Oct. 28, 2024
In AVB networks, a standardized cabling infrastructure is critical to ensure that network performance remains dependable and consistent. These standards encompass specifications not only for the cable construction but also for termination processes and physical connections to devices. Straying from these specifications can lead to diminished performance and potential data loss, making it essential to select the appropriate cable along with good-quality materials that adhere to necessary specifications.
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Cabling that fails to meet the specifications can lead to issues such as dropped packets or inconsistent connections. In simple data networks, like those for video streaming or file transfers, this might only result in longer buffer or transfer times. However, for live, real-time audio applications, the consequences may include noticeable audio dropouts or even complete audio loss.
While AVB does not necessitate gigabit Ethernet, devices like PreSonus AVB products require this speed due to their stream and channel counts. Although this requirement is not directly related to the cables (as devices and AVB switches manage gigabit Ethernet), it is crucial to choose Ethernet cables capable of supporting Gigabit speeds when establishing your AVB network.
Most copper-wire Ethernet networks depend on twisted-pair cable. This type of wiring consists of pairs of conductors twisted together to mitigate electromagnetic interference (EMI) from external sources and to minimize crosstalk between adjacent pairs.
AVB networks specifically require either CAT5e or CAT6 cables, which both support Gigabit speeds over distances of up to 100 meters, as outlined by the TIA/EIA-568 standard. CAT6 cables are designed to support speeds of up to 10 Gb/s (10GBASE-T or 10 Gigabit Ethernet) and are backward compatible with CAT5e. The key differences between CAT5e and CAT6 are the gauge of the wire conductors and the number of twists per inch. CAT6 cables use thicker wire and more twists per inch, resulting in lower crosstalk, improved signal-to-noise ratios, and superior overall performance compared to CAT5e.
Your choice of cable will depend on various factors, including network design, installation type (fixed or mobile), budget, and anticipated future applications. Generally, CAT5e cables are more cost-effective and easier to manage while still fully supporting Gigabit speeds. Yet, CAT6 is often the superior choice, especially when considering faster speed capacities and future system demands.
Power User Tip: Always purchase cable from a reputable vendor to ensure you receive a high-quality product that genuinely meets the engineering specifications indicated by its Category label (CAT5e or CAT6). Avoid cables labeled CCA (Copper Clad Aluminum) as they do not conform to TIA/EIA standards for CAT5e and CAT6 cabling.
Regardless of whether you choose CAT5e or CAT6 cable, you can opt for Shielded or Unshielded types. Both options are viable for AVB networking, with each offering distinct advantages based on the AVB installation's requirements.
Shielded twisted-pair (STP) cables provide additional barriers to interference, particularly electromagnetic interference (EMI). These cables feature electrical shielding throughout their length and specially designed plugs that properly ground the cable shielding to the connected devices. Originally crafted for industrial applications, STP cable is ideal for fixed installations near power sources, fluorescent lighting, and similar equipment.
Much like a balanced analog cable, STP cables need grounding, which requires STP-compatible RJ45 connectors. Many XLR-style locking Ethernet connections found in Pro Audio equipment, such as the StudioLive Series III mixers and NSB stage boxes, are designed to support both shielded and unshielded connections.
Specific use cases may necessitate shielded Ethernet cables to mitigate electromagnetic (EMI) or radio-frequency interference (RFI) that could impact cable performance. However, improperly implemented shielded cables can generate issues that may be more detrimental than those posed by unshielded cables. In situations where you lack expertise in installation or design, consulting a professional can be a worthwhile investment.
Common acronyms used to describe shielded cables include:
Unshielded twisted pairs (UTP), along with their variations U/FTP and F/UTP, tend to be lighter and more flexible. Their design makes them easier to terminate, making these types suitable depending on your application's interference levels.
An essential factor to consider when selecting an Ethernet cable is whether it features a solid-core or stranded design. Solid-core cables consist of a single copper wire for each conductor, making them ideal for installations and longer cable runs (over 70 meters). Conversely, stranded-core cables are built with multiple, thinner copper wires per conductor, offering enhanced flexibility. This flexibility makes stranded-core cables well-suited for portable applications and scenarios involving frequent setup and takedown.
Most Ethernet cables are solid-core, utilizing solid insulated bare copper conductors for each of the eight wires in the four twisted pairs of the cable. These cables are intended for permanent or semi-permanent installations and cater to longer-distance horizontal and backbone runs. All CAT5e and CAT6 solid UTP cables come with a minimum bend radius established for performance standards. This bend radius indicates the minimum curvature a cable can sustain without kinking, which can damage it and shorten its lifespan. Ensuring proper cable installation is critical to maximizing cable performance.
