Oct. 28, 2024
AVB networks rely on a set of standards for cabling infrastructure to ensure that network performance is both reliable and consistent. These standards include specifications for the cable construction itself, as well as specifications for the termination of cabling and physical connections to devices. Deviations from these specifications can result in reduced performance and even data loss, so it&#;s important to use the right cable for the job, and to use good quality cable that meets the necessary specifications.
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Cabling that is out of spec can result in dropped packets and intermittent connections. For simple data networks, such as those used to stream video or transfer files, it could just mean increased buffer times or transfer times. For live, real-time audio, it can mean audible dropouts in audio or loss of audio altogether.
While AVB itself doesn&#;t require gigabit Ethernet, PreSonus AVB product do require this speed because of the stream- and channel-counts involved. While this isn&#;t a function of the cables themselves (the devices and AVB switches handle gigabit Ethernet), it is still an important consideration to keep in mind when building your AVB network because you must select Ethernet cable that is capable of supporting Gigabit speeds.
Copper-wire Ethernet networks generally use twisted-pair cable. Twisted pair cabling is a type of wiring in which two conductors of a single circuit are twisted together to cancel out electromagnetic interference (EMI) from external sources, and reducing crosstalk between neighboring pairs.
AVB networks require the use of either CAT5e or CAT6 cables, both of which support Gigabit speeds at lengths up to 100 meters, as specified by the TIA/EIA-568 standard. CAT6 is designed to support speeds up to 10 Gb/s (10GBASE-T or 10 Gigabit Ethernet), but it is backward compatible with CAT5e. The primary differences between CAT5e and CAT6 cable are the wire gauge of the conductors and the number of twists per inch in each wire pair. CAT6 cable uses heavier gauge wire and more twists per inch, providing lower crosstalk, higher signal-to-noise ratio, and an overall better performance rating than the CAT5e equivalent.
Which type of cable you choose for your application depends on several factors. Network design, installation type (fixed or mobile), budget, and future applications should all be considered when selecting the type of cable you will use. CAT5e cable is usually slightly more cost effective, may be easier to work with, and still fully supports Gigabit speeds, but Cat6 is generally a better choice and is well worth the additional investment given its capacity for faster speeds, especially when considering the future needs from your system.
Power User Tip: Always source your cable from a reputable vendor to ensure you are purchasing a high-quality product that meets the industry and engineering specifications it claims by its Category label (CAT5e or CAT6). Never purchase cables labeled CCA (Copper Clad Aluminum), as it does not meet the TIA/EIA specifications for Cat5e and Cat6 cabling.
Whether you use CAT5e or CAT6 cable, you will have the option to use Shielded or Unshielded cable. Both cable types can be used for AVB networking and have advantages, depending on the type of AVB installation you are designing.
Shielded twisted-pair (STP) cables provide a barrier to help interference, especially electromagnetic interference (EMI). STP cable is constructed with additional electrical shielding along the length of the cable as well as specially constructed plugs that electrically connect and properly ground the cable shielding to the device connected at each end. Originally developed for industrial applications, shielded cable is ideal for fixed installations where Ethernet cable must be run near power, fluorescent lighting, etc.
Like a balanced analog cable, STP cables have to be grounded, so you&#;ll need to use STP-compatible RJ45 connectors. Most XLR-style locking Ethernet connections you will find used on Pro Audio equipment, like the StudioLive Series III mixers and NSB stage boxes, are designed to be able to support both shielded and unshielded cable connections.
There are some specific use cases which might call for shielded Ethernet cable to prevent electromagnetic interference (EMI) or radio-frequency interference (RFI) from affecting the performance of the cable. It should be noted that if shielded cable is used but not implemented correctly, it can introduce problems and make things worse than using unshielded cable. As with everything in audio, if you are not experienced in installation or design, it&#;s well worth the investment to consult a professional who is.
