[X4U] Network Cables and Speed

[Thomas W Noel]

On Apr 6, 2008, at 5:44 AM, David Ledger wrote:

>> From: Ken Schneider <ken at schneider.net>
>> There is so much different advice about ethernet cables that I am
>> confused. Some people say that to get gigabit speeds you need to use
>> Cat6 cables. Some say Cat5e is OK and some say Cat5 is OK for short
>> runs. I want to get the fastest speeds possible. My longest cable run
>> is 25 feet. Do I need Cat6? If I need to get Cat6 cables I will since
>> they will be fairly short.
>> Also, how can I tell how fast my network is running? I've looked for
>> applications that measure this but haven't found any. Is there any
>> software that will tell me the speed of my data transfers?
>
> As I understand it, the cables differ in twist pitch, screening, and  
> connector quality. The other factor is the number of plug/socket  
> joins in the run. I have never worked with the actual cables used  
> with Gb ethernet, but have long worked on systems that are connected  
> with them over distances at least as large as 25'.
>
> The standards are explained at
> <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gigabit_ethernet>
>
> In practice, achieving Gb speeds with domestic priced components  
> depends to some extent on luck.
>
> When it comes to speed, remember that the data bits will be clocked  
> out at the rated interval whatever is used. What matters is how many  
> packets fail to be received correctly.
>
> David

And remember, the network is only as fast as the slowest component   
--  so every plug, switch, hub, and NIC has to be also rated Cat6 or  
the cables are just a waste.

Tom