| Whether you are looking to set up a computer | | | | what we will cover next. |
| networking system in your home or more | | | | In the world of computer cabling, the difference |
| commonly in your business, computer cabling is | | | | between a Cat 5 and Cat5e is quite easily |
| essential and mandatory. Computer networking is | | | | explained. If you will be running no more than 100 |
| simply when computers or other devices are | | | | Mbps on your system, then a Cat 5 will do, if on |
| connected so that they may communicate with | | | | the other hand, if you will be running the system |
| each other (ie. computer connected to printer). In | | | | at 1000 Mbps or 1Gbps then the Cat5e is the |
| order to set up a successful networking system, | | | | correct cable. With any and all of the cables |
| the cable(s) must be installed properly. Sometimes | | | | mentioned the correct one depends on what its |
| this can seem extremely overwhelming, but if | | | | purpose will be. Another example is an ethernet |
| you take the time to know what each cable's | | | | crossover cable, which directly connects devices |
| purpose is and how to install correctly, it can be | | | | together, eliminating the need for a router or |
| done easily. | | | | network switch. |
| Knowing what the more popular terms in | | | | Just as you may have heard some of the more |
| computer cabling is also key to ensuring you get | | | | widely known computer cable terms, you may |
| the right cables for your needs. Some of the | | | | have heard of the brand name Belden when |
| more popular cables and terms are: Cat5e, Cat6, | | | | referring to cables. This is because they offer a |
| Cat 6a, ethernet, crossover, connector, patch, | | | | vast variety of wires and cables for computer |
| network, non-booted and shielded. You may have | | | | networking, to be more exact they offer over |
| heard one of two of these words in relation to | | | | 3,000 products or your cable needs. Now that |
| computers in the past but may be unsure of | | | | you are familiar with some of the terms of |
| what they mean. For instance what is the | | | | cabling, you are well on your way to setting up a |
| difference between a Cat 5 and a Cat5e? This is | | | | successful networking system. |