible with the connecting devices to ensure the most stable data transmission.

                  CAT5E LAN Cable

                  CAT5E, or Category 5E, is a cable without external signal interference shielding. This type of cable consists of 4 pairs, totaling 8 wires, with two types of copper conductors:

                  Solid Conductor: Suitable for general installation.

                  Stranded Conductor: Ideal for patch cords inside communication cabinets as it can be twisted and bent more easily than solid conductors.

                  This type of cable can have a maximum bandwidth of 350 MHz in some brands, with the standard being 100 MHz, and supports signal speeds of 100 to 1000 Mbps or Gigabit.

                  CAT6 LAN Cable

                  CAT6, or Category 6, is a cable with four twisted pairs of copper wires. It supports connections to computers and network devices like switches or hubs and can handle data transfer speeds of up to 10 Gbps. The cable has a maximum bandwidth of 600 MHz, with the standard being 250 MHz, and supports full-speed data transfer of 1000 Mbps or Full Gigabit over a recommended stable distance of up to 100 meters (depending on the area size and signal interference). The standard connector is RJ-45.

                  Types of CAT6 cables include CMR, CM, and LSZH, each differing in materials, installation methods, and fire propagation rates, ensuring safety in office buildings (per UL standards):

• CM (Communication Metallic): Suitable for horizontal or floor installations; should not be installed exposed in other orientations.
• CMR (Communication Metallic Riser): Suitable for both horizontal and vertical installations in riser spaces (inter-floor cable runs). It is designed with durable materials and better fire resistance than CM, making it more expensive but worthwhile for long-term use.
• LSZH (Low Smoke Zero Halogen): Adds safety features; in case of fire, LSZH cables do not propagate flames and produce less smoke, preventing suffocation that could lead to fatalities.

                  CAT7 LAN Cable

                  CAT7, or Category 7, is a cable featuring aluminum foil shielding around each pair to prevent signal interference. It uses Screen Shielded Twisted Pair (SSTP) or Shielded Foiled Twisted Pair (SFTP) construction. This cable supports connections to computers and network devices and can handle data transfer speeds up to 10 Gbps, with a maximum frequency of 600 MHz. It is recommended for stable use over distances not exceeding 100 meters.

                  Which cable you choose to use, whether Cat5E, Cat6, or Cat7, depends on each organization’s budget and the benefits gained from using a more expensive cable. Currently, the most used cable is CAT6, as it meets standard usage requirements. Many organizations in Thailand still use switches that operate at speeds of 10/100/1000 Mbps, making this type of cable the most suitable for use at a cost-effective investment.

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