What is an Ethernet 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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