An Ethernet Cabling Primer

When you are buying computer cabling, there are several key terms you need to understand. When buying Ethernet cabling for the first time, you might be overwhelmed by the jargon and choices. Knowing more about cabling will ensure that you purchase the best option for you. Ethernet cables are used to to connect to routers, modems, and switches. Category 6a or Cat 6a is the latest standard and offers improvements in performance over Cat 6 cabling. Category 5 or Cat 5 is still used today and is a fine choice for a home network. Computer cabling can be sold as either shielded or unshielded. Shielded cabling offers more protection from interference like from radio waves or electronic devices. Shielded cabling will cost more but could be worth it depending upon what interference you may have at your house. The majority of Cat 5 cable sold is unshielded. The four twisted pair wires in the cable do provide some protection from interference and could be enough protection for the average home. You may want to look for non-booted computer cabling. This has to do with the cabling end. Non booted is best described as a little jacket that keeps the cable from snagging. Anyone who has ever run this kind of connection knows how easily cords can get caught on anything. Sometimes you have to pull cable when you are moving your computer. Non-booted cords could save make that job just a little easier. When buying network computer cabling, you will need straight connection for connecting your computer to your router. Straight cords are used to connect computers to routers or printers to routers. If you want to connect two routers or switches together, then you need a crossover cable. You will also need a crossover if you are connecting two computers together. Crossover connections are not interchangeable with straight ones. If you are buying a patch cable, check to make sure you are buying the right one for your needs. Check the return policy in case you need to send back your cabling. This way if you do buy cabling you don't need, then you can always return it.