What is an Ethernet Cable, and How to Run it Through an Exterior wall?
What is an Ethernet Cable?
This question pops up in the minds of curious minds now and then. In layman terms, an ethernet cord connects a device -- be it a computer, laptop, tablet, gaming console, e.t.c) to a network that results in access to the internet and file sharing.
Wireless connectivity (Wifi) has also made it well in the IT industry; ethernet cables remain the preferred source for connectivity in small, medium, large businesses and data centers. The reason is simple: wired connectivity is more reliable, secure, much faster, and comes with top-notch protection against crosstalk and other interferences.
The best thing about ethernet cable is that being an internationally recognized standard product, it supports all manufacturers and can be integrated with all types of hardware.
Types of Ethernet Cables:
Though there are several types of ethernet cables as they have been witnessing evolution ever since their inception, the most in-demand cables these days are Cat5e ethernet cables, Cat6 ethernet cables, and Cat6a ethernet cables. Let’s discuss the features of each.
Bulk Cat5e Cables supports a data transfer rate of 1Gbps with bandwidth capabilities of 100MHz. It comes in plenum, riser, and PVC variants. The inner structure comprises eight conductors that are either made of pure copper or copper-clad aluminum.
Cat6 Ethernet Cables:
The bulk cat6 cables supports data transfer rates of 1Gbps and 10Gbps at a distance of 100 meters and 50 meters, respectively. It comes with bandwidth capabilities of up to 550MHz and provides much more protection against crosstalk and EMI. It runs wire gauge between 22AWG to 26AWG, and its three variants are plenum, riser, and PVC that are fit for installation in plenum spaces, riser spaces, and outdoor spaces, respectively.
Cat6a Ethernet Cables:
The bulk cat6a cables supports a data transfer rate of 10Gbps at longer lengths of 100 meters. The bandwidth capabilities of this cable are 750MHz. It means this cable maintains signal quality at longer lengths. It runs wire gauge between 22AWG to 26AWG, and its three variants are plenum, riser, and PVC that are fit for installation in plenum spaces, riser spaces, and outdoor spaces, respectively.
All these three cables meet the requirements of all existing applications with ease and are suitable for residential, commercial, and data center usage. Though Cat7 cable is also available in the market, its usage is not that rampant. Now that your first query -- what is an ethernet cable? -- has been answered. Let’s move to the second part.
How to run ethernet cable through the exterior wall?
To run the ethernet cables through an exterior wall, you will need the following tools:
Drill bit,
Drill Machine,
And, obviously, an ethernet cable.
You will use a drill to create a hole (provided that you already don’t have a spare hole in your wall). While creating a hole via a drill machine, make sure no house wiring line or water line runs near it. Now you will insert the cable through the hole to the other end. Now connect your ethernet cable directly to the devices or an ethernet wall port. It’s that simple! Isn’t it?
When running an ethernet cable through the exterior wall, you have to ensure no HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) lining in the ethernet cable’s path.
Now that both of your queries -- a) what is an ethernet cable 2) how to run it through the exterior wall -- have been answered. It’s time to bid adieu!