The uses of network cables

Network cables (Ethernet twisted-pair cables) are the core transmission medium at the physical layer of a local area network. Their core function is to enable high-speed data transmission among various network devices. In some scenarios, they can also provide PoE power supply, covering the construction of networks in all scenarios such as homes, enterprises, industries, and security. The following are its detailed uses and scenario-based application solutions:
I. Core Application 1: Data Transmission (Covering the vast majority of network scenarios)
Through differential signal transmission technology, two-way data interaction between devices is achieved, and different types of network cables correspond to different rate requirements.
Home network networking
Connect optical MOdems, routers, switches, computers, TVS, NAS (Network Storage) and other devices to build a full-house wired gigabit network, supporting 4K/8K video playback, large-scale game downloads, and home cloud storage data synchronization.
Recommended network cables: Cat5e or Cat6 unshielded (UTP) cables. For newly renovated pre-installed cables, it is preferred to choose CAT6 cables to reserve space for 10-gigabit upgrades.
Enterprise office network construction
Connect office computers, printers, IP phones, wireless aps, meeting tablets and other devices to support employees' daily office work, file sharing, video conferencing and other needs;
Recommended network cables: Cat6 or Cat6A cables. For office areas with significant interference (such as those close to computer rooms or strong current rooms), select the menu shielded (FTP) version.
High-density interconnection of data centers
Connect core devices such as servers, switches, and storage arrays to achieve high-speed data exchange within and between cabinets, and support high-frequency data services such as cloud computing and big data processing.
Recommended network cables: Cat6A double-shielded (STP) cable or CAT6A ultra-fine cable. The latter is suitable for high-density cabinet patch cords, saving space and improving heat dissipation efficiency.
Public area network coverage
In places such as shopping malls, hotels and office buildings, wireless aps are connected through network cables to achieve public WiFi coverage. It is used in places such as campuses and hospitals to build wired teaching terminal and medical equipment networks.
Recommended network cable: Cat6 low smoke zero halogen (LSZH) sheathed cable, meeting the fire safety requirements of public areas.
Ii. Core Application 2: PoE Power Supply (Dual-purpose network cable)
Network cables that support Power over Ethernet (PoE) technology can simultaneously transmit data and power, eliminating the need to lay additional power lines for devices and significantly simplifying the wiring process.
Security monitoring system
Connect IP cameras and NVRS (Network Hard disk recorders), and directly power the cameras through network cables. It is suitable for scenarios where monitoring points are scattered, such as shops, residential areas, and factories.
Recommended network cables: Cat5e or Cat6 solid oxygen-free copper wires. 24AWG wire gauges are preferred to ensure stable power supply.
Wireless AP and smart home power supply
Power the ceiling-mounted or wall-mounted wireless AP to avoid the trouble of no power socket near the AP. Power supply and data transmission for smart home devices such as smart door locks, smart curtain motors, and environmental sensors;
Recommended network cable: Cat6 unshielded cable, which takes into account both data transmission rate and power supply distance.
Power supply for outdoor equipment
It supplies power to outdoor wireless Bridges, park broadcasting speakers and other equipment, and in combination with waterproof network cable sheaths, it is suitable for outdoor damp and multi-interference environments.
Recommended network cable: Category 6 (Cat6) single-shielded (FTP) waterproof sheathed cable, enhancing anti-interference ability and durability.
Iii. Special Purposes: Industrial and Automotive Networks
Industrial control network
In the factory workshop, PLCS (Programmable Logic Controllers), industrial control computers, sensors and other devices are connected to build an industrial Ethernet, supporting the equipment linkage and data collection of the automated production line.
Recommended network cable: Cat6A double-shielded (STP) industrial-grade network cable, resistant to high and low temperatures, anti-electromagnetic interference, and suitable for harsh industrial environments.
Vehicle-mounted and rail transit networks
In buses, high-speed railways and other means of transportation, it is used to connect on-board monitoring, WiFi devices and passenger information display systems to achieve in-vehicle network communication.
Recommended network cable: Flexible Category 6 ultra-fine cable, resistant to bending, small in size, suitable for wiring in the narrow Spaces of vehicles.