At CableWholesale, we understand the importance of proper cable installation. Not only does installing your wires correctly ensure a tidy setup, but it promotes a stronger and more reliable connection. CableWholesale supplies a list of dos and don’ts of installing Ethernet cables in your home so you can avoid common installation mistakes.

DOs

Do: Use Separate Color Schemes

Use different colored cables to your advantage. Sticking to separate color schemes can distinguish different cables in your network. Having a color-coded system will be especially helpful when it comes to troubleshooting or expanding your home’s wired setup.

Do: Check Your Cable’s Length

You should always check your cable’s length, confirming that it’s the right distance for your home. Stretching your cables could cause tearing and other unfavorable damage.

Do: Use Cable Management Accessories

With 150 foot Ethernet cables and longer, it’s especially necessary to have a quality cable management system in place. CableWholesale has a variety of clamps, wraps, and other cable management solutions to avoid a cluttered network, even if your system utilizes shorter length Ethernet cables.

DON’Ts

Don’t: Bunch Your Wires

It’s important not to bunch your Ethernet cables during installation or bundle them too tightly. A disorganized setup will make it more difficult to troubleshoot if your network goes down.

Bundling cables tightly can impact their quality over time. Harsh wrapping may cause your Ethernet cords to bend unfavorably, damaging the wires.

Don’t: Keep Them Near Electrical Cables

Avoid placing your Ethernet cables near other electrical cables. A mix-up between the two could cause serious harm.

Not only is separating your electrical and Ethernet cables a smart safety move, but it reduces the chances of interference. Electrical wires can produce noise, fuddling your Ethernet wires’ efficiency and overall network connection.

Exploring the dos and don’ts of installing Ethernet cables in your home can save you from a wired network nightmare. Get the most out of your Ethernet cables by setting them up according to our recommendations.

Ethernet was released in 1980 and refined by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) a short two years after. This revision prompted all networking and computer devices to have the same ports. Since then, the IEEE has developed and improved Ethernet standards to guarantee cable quality and user safety.

Ethernet ports can be found all around the home—routers, computers, TVs, and most network and internet-enabled devices offer at least one. IT professionals and homeowners alike have come to appreciate the speed and reliability of networks with Ethernet. Whether you’re looking to adopt these wires for your home or office, check out CableWholesale’s breakdown of everything you need to know about Ethernet cables to make an informed investment.

The Structure of an Ethernet Cable

While it’s important to note that there are several differently structured Ethernet cables, Twisted Pair is the most common type. One of the reasons this structure type is so common is because it is the industry standard cable.

As the name indicates, Twisted Pair cables consist of two wires twisted together. The wires can carry data in both directions, balancing electrical fields and reducing interference. This cable build is highly preferable for its speed.

Shielded or Unshielded

Twisted Pairs cables are either shielded or unshielded. Shielded wires have further reduced electrical noise and strengthened connections. Unshielded wires lack a foil or braided shielding around the cable but can be found much cheaper.

The Different Types of Ethernet Cables

There are plenty of different types of Ethernet cables to choose from, not to get confused with cable categories. Explore what differentiates cable types.

Straight -Through or Patch Cables

Straight-through, or patch, cables connect different types of tech devices. You can find bundles of Cat6a, Cat6, and Cat5e patch cables among CableWholesale’s large inventory of network accessories.

Crossover Cables

Crossover cables provide a connection between two of the same devices. For example, a crossover cable may connect two computers together.

Solid Cables

Typically used for business networks, solid cables utilize a single run of wire. They’re much cheaper to produce than stranded cables and often supply slightly better service.

Stranded Cables

In stranded cables, smaller wires work together to provide connection. They’re highly robust and are often used for home networks. Most patch cables are stranded cables.

The Different Categories of Ethernet Cables

Discover the different categories for Ethernet cables, starting with the three most popular.

Cat5e

Cat5e cables are an upgraded version of Cat5 cables – the “e” actually stands for enhanced. These wires have a minimized crosstalk for a more streamlined connection.

Cat5e wires can reach a speed known as “Gigabit Ethernet,” or up to 1000 Mbps. This category of cable is the most common and is sufficient for connectivity needs at home.

Cat6

At their best, Cat6 wires can reach an astounding 10000 Mbps, or 10 gigabits per section. You can find these cables at an upward length of 37 meters. The distance enables businesses to have expansive network layouts.

