When it comes to getting good, solid network solutions for any kind of business, ethernet network cables are critical, and getting the right ones is important. A business looking to create a LAN or WAN from scratch should look to find out about ethernet cables types and styles to make sure the cords carrying their data are up to the job. A company can ramp up on-site systems for dealing with all of the new technological advancement that happens with systems like ethernet setups.

The web can help with identifying all kinds of ethernet cables information and solutions from top ethernet cable manufacturers. Business buyers and other decision makers can order their computer ethernet cables based on specifically what kind of gear they will need to hook up, how far their physical network will go, and how much of it will rely on wireless signals rather than "hard-wired" connections. Readers online can find ethernet cables types and styles:

1. For setting up a room-to-room network with ethernet cable components that are rated and built for the job.

2. For assisting with getting short-line connectors to the gear that puts network messages onto a wireless platform.

3. For linking up all of the various parts that need to be connected to the network with huge ethernet cables.

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Find patch ethernet cable pieces

One type of ethernet cables that you'll need for a business network is patch cable: the patch cable is generally the same category (Cat5 or Cat5e) as other similar cables, but is often made with features like stranded sheathing and used for the purpose of connecting a computer to some kind of other network part like a router.

I recommend: Find Belkin patch cable at Super Warehouse. Or find 16-foot patch cable models at Hewlett Packard online for making sure you have what it takes to get computers linked up to a "hub" or other installation.

Find ethernet crossover cables in standard Cat5 and Cat5e for ethernet cable for future operations

The cable type known as Cat5 is the current standard for hooking up ethernet networks. Crossover cables will generally be labeled for crossover use. Look for more network cables information on crossover vs. patch from makers offering handy details online.

I recommend: Radio Shack offers Cat5e crossover cable for standard installations. Get more of this Cat5e cable from PC Connection.

Find Cat6 and other high grade ethernet cable

Cat6 cables have a minimum rating of 250Mhz as opposed to the Cat5s 100Mhz. That makes Cat6 options from top network cable distributor shops desirable to some businesses where networks are made for the future. Also consider Cat6a cables rated at a minimum of 500Mhz.

I recommend: Cables Plus USA offers both Cat5 and Cat6 networking cables. Get more "multi-Cat" solutions from sites like Discount Cables USA.

Ethernet network cables connect computers to a wired network. Purchase Ethernet cables at a variety of network cable distributor websites and in bricks and mortar stores. A business that needs to build a new network, wire new construction for an Ethernet network, or just requires long Ethernet cabling may want to consider making Ethernet cables.

The ends of computer Ethernet cables, technically called RJ45 ends, are like those of the phone cable that plugs into your phone jack. They are designed to be easily wired by the end user. You'll need a few simple tools, including a wire stripper, a crimper designed for RJ45 ends, the RJ45 ends themselves and a spool of Ethernet cable. Even huge Ethernet cables are limited by effective length; each type of cable has a maximum length determined by the technology.

There are several types of Ethernet cable:

1. Cat5 Ethernet network cables support transmission rates of up to 100 Mbps.

2. Cat5 Enhanced, usually called Cat5e and currently the most commonly used, takes better advantage of all 4 pairs of wires it contains and thus provides transmission rates of 1000 Mbps for shorter cable length.

3. Cat6 provides performance that's best used for future-proof cable for new construction.

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Learn to make Ethernet cables

There are limits to the length of the various types of cables. Some situations require such things as Ethernet crossover cables or Ethernet patch cables. You can purchase ready-made Ethernet cables, but it may be more economical and practical to make your own, especially if you need number of them or particularly long ones.

I recommend: How to wire Ethernet Cables at ertyu.org teaches you to make the various types of cables. Microbarn gives network cables information on maximum cable length, among other things.

Purchase the supplies to make your own cables

Any store or website that sells computer supplies will have a regular network cable for sale, but a specialized network cable distributor will also carry big spools of cable and supplies to allow you to make those huge Ethernet cables.

I recommend: Cables To Go and Deep Surplus are network cable distributors that provide you with ready-made cables and the supplies you need to make your own cables.

Test your Ethernet cables

Any of the Ethernet cable distributors listed also sells cable testers. The method of constructing long Ethernet cabling is relatively straightforward, especially if you have read some network cables information, but it's always a good idea to test them and make sure they work properly.

I recommend: The gadgets at ThinkGeek and CableGear.com offer a wide selection of cables testers and various prices.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  It's recommended that you don't make huge Ethernet cables of unlimited length; while you could physically make a cable longer than the maximum, it would not work correctly.
• •  Cat 6 and Cat 5e cables are backwards compatible with older cable standards, so you can use a Cat6 cable in a jack meant for a Cat 5e, and vice versa.

