External LAN network cables from the Polish brand Lanberg are designed for creating extensive home and commercial network installations. They provide reliable and efficient connectivity for devices located at significant distances from each other. Carefully crafted from high-quality materials, they offer excellent bandwidth, stable data transmission over any distance, and effective operation of the entire computer infrastructure. The range of Lanberg outdoor network cables includes several models that differ in terms of telecommunication category and the presence and type of shielding. Which LAN cable should you choose for your outdoor installation? This article will help you make the right decision.
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What are the differences between Lanberg outdoor cables?
Lanberg outdoor network cables are divided into two basic types:
- UTP cables (Unshielded Twisted Pair) – unshielded,
- FTP cables (Foiled Twisted Pair) – shielded.
Shielding in FTP cables involves the use of an additional cover, such as foil, which protects the wires from electromagnetic interference, ensuring uninterrupted and efficient network operation and mitigating signal degradation over longer distances. On the other hand, the lack of such protection in UTP cables contributes to greater flexibility and easier installation.
In terms of bandwidth, Lanberg outdoor network cables can be categorized into: 5e, 6, 6a, and 7. Belonging to a specific category has a decisive impact on the performance and intended use of a given LAN cable.
- Category 5e offers bandwidth up to 1 Gb/s. Cables of this category perform well in residential, home, and office network infrastructures.
- Category 6, with bandwidth up to 10 Gb/s, raises the bar and provides more possibilities. Cables of this category are an ideal choice for more demanding network applications.
- Category 6a ensures data transmission bandwidth up to 10 Gb/s and provides more effective protection against electromagnetic interference. Cables of this category are an excellent choice for modern, large corporate and industrial installations.
- Category 7 features bandwidth up to 10 Gb/s, improved shielding, and minimal latency. Cables of this category are used in data centers, advanced network systems, and other demanding environments where performance and reliability are priorities.
When to use UTP cables and when to use FTP cables?
Lanberg UTP cables, e.g. LAN UTP cable cat. 5E 305m outdoor CU black fluke passed LCU5-21CU-0305-BK, are ideal for standard home applications, allowing for the connection of routers or IP cameras. High flexibility makes it easier to lay cables on facades or in installation channels.
Lanberg FTP cables, e.g. LAN FTP cable cat. 5E 305m outdoor CU black fluke passed LCF5-21CU-0305-BK, should be used in places where there are strong electromagnetic interferences (EMI). The issue of interference often concerns network installations conducted near power lines, industrial machines, or large clusters of electrical devices. Shielding effectively suppresses interference, ensuring more stable and uninterrupted network connections.
Cat 5e vs Cat 6 – which category of network cable to choose?
For installations conducted in PVC pipes or other standard cable routes,
where distances are not large and bandwidth requirements do not exceed 1 Gb/s, Lanberg Cat 5e outdoor cables should be fully sufficient. They are characterized by solid construction, an interior filled with hydrophobic gel for moisture protection, and an outer coating resistant to UV radiation.
However, when designing a modern network installation with high bandwidth (up to 10 Gb/s), with future expansion in mind, it is worth investing in Lanberg Cat 6 outdoor cables, e.g. LAN UTP cable cat. 6 305m outdoor CU black fluke passed LCU6-21CU-0305-BK. They offer greater bandwidth, improved shielding, and more effective operation in challenging environmental conditions.
Regardless of the category chosen, attention should be paid to the quality of the cable's construction and the stability of transmission. The technical parameters of Lanberg outdoor network cables have been confirmed through rigorous testing. They are made entirely of copper (CU cables), offering excellent performance, safety, and longevity. Additionally, their high flexibility facilitates installation work in difficult conditions.
FAQ
1. What are the differences between external UTP and FTP LAN cables?
UTP cables (Unshielded Twisted Pair) are unshielded, thus they are characterized by greater flexibility and easier installation. On the other hand, FTP cables (Foiled Twisted Pair) have an additional shielding foil that protects against electromagnetic interference, ensuring more stable data transmission in challenging conditions.
2. When should FTP cables be used?
FTP cables should be used where the installation is exposed to strong electromagnetic interference, e.g., near power lines, industrial machines, or clusters of electrical devices.
3. What does it mean that a cable has category 6?
A category 6 LAN cable provides bandwidth up to 10 Gb/s and better protection against interference, which is crucial in modern commercial and industrial installations.