We all need some ethernet patch cord for almost every video or audio system for home or for office. Anyone who has worked with computers for any length of time has probably used a patch cable. Patch cables are normally used to connect a computer to another device, such as a printer, router, or network switch.
Patch cables are named for the type of connector at each end of the cable: the ‘patch’ end goes into the switch or router, and the ‘plug’ end goes into a computer, printer, etc. And in this article, we will discuss questions like, what is a patch cable, which cable should you use, types of patch cables, importance of patch cables, and finally, the purpose of an ethernet patch cable.
Patch cables are available in a variety of forms, such as a straight-through cable, crossover cable, and rolled cable. The most common cables used in networking are straight-through cables, while crossover cables are used to connect a computer directly to a switch.
What is a patch cable?
A patch cable, or patch cord, is a short cable used to connect devices to a network or to a computer network switch. Patch cables are typically short, between 1 and 5 meters (3 to 16 feet), and connect a networked device to a network switch or hub. Patch cables are usually much shorter than bulk ethernet cables.
Which Ethernet patch cable should I use?
It depends on the type of ethernet cables you have installed in your network. But there is an exception. That is, some patch cables are backward compatible and you can use them even if you have older category ethernet cables installed in your network.
Another factor that influences your use of a certain patch cable is the length. Patch cords are available in different lengths such as 1.5 feet, 3 feet, 10 feet, etc. Depending on your requirement, you will have to choose a cable of a certain length.
The following are the most commonly used patch cords:
- Cat5e Patch cables: They have a data transfer rate of up to 100Mbps with a frequency of 350MHz.
- Cat6 Patch Cables: These ethernet patch cables can transmit data at speeds of up to 1Gbps and support a bandwidth of 550 MHz. They are used in homes and offices and are very popular for high-performance.
- Cat6a Patch Cables: These are cutting-edge patch cables with a data transfer rate of up to 10Gbps and a bandwidth of 750MHz. For all high speed ethernet applications such as, fast-ethernet, gigabit ethernet, 10 gigabit ethernet, these patch cords are ideal.
The importance of Ethernet patch cables.
Ethernet is the most used network protocol in the world. Today, Ethernet is more commonly used with an Ethernet patch cable. It is a cheap, easy and efficient way of connecting two different devices using an Ethernet cable.
Ethernet is a network protocol that allows a computer to connect to a network and talk to other computers. It is a way of sharing data between two or more connected devices and a patch cord connects two devices using the Ethernet protocol.
What is the purpose of Ethernet patch cable?
Ethernet patch cables are used in the field of telecommunication to connect Ethernet equipment to other Ethernet equipment. Patch cables are used between computers and network switches, servers and network switches, computers and routers, and they can be used to connect PCs to modems and ISDN terminal adapters.
For example, if a user wants to connect a computer to a switch, he/she can use an Ethernet patch cable. The center conductor of a patch cable is made from copper. The copper wire is covered by an insulation material to protect the copper wire from being exposed to the environment. The insulation material is made from plastic. The two ends of an Ethernet patch cords are fitted with connectors that are used to plug into the Ethernet devices.
Conclusion
Ethernet patch cables are used to connect network equipment together or to the switch or router. Patch cables are primarily used for wired networks but may also be found in wireless networks.
If you want an easy way of connecting your devices in your network, get a good quality patch cable now and simplify your networking method.
