A patch cord is a wire consisting of twisted pairs of conductors insulated from each other with crimped connectors on both sides. Any cable network - from a simple PC connection to complex systems - requires the use of this type of cable. To understand what a patch cord is, what types and categories it is, you need to study its parameters and differences.
Characteristics of patch cords
Patching cord in English is a connecting cord. Depending on the purpose, RJ45 or 8Z8C connectors can be installed at different ends. The most common is the RJ45 mother-to-mother connector. Angled versions are also popular, as they are more convenient to use in tight spaces to prevent breaks.
Main characteristics of patch cords:
- Type
- Category
- Protection
- Length
By type, there are copper, copper, or optical patch cords. Copper ones are more conductive, stronger, and better able to withstand bending. Patch cords are also categorized by bandwidth:
- Cat 3 - 10 Mbps, 16 MHz
- Cat 5/5e - up to 1000 Mbps
- Cat 6/6A - 10 Gbps, 250-500 MHz
- Cat 8.2 - Class2 - 40 Gbps, 2000 MHz
For home and office, cables of categories 5 and 6 are most often used, for data centers - higher ones.
The degree of protection is indicated by abbreviations:
- UTP - unshielded
- FTP - foil shield
- STP - metal shield
- SFTP - foil + metal shield
For a used patch cord of 2m, you can use UTP, and for 10m and more, it is better to take SFTP protection.
Connectors can be cast (more durable) and crimped (less durable). The type of pinout is also important:
- Direct - for connecting a PC to a router
- Crossover - for connecting a PC to a PC
Advantages of working with us
The As-it.ua online store offers a large selection of products for building networks and communications. A convenient filter on the site allows you to quickly find the right product. The description of each patch cord contains all the characteristics and warranty.
You can place an order by phone or online. We will deliver your order by New mail throughout Ukraine. Pickup from our office is available in Kyiv.
