Patch cables are becoming more and more popular for everyday use.  It seems like today every electronic device is now being made with networking capabilities.  In the past patch cables were commonly used to connect only telecommunications and network devices, but today everything from gaming consoles to home appliances are now being manufactured with networking options.  A Cat5e patch cable is simply a cable that is designed to transfer data between two devices.  The Cat5e patch cable consists of a piece Cat5enetwork cable that has modular rj45 connectors on both ends.  The modular connectors allow you to simply plug the cable right into the back of any network capable device.  A network device is basically any type ofequipment that you can put on a network such as network routers, network hubs, networkable home appliances, network IP cameras, network switches, network computers, and any other devices that support a network signal.

 

You may be wondering what Cat5e cable really is and what makes it so special!  Cat5e is an Ethernet network cable that contains four pairs of copper wire that are used to transmit data.  Cat5e cable relies on a twisted pair design to filter noise rejection that could hinder your transfer of data.  Cat5e comes in both stranded and solid conductor forms which both formats have their own separate features and benefits.  The solid Cat5e cable is more commonly used for structured cabling applications where you use bulk cable to wirea building or a home from the central distribution point out to all the phone or data outlets.  The stranded form of Cat5e is more commonly used for patch cable purposes because it is more flexible and optimal for shorter cable runs.   The stranded Cat5e is much easier to work with and is much more durable.  The solid version of Cat5e which is much less expensive is much more stiffer and makes much more reliable connections when terminating Cat5e cable into keystone jacks, 110 cabling blocks, 66 cabling blocks, or modular plugs. 

 

Most people normally buy Cat5e patch cables that are pre-made.  They measure the distances they have between their networking devices that they need to connect and they order the patch cables that bestsupports those distance.  Most patch cables made by a reputable manufacture are offered in numerous colors and sizes that vary from 1 foot to over 100 feet long.  So you have the flexibility to get the cable that perfectly fits your network application.  You do have this option when you choose to make your own patch cables.  If you are in the telecommunication industry or have a job where you are constantly in need ofcustom patch cables then you will have to invest in a crimping tool, a Cat5e cable stripper, and then buy bulk Cat5e cable, modular connectors, and the strain relief boots.  Making your own patch cables could become very tedious work especially if you need to make a lot of them!  So you will have to evaluate the cost of buying them pre-made versus making them on your own, and see what best you’re your needs.     

 

Picking out the right patch cable brand is really an easy task.  Do your research and check the specifications.  Only buy patch cables from a reputable manufacture of structured cabling products.  This will ensure you are buying patch cables that are made from quality cables that are 100% tested and certified.  A cheap patch cable could hinder the performance of your network which will in turn hinder the operation of the network devices they are supporting.  So make sure you buy the patch cables that will maximize the performance of your network!   We hope this information helps you as you build your own custom network!