How Do Ethernet Cables Work?

If you are anything like me, I look at the back ofcable to connect the two of them. This is where
my PC and am intimidated to even guess whatthe notorious Cat 5 and Cat5e computer cabling
the purpose for all those cables are. I rarely darecomes into play.
to go behind my computer and try to figure outCategory 5 cabling (now superseded by the
how each one does what it needs to do. ThereCat5e cable) consists of twenty-four twisted
are blue ones and black ones, short ones and longcopper wire pairs and is unshielded. Cat 5 cables
ones, thin ones and wide ones. I have myare not only used as computer cabling, they are
speaker cables, monitor, keyboard and mouseused for things such as ATMs and also for video.
cables. I understand those but what about all theIt is easy to spot a Cat 5 cables as they are
other ones? How are they able to worktypically blue and if there is ever any confusion as
so seamlessly when I turn on the computer andwhat it is, Cat 5 cables will have the term "Cat 5"
yet look so chaotic behind it? The computertyped in white on the cable itself. The sole
cabling that is the most confusing for me is thepurpose of these cables is to transfer high speed
ones to make the Ethernet work. How can oneinformation from the computers in a network. To
(fairly small) cable connect a whole home networkdo so, these computers need to be equipped with
to use the Internet? Even more fascinating, is itsa network interface card (NIC). In addition, they
ability to create a whole office network. need to have some sort of network hub to direct
What is the Ethernet? The Ethernet builds LANsall the information. When it comes to computer
(local area networks) into a network. Designed incabling, Cat 5 cables are highways for information
1973 by Bob Metcalfe, Ethernet requires at leastto travel and the ultimate destination is your
two computers to be networked and an Ethernetcomputer.