There are several different acronyms commonly used to describe shielded cables where the twisted pairs are not themselves individually shielded. These cable types rely on an overall shield or screen to filter out external noise. While you may find them used synonymously, there are important differences to note:
Unshielded twisted pair (UTP) and its cousins, U/FTP and F/UTP are lighter weight and more flexible. These cable types have the benefit of being easier to terminate and much more flexible than their shielded counterparts. What type of cable you select depends largely on your application and the amount of environmental interference you anticipate encountering.
Another thing to keep in mind when selecting Ethernet cable is whether it is solid- or stranded-core. In a solid-core cable, each of the conductors is a single copper wire, which is a better fit for installations and long cable runs (more than 70m). Stranded-core cables use multiple, thinner copper wires for each conductor, making them more flexible and easier to handle. This makes stranded-core cable a better fit for touring and shorter cable runs.
Most Ethernet cable is solid-core, constructed using solid insulated bare copper conductors for each of the eight wires in the four twisted pairs of the cable. These cables are meant to be used in permanent and semi-permanent installations, and are designed for longer distance horizontal and backbone cable runs. All CAT5e and CAT6 solid UTP cables are designated with a minimum bend radius for performance standards. The bend radius is the minimum radius a cable can be bent without kinking it, which can lead to damage and shorten its life. The minimum bend radius for Category 5, 5e, and 6 cable is four times the cable diameter, or about one inch. Proper cable installation is essential in order to maximize the performance of the cable.
In the case of a mobile live sound operation, with frequent setup and teardown, solid-core Ethernet cable probably isn&#;t the best choice, as it&#;s generally stiffer and not conducive to easy layout and flat deployment runs. Solid-core cables should not be over-flexed, bent, or twisted beyond the cable&#;s recommended specifications, as you risk damaging the cable, causing it to underperform or even fail.
Stranded Ethernet cables have multiple strands (typically 7 strands per conductor) of insulated bare copper conductors. These cables are typically used for patch cords/cables connecting devices to the network, but because these cables are more flexible than solid conductors, they are an excellent choice for portable uses and applications where repeated flexing is common, such as frequent setup and teardown of a live sound PA system.
A Quick Note About Tactical Ethernet Cable
When you need Ethernet cable that is intended specifically for harsh environments with repeated deployment, a special type of cable should be considered. Tactical cable generally uses stranded-wire construction for flexibility and durability, as well as employing a heavy, often rubberized outer jacket in addition to the lightweight PVC jacket (sometimes referred to as &#;up-jacketed&#;). Tactical Ethernet cable has a very similar feel and handling characteristics to balanced audio cable, and is much more rugged than common solid-core cable used for in-wall building installation, making it ideal for Pro Audio and Live Sound applications.
Making your own Ethernet cables can be a great way to save money, and allows you to create cables to fit your needs and specifications exactly. If you choose to make your own Ethernet cables, it&#;s important to be aware of some possible pitfalls and follow some important general guidelines.
Most RJ-45 connectors are designed to be used with either solid-core or stranded cable; however, you should always confirm the connector&#;s compatibility to the type of cable you are deploying. Using a plug designed for one type of cable with the wrong cable type can produce unreliable results.
The same is true for CAT5e and CAT6 cable connectors. Most RJ-45 connections are only meant to be used specifically with one or the other. Additionally, some connectors are designed for specific wire gauges and cable diameters, so, again, you should always confirm your connector&#;s compatibility with the specific cable you are using.
Power User Tip: Just like sourcing cable, it&#;s important to source quality connector from a reputable vendor. The connector itself is one of the most crucial pieces in the equation. Even the highest quality cable is only as good as the connections terminating each end.
