Basic Information On Cat 5 Cables
The Cat 5 or the category 5 cable was used quite often in Ethernet type of computer networks until its revamped version, the Cat 5e, took over. However, the Cat 5 cable still finds a good use in Ethernet connections, including special crossover cable connections.
The Cat 5 cable is a twisted pair cable which can accommodate high signal integrity. There are four twisted pairs in a single cable jacket. This serves to maintain a high signal to noise ratio even though there is any interference from external sources and the other pairs of cables.
Another main feature of the Cat 5 cable is that it contains a twist density of three twists per inch of the cable, and each of these twisted pair contains 24 gauge copper wires. Though this arrangement works quite well for 100 Mbit/s networks, it can be unsuitable for higher ones. Hence, the Cat 5 cable can be used without any problems for the 100BASE-TX Ethernet, but it might not be very suitable for higher versions such as the 1000BASE-T Gigabit Ethernet.
The uses of the Cat 5 cable currently are in structured wiring for Ethernet computer networks. They are very effectively used in carrying other kinds of signals too, such as token ring, simple voice services and even ATM, up to 155 MBit/s for short distances. There are two forms of the Cat 5 cable available - the stranded and the solid conductor types. Both have their relative advantages and disadvantages. Stranded Conductor form - This is easier to bend and hence provides better physical ease of connectivity. Being stranded, it is more flexible in it form, and doesn't break easily when bent. It is better for insulation piercing connectors. This form of cable is the more expensive form. An example of its use is in patch cables that connect the computer to a wall socket. Solid Conductor form - This is fully smooth from the exterior jacket and is solid in form, which means it has low flexibility. It cannot be bent easily without breaking. Hence it is not much preferred for making connections. But it has a definite edge over the stranded conductor form in connecting for insulation displacement connectors, though it is not as efficient for insulation piercing conductors. It is also much cheaper than the stranded conductor forms. An example of its use is in building wiring, such as that which connects the wiring within a wall from the wall socket to the central panel.
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