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