For mobile live sound applications entailing recurrent setup and breakdown, solid-core Ethernet cables may not be the most suitable choice, as they are typically less flexible and not designed for easy deployment. In this case, over-flexing, bending, or twisting solid-core cables beyond their prescribed specifications can impair performance or lead to failure.
Stranded Ethernet cables consist of several strands (usually seven strands per conductor) of insulated bare copper conductors. Primarily used for patch cords connecting devices to networks, stranded cables offer greater flexibility compared to their solid counterparts. This makes them an ideal selection for portable uses and scenarios where cables experience frequent movement, such as live sound PA system setups.
A Quick Note About Tactical Ethernet Cable
When you need Ethernet cables intended for rugged environments that endure repeated deployment, consider tactical cables. These cables typically incorporate stranded-wire construction for enhanced flexibility and durability and employ a robust, often rubberized outer jacket in conjunction with a lightweight PVC jacket (also referred to as "up-jacketed"). Tactical Ethernet cables resemble balanced audio cables in feel and handling and are much more resilient than standard solid-core cables used for fixed installations, thus making them perfect for Pro Audio and Live Sound applications.
Creating your own Ethernet cables can provide cost savings and allow for customization that fits your specific needs. However, if you venture into making your own cables, it’s vital to be aware of potential pitfalls and follow essential guidelines.
Most RJ-45 connectors are compatible with either solid-core or stranded cables; however, you should always verify the connector's compatibility with the cable type you’re using. Using connectors designed for one cable type with the wrong cable can yield unreliable performance.
This guideline also applies to CAT5e and CAT6 connectors. Many RJ-45 connections are meant to be used with a specific cable type. Additionally, some connectors are designed for specific wire gauges and cable diameters, emphasizing the importance of confirming your connector's compatibility with the particular cable in use.
Power User Tip: Just like sourcing your cable, you must also acquire quality connectors from reputable vendors. Connectors are a crucial component in the overall equation since even the highest quality cable is ineffective without dependable connections at both ends.
Two distinct wiring pinouts are defined by TIA/EIA standards: T568A and T568B. Presently, T568B is predominantly used in the U.S., a legacy deriving from analog compatibility, while T568A enjoys more global acceptance. Either standard is valid, provided consistency is maintained. For new wiring installations, it’s wise to select one standard and adhere to it throughout your network. If you are crafting new cables and are unsure about existing wiring, feel free to intermingle the two standards. The critical point is to apply the same wiring standard on both ends of a given cable run.
When constructing your own twisted-pair Ethernet cables, it is essential to maintain the integrity of the twists as close to the termination contact in the plug as possible. Ensure the wire pairs destined for adjacent pins are parallel within the plug body, avoiding entangled pairs or wires crowded within the plug.
Trimming the wire pairs to the correct length is crucial. The back-crimp of the plug should clamp onto the cable jacket, not the wires themselves.
You might be surprised at how easily poor terminations can occur and the narrow margin between a functional cable and one that fails. The crosstalk performance and EMI rejection capacity of Ethernet cables ultimately depend on preserving the essential relationships between the wires within the cable and during the plug termination. Diligent attention to detail is paramount. If you lack familiarity with proper termination techniques, it is advisable to consult with a professional.
Contact us to discuss your requirements for flexible ethernet cable. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.
In today’s digital age, having secure and efficient Ethernet connections is essential to maintain a seamless and uninterrupted internet experience. However, with a plethora of Ethernet cables like Cat6 and Cat7 available in the market, selecting the right type may appear daunting. This article aims to guide you in choosing the most suitable Ethernet cable.
Selecting the appropriate Ethernet cables will greatly enhance connection quality. To achieve this, it matters which Ethernet cable category you choose. The classification of Ethernet cables can be approached from two angles: by cable speed and by shielding type, which will be described in further detail below.
Ethernet cables are commonly classified according to their transmission speeds into categories: Category 5, Category 5e, Category 6, Category 6a, Category 7, and Category 8 cables. The primary distinction among these types lies in their data transmission capacity and bandwidth. The table below summarizes the performance specifications for these Ethernet cable types from Cat5 to Cat8:
| Category | Shielding | Data Rate Support | Standard Bandwidth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cat5 | Unshielded | 100Base-T | 100MHz |
| Cat5e | Unshielded | 10/100/Base-T | 100MHz |
| Cat6 | Shielded or Unshielded | Base-T and Maximum to 10GBase-T | 250MHz |
| Cat6a | Shielded | 10GBase-T | 500MHz |
| Cat7 | Shielded | 10GBase-T | 600MHz |
| Cat8 | Shielded | 25/40GBase-T | Not specified |
Seeing the specified performances of the various Ethernet cable categories, you'll notice that these cables support interchangeability and backward compatibility. The prioritization of Ethernet cables from Cat5 to Cat8 is as follows: Cat8>Cat7>Cat6a>Cat6>Cat5e>Cat5. For more details, you can visit our link on Cat5 vs Cat5e vs Cat6 Ethernet Cables Quick View.