Cat6 cables are entirely compatible with Cat5e and Cat5 devices, which is highly convenient for folks looking to upgrade their network on a budget. Cat6 cabling has a great number of twisters per pair and a plastic separator spine that diminishes crosstalk and improves speed.

If you’re delving into everything you need to know about Ethernet cables for your home, Cat6 wires might be overkill. It’s tough to find consumer switches that support its monstrous speed.

Cat6a

Cat6a is the next evolution after Cat6. This category is the new standard, supporting 10 Gbps up to 100 meters in length. These wires are often shielded to protect from electromagnetic interference over their grandiose length.

Less Popular Categories of Ethernet Cables

A few other categories of Ethernet cables include:

• Cat5
• Cat7
• Cat8

What You Can Use Ethernet Cables For

Most commonly, Ethernet cables are used to establish an internet connection. They connect devices to a local network via an Ethernet port. Ethernet cables can be used with TVs, laptops, and any other devices that require a network to properly function.

Devices That You’ll Commonly Find Alongside Ethernet Cables

Cables alone are virtually useless. See which common network features give Ethernet cables a job to do.

Hubs

A hub serves as the central connection point for Local Area Networks (LANs). Hubs copy a signal coming in from one port to blindly copy and forward it to every other port. They connect multiple Ethernet devices into one cohesive network.

Routers

A router functions as a gateway between your internet and local network. Most routers nowadays are equipped with switches.

Switches

Switches act like a smarter version of a hub. They assess the data coming in and redistribute it based on its appropriate port. This prevents every device connected to the system from getting unintended data.

The more switches you add to your network, the more wired devices you can hook up to the internet. Using a crossover cable between the switch and router, you can provide a connection to a team of tech devices.

Common Ethernet Cable Issues That You May Run Into

Even the most versatile cabling has its flaws. See what mistakes you may run into should you utilize Ethernet cabling.

Outdated Cabling

Old cables can cause network issues such as downtime or cybersecurity breaches. As bandwidth network standards evolve, so should your equipment. Try to update your cables every five years, or sooner if experiencing cable troubles.

Improper Installation

Though Ethernet cables are fairly easy to install, complicated networks or inexperienced IT professionals may result in inadequate installation.

The Benefits of Using Ethernet

Explore what makes Ethernet worthwhile.

Simple Installation

Because there are so many different Ethernet types and categories, you can be sure to choose one that suits your network best. Different wires are made especially compatible with existing technology to make installation easier for nonprofessionals.

Speed

Because most folks are used to the convenience of Wi-Fi, they don’t realize just how fast Ethernet is. With Ethernet cables, you can enjoy streaming, gaming, and more without suffering through lagging or untimely disconnection.

Ethernet speed isn’t merely beneficial for entertainment purposes, though; with a wired network in-office, you can transfer large files quickly and securely.

Availability

Ethernet cabling is some of the most accessible. You can find Ethernet cables cheaper than most other cables, such as coax or fiber optic. To create an optimal network at home or in the office without breaking the bank, Ethernet cabling is the way to go.

Structured cabling networks contain everything businesses need to integrate data, video, audio, and other various management systems within their buildings. These types of networks are based on two standards.

1. ANSI/TIA-568-C.0 – of generic telecommunications cabling for customer premises.
2. ANSI/TIA-568-C.1 – of commercial building telecommunications cabling in business infrastructures.

Both standards inform network design, construction, and how to manage the system.

To construct a high-functioning network and uphold cabling standards, you’ll need to include the following important features of a structured cabling network.

Entrance Facilities

An entrance facility marks where a telecom company’s cabling ends and where another company’s cabling begins. Here, you’ll also find demarcation points, adjacent hardware, and any equipment needed to connect provider and private wiring.

Equipment Room

As you may infer, equipment rooms are any room that harbor network equipment. It’s standard to find switches and routers in these rooms. Secure your company’s equipment room(s) to avoid theft or damage.

Backbone Cabling

Usually taking the shape of twisted-pair or fiber optic cables, backbone cabling runs throughout the facility. There are two different types of backbone cabling for your business to choose from.

• Cabling between horizontal cross-connects and intermediate cross-connects.
• Cabling between the main cross-connect and the intermediate cross-connect.

Horizontal Cabling

Horizontal cabling connects the telecommunications room to surrounding outlets or work areas. It’s often applied during building construction. Horizontal cabling typically utilizes an unshielded twisted-pair cable, such as the efficient cat6 plenum cable.

Telecommunications Room

Telecommunications rooms, also known as enclosures, host termination points for both horizontal and backbone cabling.

