Which cable type is better, Ethernet cable or patch cable?

What is an Ethernet Cable?

Which cable type is better, Ethernet cable or patch cable?

"Ethernet" is a type of protocol that defines how bits of information travel over a particular medium. Cables such as fiber optic cables, twisted pair or coaxial cables, and category cables belong to Ethernet cables. Copper network wire and fiber optic cable are the two most prevalent forms of Ethernet cable. Usually, to simplify the naming, people get used to calling the category Ethernet cables like Cat5, Cat5e, and Cat6 Ethernet cables.

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And the patch cable?

A patch cable sometimes also called a patch cord, is a length of cable with connectors on both ends that are used to connect an end device to something else like a power source. Similar to Ethernet cables, there are fiber patch cables and Ethernet patch cables like LC fiber patch cables or Cat6 RJ45 patch cables. And patch cables are often used for short runs in offices and wiring closets. The Ethernet patch cable can connect a computer to a network hub, router, or Ethernet switch, which is useful for people who build home computer networks.

Therefore, in simple terms, Ethernet cable refers to cable types. While the patch cable has connectors at both ends and belongs to part of the Ethernet cable. This is the difference between them.

Are all Ethernet cables the same?

No. According to the above explanation, there are different types of Ethernet cables such as fiber optic cable, Ethernet crossover cable, and category copper cable. They have different specifications and applications. For example, fiber optic cable is used for long distances or applications requiring high bandwidth or electrical isolation. In buildings, Ethernet crossover cables are employed.

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Is the patch cable straight-through?

Directly wired cables are most often used to connect a host to a client. Here take the cat5e patch cable as an example. The direct wired cat5e patch cable is used to connect computers, printers, and other network client devices to the router, switch, or hub (the host device in this case). However, when it comes to fiber optic patch cables, there is no such thing as a straight-through cable.

Are patch cables suitable for use as Ethernet cables?

Yes. It is often possible to describe an Ethernet cable as the same as a patch cable in copper networks. However, it is usually easier to "patch" from your patch panel to your switch. For example, it is necessary to use a 100ft Cat6 Ethernet patch cable to wire the home network. In this situation, the 100-foot Cat6 patch cable can be used as an Ethernet cable.

The types of Ethernet cables are diverse, which is the key difference between Ethernet cables and patch cables. Therefore, when it comes to Ethernet cable vs patch cable, understanding their types and applications is essential to compare and understand them.

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