Network adapter cables connect wired network adapters to other devices. Different connectors, conductors, and shields determine cable length and speed. Category ratings determine maximum data rates and cable length. Fiber optic cables use plastic or glass fibers and transmit data with low power lasers. Gigabit Ethernet interfaces can use both copper wire and fiber optic cables with converters for flexibility.
A network adapter cable is a set of cables or optical fibers that connects a wired network adapter to another network device. Different types of connectors, conductors and shields can be used, depending on the type and speed of the connection. These factors also determine the maximum length of a network cable. Network adapter cables are used to interconnect the network ports of computers, routers, and network switches. They can also carry network connections long distances between offices, floors and buildings.
Most wire-based network cables contain twisted pairs of copper wire. Several factors affect the category rating of a network adapter cable: the grade of the cable, the number of twists, and the signal placement are all relevant. The level of shielding and the type of connector are also important. Each specific cable category determines a certified maximum data rate and cable length. The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) often defines categories of frequently used network cables.
A very common type of network adapter cable in the 2000s was Category 5 (CAT 5). It includes an 8-position 8-contact (8P8C) connector on each end and four twisted pairs of copper wire. The CAT 5 rating indicates a maximum data rate of 100 Megabits per second (Mbps) at a maximum length of 328 feet. Category 7 (CAT 7) cable requires a TERA connector or a 45-line GigaGate 12 (GG45) connector. The maximum data rate for this type of cable is 10 Gigabits per second (Gbps) at 328 feet.
A fiber optic network adapter cable usually consists of strands of plastic or glass optical fiber. The fiber is usually encased in plastic with sealed connectors to prevent external light from interfering with the signals. Data is often transmitted over a fiber optic network cable using a low power laser over a high speed Fiber Channel network. For example, the typical data rate for fiber optic cable is at least 40 Gbps in a cable more than a mile (6 kilometers) long. Even the longest cables can carry data at slow speeds, easily connecting distant buildings.
Some Gigabit Ethernet interfaces may use copper wire or fiber optic network adapter cable. The adapter includes a special connector that mates with a gigabit interface converter. Several converters can be used with this adapter, each designed for a particular type of cable. With the appropriate converter, for example, both fiber optic cables and twisted-pair copper cables can be used. This gives information technology (IT) departments flexibility in cabling and altering their networks.
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