Ethernet
Ethernet is the accepted standard protocol for communications that is rooted on software applications and hardware devices designed for LAN (Local Area Network) structure. It was initially introduced in 1973 by Bob Metcalfe under the DIX (Digital, Intel and Xerox) company. Ethernet was later on labeled as the standard model structure for LANs globally.
The concept of Ethernet was generally based on communicating computers structure via shared coaxial cable. Coaxial cable functions as a medium of broadcast transmission. The shared cable links all computers providing a communication channel which is attached to the ether. Ether is the basis for the name Ethernet.
This general concept employed by the initial Ethernet structure was later on developed to employ more efficient and dependable system. It was not long before Ethernet became the base foundation of standard LAN (Local Area Network) structures. Point –to-point links was employed via Ethernet hubs links or switches which are more cost efficient and effective.
StarLAN marked the initial development stage of the Ethernet technology which changed coaxial cable bus to twisted-pair network. This made the Ethernet system more competitive technological structure via significantly cutting high installation costs.
Ethernet can run at different speed rate with corresponding cable category on each rate of speed.
Ethernet Cable Categories
Cat-1
Cat-1 wiring is popularly used for regular plain old telephone service (POTS) and Integrated Service digital network (ISDN). ISDN is a digital transmission standard over POTS. This category is not duly approved by the TIA (Telecommunications Industries Association).
Cat-2
Cat-2 is a wiring category widely used for 4Mbit/s token ring networks. Like Cat-1 wiring Cat-2 wiring is not also accepted by the (TIA).
Cat-3
Cat-3 Ethernet cable is commonly used on 10Mbps Ethernet networks before Cat-5 cable. This cable has the ability to support up to 16 MHz frequencies of data networks. Cat-3 Ethernet cable has been identified in TIA/EIA-568-B.
Cat-4
Cat-4 Ethernet cable is popularly used on token networks which operate at 16 Mbps and can accommodate up to 20 MHz frequencies. This category of Ethernet cable is not duly recognized by the TIA/EIA.
Cat-5
Ethernet cable category Cat-5 is generally used on 100Base-T and 1000Base-T networks. This is due to its ability to operate data transmissions at a minimum of 100 Mbps to a slightly higher Ethernet.
Cat-5e
Cat-5e is Ethernet cable category is a duly approved by TIA/EIA-568-B. This cable is almost similar to Cat-5 the only difference is Cat-5e is twice more efficient and functional than a regular Cat-5 cable. Cat-5e can support up to 125 Mbps and is most ideal Ethernet cable category for 100Base-T and 1000Base-t (Gigabit Ethernet)
Cat-6
Cat-6 Ethernet cable is designed with faster and more efficient technology compared to that of Cat-5 and Cat-5e. This Ethernet cable category can support up to 250 Mbps frequencies.
Cat-7
Cat-7 Ethernet cable is commonly used on applications that require 600 Mbps frequencies. This cable category is composed of individual pair of wires with additional shielding on each pair plus an over all cover to shield the cable.
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