There are two wiring pinouts defined by TIA/EIA standards: T568A and T568B. Currently, T568B is used almost universally in the U.S. - a legacy of analog compatibility - while T568A is more common worldwide. Either is perfectly acceptable as long as you are consistent. If you&#;re doing a new wiring install, it&#;s best to choose one or the other and stick with it throughout your network. If you&#;re making new cabling and not sure about an existing wiring install, don&#;t worry, it&#;s even okay to intermingle the two standards for the most part. The most important consideration and the only rule you absolutely must follow is that for a given cable or run, you must use the same wiring standard on both ends.
When building your own twisted-pair Ethernet cable, it is crucial that the twists are maintained as close as possible to the contact termination within the plug as possible. You&#;ll also want to make sure that the wire pairs running to adjacent pins are parallel inside the plug body all the way to the pin. You don&#;t want different pairs wrapped around each other or have wires bunched up inside the plug and pressed against each other.
Trimming the wire pairs to the proper length is also crucial, as you want to make sure that the back-crimp of the plug is clamping down on the cable jacket, not the wires themselves.
You might be surprised at how easy it is to create a poor termination and how narrow the window is between a working cable and a failing cable. The crosstalk performance and EMI rejection capabilities of Ethernet cable, which ensure it will function up to its rated specification, are entirely dependent on maintaining these relationships of the wires within the cable and the plug termination. A little attention to detail goes a long way in this respect. Again, if you are unfamiliar with proper termination techniques, PreSonus recommends consulting with a professional.
Contact us to discuss your requirements of flexible ethernet cable. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.
In today's digital world, having reliable and efficient Ethernet cables is crucial for a smooth and uninterrupted internet connection. However, with so many ethernet cable types like cat6, and cat7 available in the market, choosing a suitable Ethernet cable type may seem overwhelming. This article aims to help you know how to choose an Ethernet cable.
Appropriate Ethernet cables will help to realize better connections. To realize this, the Ethernet cable category matters. There are commonly two ways to classify the Ethernet cable category: by cable speed and by shielding type. They will be described in detail below.
According to different cable speeds, the most common network cables can be divided into Category 5, Category 5e, Category 6, Category 6a, Category 7, and Category 8 Ethernet cables. The biggest difference between these different Ethernet cable types is their data transmission speed and bandwidth. Check the table below to know the performance of these different Ethernet cable types from Cat5 to Cat8 at a glance:
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 MHzAfter understanding the performance of different types of network cables, you may find that the Ethernet cables are interchangeable and backward compatible as well. In other words, the priority of these Ethernet cables from Cat5 to Cat8 is Cat8>Cat7>Cat6a>Cat6>Cat5e>Cat5. For detailed information, you can click Cat5 vs Cat5e vs Cat6 Ethernet Cables Quick View.
For STP (Shielded Twisted Pair) cables, the shielding influences the crosstalk a lot. The more shielding layer a cable has, the less crosstalk it will suffer. Two common types are divided into FTP cable (Foil Twisted Pair Cable) & SFTP cable (Shielded and Foiled Twisted Pair Cable). For UTP (Unshielded Twisted Pair) cables, it's not the shielding to reduce interference, it is designed to limit electromagnetic interference by the way the pairs are twisted inside the cable. Typically, the tighter the twisted pair is, the lower the crosstalk is.
For shielded vs. unshielded cable:
STP cables are specifically suitable for environments where there is a high chance of electronic interference, such as radio stations and airports. Also, fit for security systems to protect power frequency and radio frequency interference. While UTP cables are most suitable for LANs and similar network cabling systems, they are popular due to their lightweight, versatile, flexible, inexpensive, and easy-to-install characteristics. For further information, you can click Shielded vs Unshielded Cat6a: How to Choose? Given all these clarified above, having known these different categories of Ethernet cable, be clear about what speed and performance and what shielding type of Ethernet cable you want before choosing an Ethernet cable.
When talking about how to choose an Ethernet cable, apart from Ethernet cable categories, cable craftsmanship is another key point to consider. The cable craftsmanship of copper conductor purity, cable jacket rating, and cable connectors are to be introduced in detail below.