These important features of a structured cabling network should be found on every floor of your company’s building.

Work Area

Here you’ll find end-user equipment. Monitors, keyboards, laptops—workstations and all the equipment necessary for employee success are located within work areas.

The Synergy of the System

When these six components function together, they create one high-performing network for all your company’s endeavors. Each feature supports the network in a unique way that your connection would be compromised without. For all your cabling requirements, visit CableWholesale. We have high-quality bundles of cables at various lengths to suit any distance requirements for your network.

During quarantine downtime, many gaming fanatics and streaming enthusiasts put their tech-savvy skills to the test by creating a custom PC. By doing so, you can create the ultimate online experience for yourself. For the optimal PC setup, you’ll first need to assemble the appropriate parts. Having all the components is an essential aspect of setting up your own computer and maximizing its performance. If you’re looking to hop on this techy trend, CableWholesale has a guide on what to know when building a PC. We’ll cover all the basics of selecting PC materials and how to ensure the best selection for your build.

What Equipment Do I Need To Build My Own PC?

You’ll want to start your building process by gathering the key components. Here’s everything you need to create your computer.

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

Otherwise known as the processor, the central processing unit will essentially serve as your PC’s brain. Just like your brain informs all your limbs’ movements, the CPU informs the performance of the rest of the computer’s parts.

The processor transforms instructions provided by the user into effective action the computer can respond to. Because it’s the most essential piece of equipment for any PC, CPUs can be found at drastically varying price ranges.

Tech Pros Tip: Select your CPU based on the desired performance of your PC. If you’ll be using it for serious gaming or streaming, you’ll want to invest in a high-end processor that can handle the demands.

The Motherboard

The motherboard is going to be one of your larger assembly pieces, since it’s used to connect all the rest of the PC materials. The circuit board enables the communication between hardware that results in proper PC functionality.

Your choice of motherboard will heavily rely on the type of CPU you get and what features you’d like. A few circuit board factors you’ll want to keep in mind include:

• CPU overclocking capabilities
• Lighting
• Connectivity

Tech Pros Tip: Not all CPUs and motherboards are compatible, so be sure to check that you’re scoping adequate motherboard options before purchasing.

A Video Card or Graphics Processing Unit (GPU)

A video card or graphics processing unit (GPU) is necessary particularly for gamers. The GPU’s main responsibility is to configure complex graphics calculations so your PC games can look as refined as they are in the commercials.

Tech Pros Tip: The GPU might be the steepest investment you make when purchasing PC gear. Don’t make any stingy buys for your GPU, as a cheap one will diminish the cutting-edge visuals of higher-resolution gaming and frame rates.

Random Access Memory (RAM)

Random Access Memory (RAM) keeps regularly used data at bay for easy access. It’s virtually your PC’s short-term memory bank and prevents your system from having to trouble its storage device for often-used data. RAMs reset when they don’t have power, hence the reason why a primary storage device is still needed.

Tech Pros Tip: Most gaming professionals opt for as much RAM storage as possible. While most systems suffice with 16GB, 32GB can sustain your PC for years.

Adequate Storage

Backing up the RAM and housing long-term data, we have the quintessential storage device. Storage harbors files, games, the operating system, and essentially any data that you need to access will get stowed on this device.

Hard disk drives (HDD) have been used for decades, but now solid-state drives (SSD) have become more routine as the storage option. They’re more popular because they’re quieter, quicker, and more durable. That said, you’ll usually find an SSD at a steeper price than an HDD.

Tech Pros Tip: You can also utilize an external storage device, which has the perk of being portable.

Cases

Think of your case as a home for all the other PC components. Cases are what people typically think of when they imagine a PC—a large, dimensional rectangle that whirrs and glows inside with every PC function.

Cases are extremely customizable, which makes the selection of one a more exciting decision. They come in various shapes and sizes, so you can align your computer’s look with your preferred aesthetic. Most case compilations can house any PC materials just fine, unless your construction utilizes advanced features.

Tech Pros Tip: Be mindful of cooling when selecting your cases. Some cases come with fans installed, but you’ll want to make sure there’s room for additional cooling equipment if necessary.

Power Supply Unit (PSU)

As its name infers, a power supply unit sources power to your setup. The complexity of your PC build will determine the requirements of your PC’s PSU. If you have high-end features, you’ll need a PSU with enough wattage to support them.

Tech Pros Tip: To help determine which PSU requirements are best for your build, try using a power supply calculator online. It will tell you what power requirements your system needs based on its components.

