Choosing the right ethernet cables is an important factor when setting up your office or home network. Often, standard cables will do an okay job. However, if you want to exploit your setup to the fullest, you would do better with custom ethernet cables. Custom ethernet cables are available in various configurations each offering different advantages according to your intended application.
Benefits of Custom Ethernet Cables
A standard cable could function just fine for your current setup. However, if you want a better or more unique connection, custom cable assemblies are your answer. Below are some of the advantages of custom ethernet cables.
Precision:
A customized cable is made according to your specifications and requirements. Simply choose the components of your assembly and place an order.
Flexibility:
Since the assembly is custom, you’ll get the best connection angles for your application.
Quality
Since you have a custom setup, your cables are likely going to be made from high-quality materials.
If your installation operates within the electrical tolerances, parameters, and environmental conditions it was designed for, it will last longer and perform better. Plus it will less likely require frequent maintenance, saving you on costs.
Versatility
While general cable setups use standard cables, some industries require unique setups, such as medical and military.
Custom cables help such industries improve stability and maintain reliable connections.
Eco Friendly
You can design a custom cable according to the precise length requirements of your project, creating a tidy setup without the need to hide any messy and extra wires and cables.
Installation
When installing your cables, you won’t have to worry about making them fit. Custom cables are designed to your detailed instructions, making them easier to install, which in turn saves time.
Adaptability and Personalization
Custom assemblies are designed to meet your specific requirements, whether it’s connector type, length, or color.
Improved Network Performance
Custom cables improve network performance since they are designed according to your specific network requirements.
RJ45 Connector
Custom Ethernet Cable at Cloom
A standard ethernet cable consists of a protective jacket, insulation, and twisted pairs of copper wires as basic components. However, Cloom is offering to go above and beyond.
Cat 5e, Cat 6, Cat 6a, and Voice Cable Ratings
When looking for the right ethernet cable for your needs, you’ll learn that there are different types.
These types are distinguished by category (cat) numbers representing the cable specifications.
The more advanced the cable (the higher the category number), the better the performance.
Male, Female, Telco, RJ11, and RJ45 Connector Styles
An ethernet cable from 4 twisted pairs is terminated using an eight-inch RJ45 connector.
Older telephone cables were normally made of 2 twisted pairs and used an RJ11 connector.
The terms RJ45 and 8P8C are often used interchangeably. However, 8P8C is a category of connectors that includes the RJ45 connector.
A modern RJ45 connector is the best example of an 8P8C connector. Augmented RJ45 (AR45) or GIgaGate 45 (GG45) are connectors designed for Cat 7 cables.
GigaGate 45 connectors feature 12 pins, 8 of which enable backward compatibility with Cat 6 and the remaining 4 supporting frequencies of up to 600 MHz.
M12-coded connectors are found on ethernet cables made for industrial use. These cables are often exposed to extreme temperatures, moisture, and vibrations, and this connector is designed to provide a secure and waterproof connection.
Shielded Twisted Pair and Unshielded Twisted Pair
Cable shielding is the material wrapped around the wires in a cable to improve signal quality and reduce interference. Shielding helps prevent RFI and EMI from affecting data transmission over a cable.
Shielded cables normally apply 2 types of shielding:
- Wrapping all twisted pairs in a braided wire strand or aluminum foil.
- Wrapping each twisted pair in a braided wire strand or aluminum foil.
Booted and Without Boots:
A snagless connector has a modified boot protecting the connector’s lock from accidentally snapping off.
Normally, snagless cables are used in instances where the cable is frequently disconnected and connected.
Molded connectors are permanently fixed to a cable through a process referred to as overmolding.
A silicon or thermoplastic material covers the cable and connector to form a single solid piece referred to as the boot that makes the cable withstand numerous insertion cycles and more durable.
Reel, Breakout, and Harness Cable
Cable transitions and breakouts are available in ‘Y’ and ‘T’ shapes or feature several openings for multi-branched cables and a variety of branches and exit angles to offer sealing, mechanical protection and strain relief for multi-branched cable harness assemblies.
Length of One Foot or More:
The longer a signal travels within a cable, the more it degrades (attenuation) to a point where it’s no longer detectable or too distorted for the receiver device to interpret.
Noise, including radio frequencies and electrical currents, also causes attenuation. Hence, the need for shielding to ensure reliable performance over long distances despite the threat of noise.
The max length of Cat 6 and Cat 5e cables is about 90 meters, and up to 5 meters of patch cable on either side for 100 meters.
Anything past this and the signal begins degrading which in turn reduces the reliability and speed of the connection.
High-quality cables can support cable runs of over 100 meters.
However, the transmission speeds are reduced. Also, you can achieve higher data rates over shorter distances.
Riser-Rated and Plenum Jackets in Different Colors
A jacket protects a cable’s conductor from moisture, physical damage, and UV light.
When installing cables in ceilings, under floors, and in walls it’s important to use cables that adhere to local code requirements.
The 3 basic cable ratings for both cables include riser, general, and plenum.
The outer jacket’s color coding doesn’t signify anything. You decide on the colors you want to use.
However, some implementations of LANs could be complicated and using different color cables for various network zones could help technicians easily track and identify the purpose of cables.
Factory Tested to TIA 568 Performance Standards
RJ45 connectors are used in almost every ethernet category, Cat 1 through Cat 6 and even Cat 8.
There are two variations according to wire colors and the arrangement of the connector.
The T568B standard is more popular, and the other T568A standard is rarely used unless you’re doing detailed wiring.
Cable Styles
Below are the various cable styles Cloom offers:
Slim and Ultra Slim Cables
Compared to standard Cat cables, ultra-slim and slim cables feature a 30%-50% lower diameter.
They are made from smaller gauge copper wire. The four pair-stranded cables increase airflow in cramped equipment racks and help keep the components cool and properly functioning.
Also, the slim design makes the cable lighter and easier to install in high-density cable trays, ductwork, and racks.
Flat Cables
Although flat cables aren’t a common choice, they feature several unique characteristics that are advantageous for certain applications.
Flat cables distribute physical loads evenly on the cable and offer good heat dissipation.
Also, they only bend through wide faces, unlike standard round cables that bend in all directions.
If you need to bring an ethernet cable patch around, a flat cable is an option. It’s light, strong, and doesn’t tangle easily. Plus, its flat design makes it perfect for cable runs behind baseboards and under carpets.
Solid Core Cables:
Network cables come in solid and stranded wire formats. Solid core cables use only one solid copper wire for each conductor; therefore, a four-pair cable has eight solid copper wires.
Solid conductor cables are easier to punch down, making them ideal for structured wiring applications.
In instances where a cable is repeatedly disconnected and connected or flexed, a stranded cable is the best option.
However, for PoE and outdoor applications or horizontal cable runs that aren’t subject to repeated movement, solid core cables are the best option.
Armored Cables
The outer jacket of armored cables is made from TPU, known for its abrasion/cut resistance, strength, and flexibility (even in low temperatures).
Armored cables are ideal for outdoor and other applications that risk cutting or crushing the cable.
Conclusion
There you have it, all you need to know about custom ethernet cables, from all their various benefits to the different custom ethernet cable type options.
For all your custom ethernet cable needs, contact Cloom Tech.