The shielding type significantly impacts the performance of STP (Shielded Twisted Pair) cables through its effect on crosstalk mitigation. The incorporation of multiple shielding layers results in reduced crosstalk for these cables. Common types include FTP (Foil Twisted Pair Cable) and SFTP (Shielded and Foiled Twisted Pair Cable). Contrastingly, UTP (Unshielded Twisted Pair) cables limit electromagnetic interference primarily through the twisting of the wire pairs. Generally, a tighter twist results in lower crosstalk levels.
For shielded vs. unshielded cable:
STP cables are optimal for environments susceptible to electronic interference—like airports and radio stations—and are also suitable for security systems due to their protection against power frequency and radio frequency interference. On the other hand, UTP cables excel in LAN setups due to their lightweight, flexible, economical, and easy-to-install characteristics. For further understanding, you can check our article on Shielded vs Unshielded Cat6a: How to Choose? With this information, you should have clarity regarding desired speed, performance, and shielding type before making a selection.
When considering how to select an Ethernet cable, apart from categorizing Ethernet cable types, craftsmanship in cable construction is a significant aspect. The craftsmanship encompasses copper conductor purity, cable jacket ratings, and the materials used for cable connectors, all of which will be examined in detail below.
The materials used in network cables profoundly influence performance and pricing. Among the available materials are copper-clad aluminum wires and pure copper wires (encompassing oxygen-free and bare copper wire). The key differentiator here is copper purity, impacting overall cable quality. Higher copper purity translates to less signal loss. To minimize signal loss, it is advisable to select oxygen-free copper wires with a purity of 99.95%. For budget-friendly options, consider copper-clad aluminum wires.
The ranking of copper purity, which commonly aligns with pricing, from highest to lowest, is as follows: oxygen-free copper wire > pure copper wire > bare copper wire > copper-clad aluminum wire.
Cable jackets come in various materials, including non-flame retardant and flame retardant options. Flame-retardant cables are designed to mitigate fire spread. It is advisable to purchase flame-retardant Ethernet cables for safety purposes.
Pay attention to different types and classes of flame-retardant cables: CM, CMR, CMP, LSZH, and so on. Generally, Ethernet cables with PVC CM or LSZH jackets are commonly used for patch-cabling, while CMR jacket cables are suitable for non-plenum vertical installations, and CMP cable types are typically utilized in plenum spaces or drop ceilings. For further information, check our Ethernet Cable Jacket Ratings resource.
The connector material in a cable plug plays a crucial role in maintaining constant signal quality. When evaluating conductivity: silver > gold/copper > aluminum > nickel/iron.
Since silver and aluminum are susceptible to oxidation, gold is the preferred material for ensuring a reliable Internet connection. Furthermore, cable connectors that feature thick gold plating (measured in microns) can resist wear better. Usually, the thickest gold plating available is 50 microns, which offers optimal longevity for stable Internet connectivity.
Quality control of Ethernet cables is paramount. High-quality cables can typically pass the Fluke Test, an evaluation by Fluke Networks regarded as the industry standard for judging Ethernet cable quality. This test assesses cables against various standards such as ANSI/TIA and ISO/IEC, encompassing both patch cord and channel testing for Ethernet cables. To avoid inferior quality products, it’s recommended to purchase Ethernet cables from vendors who can provide test reports verifying their quality.
Cables passing patch cord tests demonstrate higher performance, while channel tests are fundamental for smaller networks. However, for deploying higher-grade patch cables like Cat6 or above in data centers, passing patch cord tests is essential.
Note: In the case of bulk Ethernet cables, the overall length of a permanent link should not exceed 90 meters.
Two additional factors to consider while purchasing the best Ethernet cable are length and color.
The length: For Ethernet copper cabling, the maximum permitted length for Cat5e or Cat6 cables employed for 10/100/BASE-T configurations is 100 meters (328 ft). Take into account the distance between devices when selecting a cord of adequate length.
The color: Beyond aesthetic appeal, color assists in managing numerous cables running to Ethernet switches or routers, simplifying cable tracking and ensuring proper connections.
With a clear understanding of what to consider to purchase a quality Ethernet cable based on performance and quality, you now need to choose a reliable vendor. Network Advisor, a notable influencer in the IT infrastructure space, recommended FS Snagless Cat6 Ethernet Cable, highlighting it as “worth a try” due to its sleek and durable design, affordability relative to mid-priced cables, and ease of cable management. Watch this review video for further insights:
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