CPU Heatsink, Fan, or All-in-One (AIO) Cooler

One of the most crucial aspects of what to know when building a PC is that their hard work produces heat. Too much heat can damage your system and pose an electrical fire hazard, making proper cooling a major necessity for any PC. As mentioned, some cases come equipped with a fan. However, if you’re placing high demands on your system, consider adding another cooling solution.

Fan-based solutions are usually adequate for your first PC. If you’re planning on overclocking your CPU, though, you’ll want an All-in-One (AIO) liquid CPU cooler. The installation process varies for cooling solutions, but they’re commonly attached to the motherboard. Added thermal paste can ensure that heat is properly dispelled from the CPU.

Tech Pros Tip: You may be wondering, “liquid? Inside of my computer?” But don’t worry—the liquid coolers are self-contained, so you never deal with the liquid inside. Just check that they’re compatible with your CPU and motherboard, and the rest will take care of itself.

The Monitor, Mouse, and Keyboard

Although these peripheral features aren’t a part of the PC, they are still some of the most important components of your setup. A monitor influences your viewing experience greatly. For crisp images, select monitors with higher resolutions.

Whether you go wired or wireless, your mouse and keyboard are additional setup aspects that can be totally catered to your style. Mappable buttons are an example of an add-on that a gamer might need.

Tech Pros Tip: If you’re creating your PC more for light recreational use, you don’t have to splurge on a mouse, monitor, or keyboard; it’s only during serious gaming and streaming that these features start to get pricey.

An Operating System

The OS is the software that enables interaction with your computer. You can start installing programs and games as soon as the OS is installed onto your storage device.

Tech Pros Tip: While there are tons of operating systems out there to choose from, Microsoft Windows is one of the most popular due to its widespread use and user-friendly experience.

Acquiring Odds and Ends

For all your PC accessories, cords, and cable management, consider CableWholesale. We offer 20 ft Ethernet cable bundles and other accessories that will allow you to maximize your PC’s connection at an affordable price. Our cable supplies provide the reliable network that every gamer and streaming expert dream can only dream of. Look around our website to see which of our cabling products best suit your setup.

Just because a network is low-voltage doesn’t mean it’s low-maintenance. The IT of offices and data centers don’t overlook the intricacies of low-voltage cabling requirements as it could end up an electrical fire hazard. Check out the differences between riser and plenum cable to determine which is best for your cabling needs.

Terms To Know When Considering the Two

When delving into the world of low-voltage cables, you’re bound to run into a slew of acronyms. Here’s a list of common cabling terms. You’ll find terms for cables that are best for plenum and riser spaces as well as features that help keep network environments safe.

• CL/CM/CMG Cables: If you’re investing in wires with this terminology, know they aren’t suitable for commercial use in riser or plenum networks. They’re for residential-grade or general-purpose cabling.
• CMR Cables: CMR stands for communications riser, which is approved for riser areas.
• CMP Cables: CMP stands for communications plenum. They are approved for both riser and plenum spaces.
• NFPA: The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) established the National Electrical Code and holds different industries accountable for fire safety standards.
• NEC: The National Electrical Code, also known as NFPA 70, was created to ensure electrical safety in commercial, residential, and industrial buildings.

Riser Cabling

If an application requires installation within a vertical riser or is designated for an area that’s specifically a non-plenum environment, you’ll use riser cables (CMR). An example of an appliance that uses riser cabling would be your HVAC system.

Many HVACs use ducted-return configuration, as separate ducts are used to recirculate air to the system instead of using the entire space above the drop ceiling. This curtails the chances of smoke and fumes spreading through the HVAC system and damaging cables.

Plenum Cabling

Plenum cabling, or CMP, uses polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or fluorinated ethylene polymer (FEP) for its jackets’ composition. They’re highly durable and fire resistant, emitting fewer toxic fumes than other plastic polymers.

While you can substitute plenum cables for riser cables in a riser-designated space, you can’t replace plenum-rated cables for riser-rated cables in a plenum-designated space.

The Main Difference

Juxtaposing the differences between riser and plenum cable, you’ll find that the standout difference is the fire resistance of their jackets. Since plenum jackets are manufactured with a greater fire resistance, they promote a lower risk for an electrical fire than riser cables, therefore more expensive. However, riser cables are still the safer option over general-purpose wires.

Whatever your budget, CableWholesale has you covered. Our bundles of cat5e plenum cables make fire-resistant cabling affordable. If you have any questions setting up your optimal network, get in touch with a member of our staff today.