Ethernet Cables Key Terms

Use key terms to connect to the world of Ethernet cables

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.

 

Patch cable

A patch cable, or patch cord, is a cable that is used to connect one electronic device to another in a network.
Try: 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.
Try: 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.
Try: 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.
Try: 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.
Try: 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.
Try: For more information on backwards compatibility and Ethernet cables, visit Bright Hub.

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