When choosing a network cable, the cable material matters. Ethernet cable material, especially copper conductor purity, will not only directly affect the Ethernet cable price, but also essentially influence the performance of the cable.
Copper-clad aluminum wires & copper wires (including pure copper wire, oxygen-free copper wire, and bare copper wire) are available in the market. The biggest difference lies in the purity of copper, which determines the Ethernet cable quality. The purer the copper is, the less signal loss you will suffer. For less signal loss, you'd better choose oxygen-free copper wire with copper purity up to 99.95%. However, if you just wanna cost-saving wires, go with copper-clad aluminum wires.
The purity order of copper, also the order of the cable price, in descending is oxygen-free copper wire > pure copper wire > bare copper wire > copper clad aluminum wire.
Ethernet cable jackets can be made up of different kinds of materials, non-flame retardant & flame retardant jackets. Namely, flame retardant cables are typically designed to resist the spread of fire into a new area. For safety concerns, you'd better buy Ethernet cables that are flame-retardant.
The flame retardant cable types and classes are worthy of attention, such as CM, CMR, CMP, LSZH, etc. Normally, Ethernet cables with PVC CM and LSZH jackets are commonly used in patch-cabling environments. Ethernet cables with CMR jackets are generally used in non-plenum vertical cabling and network cables with CMP jackets are commonly used in plenum places and drop ceilings. For more related info, go check the Ethernet Cable Jacket Ratings.
The material of the connectors or contacts in a cable plug is vital for constant signal maintenance. For conductivity: silver > gold/copper> aluminum > nickel/iron.
Silver and aluminum are extremely oxidizable, while gold is hardly oxidized in the natural environment. Thus, gold is the ideal material for achieving a strong and lasting Internet connection that you will be less likely to lose the signal and won't have to spend more money replacing cables constantly.
What's more, the thickness of gold plating (measured in microns) is also very important. Low-micron plating is easier to wear out in a short amount of time, while thicker plating normally lasts much longer. In most cases, the thickest gold plating available is 50 microns, which is the optimal thickness for maintaining a fast and stable internet connection.
When choosing, the Ethernet cable quality also matters. High quality Ethernet cables usually pass the Fluke Test. It is a test issued by Fluke Networks that is considered the most authoritative criteria for judging the quality of an Ethernet cable, which tests the Ethernet cable quality according to different cable standards, such as ANSI/TIA, ISO/IEC , etc, covering patch cord testing and channel testing for Ethernet patch cables, and permanent link testing for Ethernet bulk cables. To avoid buying inferior cables, we suggest you buy Ethernet cables from vendors who can provide the Fluke test report to prove the Ethernet cable quality.
Cables passing the patch cord testing will indicate higher performance due to the test being much stricter. For some small networks, passing channel tests is fundamental. However, when deploying patch cables like Cat6 or the category above in DCs, qualifying by patch cord testing is a must.
Note: As for bulk Ethernet cables, the whole length of the permanent link is generally no more than 90m.
Length and color will be another two factors that you need to take into consideration when buying the best Ethernet cable for your networks.
The length: Ethernet copper cabling. When used for 10/100/BASE-T, the maximum allowed length of a Cat5e or Cat6 cable is 100 meters (328 ft). Consider the proximity of the devices you wanna connect to get a cord with sufficient length.
The color: Not only for aesthetics. When there are many cables connecting to the Ethernet switches or routers, the color will help to track the cables and make sure the right cable is connected to the right position. Also, better for cable management.
After knowing what to consider when buying a good Ethernet cable according to quality & performance, you now face picking a trustworthy supplier from vendor to vendor. Network Advisor, a Youtube influencer in the IT infrastructure field, recommended FS Snagless Cat6 Ethernet Cable and noted it "Worth a try" since FS snagless network patch cables have sleek and solid designs and constructions, cost less than most mid-priced network cables, and make cable management easier. Check out this review video now:
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