In today’s fast-paced digital landscape, our lives are increasingly intertwined with technology. Beneath the surface lies an intricate web of innovation that shapes the efficiency, usability and reliability of our interconnected world, and yet these networks’ humble category cables often go unnoticed and unappreciated. These cables are the unsung heroes of modern living that enable our emails to fly across the globe and our favourite cat videos to stream seamlessly. Yet, here’s the thing: not all category cables are equal. Inside each cable, a whole world of construction, materials, engineering and production methodologies comes into play. In this article, we will unravel the hidden truth beneath the cable jacket and how that can transform your experience of a system from just ok to awesome.
Introduction
Category cables, denoted by the iconic “Cat” followed by a number (such as Cat 5e, Cat 6, Cat 6a), are the unseen heroes of our data-driven society. These cables are the hidden highway upon which our digital data travels, connecting devices, networks and the vast realms of the internet. But did you know that not all cables within the same category perform equally?
Contrary to common belief, the term “Cat” is not a manufacturing standard. It’s an outline design and specification for a cable type. The engineering, construction, materials, and production methodologies are key factors that dictate a cable’s performance. Just as a solid foundation is essential for building a reliable structure, the construction of a Cat cable lays the groundwork for its data transmission capabilities.
So what sets one cable apart from the next? As a team of cable experts who’ve been on the tools, we suggest you look out for these seven little known signs.
1. Construction: The Solid Foundation
The internal architecture of a Cat cable is surprisingly intricate. Each twist, each layer, contributes to the cable’s ability to transmit data efficiently and without errors. The crucial quality differentiator is the consistency in production methods with little to no variation in construction tolerances. This delivers better reliability and lower signal attenuation, ensuring that your data arrives at its destination promptly and intact.
To reduce signal loss and crosstalk (that is, interference between pairs), each pair of wires within the cable should have a slightly different twist rate. This strategic arrangement maximises the distance between interference points. When coupled with superior insulation, this minimises the potential for signal degradation. Moreover, shielding plays a vital role in protecting the cable from electromagnetic interference (EMI), ensuring a stable and reliable connection. The details around shielding within cables and the physics of how it works are probably a story for another day.
2. Materials: Quality Matters
Just as a chef selects the finest ingredients for a high-quality dish, the choice of quality materials significantly impacts the performance of a Cat cable. Copper, a common conductor material, is the backbone of category cables. That’s why substituting with Cat cables made from materials such as Copper Clad Aluminium (CCA) can compromise conductivity and signal integrity. The purity and gauge of the copper conductor directly influences signal loss and overall performance.
The insulation material used in a Cat cable also influences its flexibility, durability and resistance to external factors. A well-engineered cable employs insulation that can withstand the rigours of installation and use, ensuring a longer lifespan and consistent performance. Quality materials also more easily pass certification and fire standards.
3. Engineering Expertise: The Key to Better Performance
Behind every remarkable product lies a process of research and development (R&D). Cat cable manufacturers who invest in advanced engineering techniques are capable of minimising signal attenuation and optimising bandwidth. Again, consistent manufacturing comes to the fore by translating this engineering know-how into a consistent high-standard, low-variance product that cheap machinery and methods simply can’t match. This extreme attention to detail by manufacturers leads directly to enhanced reliability and performance of the networks you install.
4. Quality: You Get What You Pay For
Consider for a moment the analogy of cars. When seeking a new vehicle, many of us understand that investing in a higher-priced option often translates to superior performance, safety and quality. Similarly, with Cat cables a range of quality exists and opting for a cheaper alternative can mean substandard construction, materials and engineering connecting an otherwise high quality network. Cutting corners might save a few bucks initially, but in the long run it can result in frustration, downtime and customer dissatisfaction. The infrastructure you are putting in is probably here to stay for the foreseeable future, so it needs to last the lifetime of several potential upgrades to future technologies. It’s important for both you and your end customer to recognise you will get what you pay for here.
5. Features: Know Your Options
When embarking on the journey of selecting the right Cat cable, we advise discernment. Reputable manufacturers provide detailed specifications that offer insights into the cable’s capabilities. Keep an eye out for features such as consistent twist rates, consistent conductor thicknesses, shielding, high-grade (usually shiny) copper conductors and good cable jackets. These elements contribute to a cable’s ability to withstand physical stress and environmental factors, ensuring a stable and reliable network connection. Increased flexibility may also be desirable and make installation easier but do ensure that these don’t come at the expense of reliability or performance.
Another consideration is labelling and packaging. Does the product come with metre or foot markings? Is it clearly labelled so it can be identified or found on a job site? Does the product reel out without twists so it can be pulled easily without becoming snagged? Will the box it comes in protect the product, especially during transport and use? All these options have been developed by those in the know to make your job easier.
6. On Spec: Meet the Network Requirements
Cat 5e, Cat 6, and Cat 6A cables may all share a common heritage, but their specifications vary. Cat 6 and Cat 6A cables are better suited for demanding applications due to their enhanced capabilities. Understanding your network’s needs is paramount in selecting the appropriate category cable, and choosing the right cable ensures optimal performance for your network’s requirements. For modern networks, the starting point is Cat6 and many are now opting to upgrade to 6A to ensure future bandwidth and headroom.
Kordz has developed this free technology guide to make choosing the right cable for your network easier. You can also read our Category Cable Demystified article about the different cable types.
7. Price: It Shouldn’t Be the Sole Factor
In a world where budgets often dictate decisions, as a network professional it’s essential to understand that price should not be the sole factor in cable choice. People often confuse price with value. However, sacrificing quality for a cheaper price can lead to performance issues and network problems that ultimately cost much more in the long run. Electronics can easily be replaced but the cost of physical cable installation often outweighs the cost of the cables themselves, let alone the cost of ripping apart walls and making good in the future to facilitate cable upgrades when the infrastructure has been under-specified.
So be sure to weight up the real cost-to-benefit ratio when making your cable choice and educate your team about this too. High-quality cables are a long-term investment in a stable and efficient network connection that delivers satisfaction and positive outcomes for all involved.
In Summary
In the tapestry of our interconnected world, Category cables are the threads that weave our digital experiences together. As we traverse the landscape of technology, let’s not underestimate the importance of construction, materials and engineering in these seemingly unassuming cables. Making an informed decision when selecting Cat cables can lead to a reliable network connection that stands the test of time.
Just as choosing a high-quality vehicle reflects your appreciation of quality engineering and design, the cables you choose speak volumes about the type of professional you are. This impacts upon your time, your business’s profitability and your reputation. So, next time you are specifying a project, remember, not all Cat cables are created equal, and the performance of the network you install depends on the quality of the cable connecting it together.
And if a potential customer presents you with a competitive quote from another installer who plans to use the cheapest Cat cable around, you can now confidently educate them why that may not be a wise move, and demonstrate that like Cat cables, not all network professionals are equal.
To discover Kordz’ robust, fast and effective range of certified, fire-rated Cat cables, including the new multi-award-winning SlimCat, click here.