Ethernet cables connect a computer to local area network (LAN) services. An Ethernet cable may be graded as a category 5, 6 or 7, depending on how fast it can transmit information. Most internet providers use large Ethernet cables to connect computers to internal and external networks.

Huge Ethernet cables, those that have a large diameter, are often the best choice because they can send and receive 1000MbE to 100GbE per second of Ethernet traffic. To choose the right cable for your needs, you can find a lot of useful network cables information from a network cable distributor. It can help you determine what size and speed of Ethernet cable to purchase. To find affordable Ethernet cables pricing and costs, consider:

1. The size of the computer Ethernet cables.

2. The speed of the cable.

3. The type of network you want to connect with.

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Choose short computer Ethernet cables for the best speed

Because information has to travel the length of the Ethernet cord before it reaches your computer, choose the shortest Ethernet cord possible for the fastest solution. Most LAN connections run between a computer and the modem or network connection, so there is usually no need for a cable larger than 25ft. You can purchase most 25-foot Ethernet cords for under $10.

I recommend: J&R offers many sizes of Ethernet cables, including a smaller 10-foot cable that is perfect for short distances. CompUSA offers Ethernet cables in sizes that range from 7 to 25 feet.

Buy a long Ethernet cable extension for convenience

Sometimes a longer Ethernet cable is necessary to connect computers to the LAN. If you want to purchase Ethernet cables that are over 25 feet, consider a category 6 or 7 cable for faster speeds. Most Ethernet cables longer than 25ft cost under $20. There is no need to pay more than $20 for any type of Ethernet cable because they all have the same features.

I recommend: Overstock sells many Ethernet cables, including longer 100-foot cables that connect to LAN systems and work with many types of networks. Patch Cords sells a 150-foot cable with molded boots for strain relief when plugging and unplugging the cable.

Get a category 7 Ethernet cable for the fastest speeds

Category 7 Ethernet cables are the fastest you can buy. These cables have max speeds of 100GbE per second. This helps you get the best performance from the LAN and computer. Prices for Cat7 Ethernet cables depend on the length, but typically range from $15 to $20 for 2 to 10 feet.

I recommend: Video Products Inc sells a range of Cat7 Ethernet cables, from 2 feet up to 100 feet long. PC4USA.com offers a wide variety of Cat7 cables in different sizes and colors.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  When working with long Ethernet cabling, never staple or drastically bend the cables. This can cause an internal wire break that is difficult to detect and repair.

Ethernet cables are the standard type of cable used to connect computers and networks together. These types of cables typically have eight pins at each end. In simple terms, an Ethernet cable looks like a very large phone cable. If you are just getting started in a business or job that requires you to have knowledge of how to use Ethernet cables to create computer networks or to fix computers on an Ethernet network, you first need to have some Ethernet cable key term knowledge.

Action Steps
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Patch cable

A patch cable, or patch cord, is a cable that is used to connect one electronic device to another in a network.

I recommend: To see a patch cable and detailed diagrams of them, visit LANshack.com. They also have instructions on how to make a patch cable.

CAT 5 cable

A CAT 5 cable is a type of Ethernet cable. It is made of four pairs of copper wire and has four pins on each end. This type of cable supports computer network speeds up to 100 Mbps.

I recommend: At ertyu.org, you can find very detailed instructions on wiring CAT 5 cables.

CAT 6 cable

A CAT 6 cable is a type of Ethernet cable that like the CAT 5, uses 4 pairs of copper wire. But, a CAT 6 uses all four wires to get up to speeds of 1 Gbps, which is twice the speed of a CAT 5.

I recommend: Visit Cables Unlimited to read some answers to FAQs about CAT 6 cables and to learn more about them and how they differ from other types of Ethernet cables.

Mhz

Mhz, which is short for megahertz, is the general measurement of speed for Ethernet cabled networks.

I recommend: At wiseGEEK, you can read extensive information on Mhz.

Cable tester

A cable tester is a tool that is used with Ethernet cables to diagnose problems and test the speed of the network itself.

I recommend: Over at ThinkGeek, you can get some more information on cable testers and see a picture of one.

Backwards compatible

When someone asks if an Ethernet cable is backwards compatible, what they want to know is if it supports older technology. A CAT 6 cable, which is fast, is backwards compatible with CAT 5, CAT 5e and CAT 3 standards.

I recommend: For more information on backwards compatibility and Ethernet cables, visit Bright Hub.