Updates

The Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA) introduced two performance standards; Category 6 (CAT6) and Category 6A (CAT6A). However, there is no CAT6e standard. This blog helps explain. Common Usage CAT6 CAT6e CAT6A Phone Lines ✓ ✓ X Home Network ✓ ✓ X Office Network ✓ ✓ ✓ Data Center X ✓...

Patch Panel vs. Switch When connecting devices in data centers, two common components include a patch panel and a network switch. A well-designed structured cabling system can make installation of a patch panel and an Ethernet switch effortless. Once mounted on the server rack, the use of horizontal cable management can keep everything neat and tidy.What is the difference between a patch panel and switch? While a patch panel and switch may look the same on the front with their rows of por...

The term “Ethernet” is not used in the IEEE 802.3 standard to describe UTP cables. However, technical professionals say this all the time. Is it wrong? The answer is no, but not understanding how to use the correct terminology can make things complicated.What is Ethernet? Ethernet is not a cable; it’s an engineering standard. It’s the way of connecting a number of computer systems to form a local area network, with protocols to control the passing of information.Ethernet Naming...

Network cabling systems that are PoE (Power over Ethernet) or PoE+ compliant allow electric power and data to pass over twisted pair Ethernet cabling. Understanding the differences between them can help in deciding which system to choose. IEEE 802.3af is the original PoE standard. It specifies a maximum of 15.4W of DC power delivered to each network device. IEEE 802.3at, also known as PoE+, specifies up to 30.0W of DC power. Comparison of PoE Parameters Property 802.3...

CAT5 and CAT6 cables, commonly used as network cables, are designed to connect computers, network equipment, and devices to modems, servers, and switches. The demand for higher bandwidth has increased over the years. As a result, so has the development of these cables. Newer cables have been brought to the IT industry and with greater capabilities, such as higher performance and reduced crosstalk.Similarities After comparing between CAT5 and CAT6 cables, one can visually see the simil...