Router Cables Explained - Computers - Hardware

It is a very good idea to understand Router cables when deciding to purchase a new one for your home or business. Standard of category are important specifications to consider when choosing this type of cable. Cat5, Cat5e, and Cat6 are a few examples of types to choose from. The different categories offer difference in network speed. When choosing your new Router cable it's important to choose the category of cable that suits your networ. Cat5e are the industry standard.

The Ethernet cables connect directly from your router or modem to your computer. A common mistake made by many people when shopping for an Ethernet cable is to buy an RJ11. It's important to remember you the difference between an RJ11 cable and an RJ45 cable, the latter being the correct for a modem. RJ11 plugs connect from your telephone wall point into the back of your modem. An RJ11 plug is smaller in size than an RJ45. RJ45 is the standard plug used on all Ethernet Router cables, they are twice the size of an RJ11 and will not fit into the telephone wall point.

Router cables or network cables to give them another name are categorized into various cable types. It is important to purchase cables that meet or even go further than the specification standards when considering which cable to buy. A Cat5e cable is capable of speeds up to 100 mbs, whilst the newer and higher specified cat6 cables are capable of much higher Gigabit speed which is 1000 mbs. The plugs on the a cat5e and a cat6 cable are identical. The only difference is the speed they have been designed to work at. The higher speed lead will have a thicker core with less resistance. Higher speed router cables are also suitable for internet television which uses your broadband internet connection to stream video over the internet.

Shielding is another think to consider, a shielded cable will not suffer from crosstalk which is interference picked up from other electrical cabling in the area. You can get individually shielded or even a fully shielded ethernet cable. This is particularly useful if you are using longer runs which can act like aerials picking up interference from other equipment nearby. A good rule of thumb is to consider shielding if the distance is going to be longer than 5 meters or around 16 feet. Shielded Ethernet cables should not cost that much more to purchase and will offer a better and more stable connection for your network.

access point vs router