Despite the many advancements in fibre optic cable and newer builds taking advantage of this technology, LAN cable is pretty much used everywhere.
LAN AND LAN CABLE
LAN stands for Local Area Network. A LAN is private network used in many homes and business networks. It tends to consist of; access points, routers, switches, cables and an array of other devices. The most straightforward way to set up a LAN is by using an Ethernet cable (RJ-45).
LAN Cable is a networking cable that connects to different devices. A LAN Cable is used to help in the connection of computers to hardware forming a LAN. It’s best used in small distances.
One thing to note is that LAN cable is not the same as Ethernet cable. Ethernet cable has different types and the common three are coaxial cable, copper twisted pairs and fibre optic cable.
Each of the aforementioned has different designs and functions which power your network connections.
- Coaxial cable: mainly used for connection by your internet service provider to your modem.
- Copper Twisted Pair: comes in many categories each offering advantages and speeds. CAT5e, CAT6, CAT6A etc. They’re widely used to connect computers, IP cameras, routers, switches and more. The term twister pair comes from the fact two copper cables are twisted reducing the electromagnetic interference from other components.
- Fibre Optic Cable: provide faster and more efficient ways of transmitting signals. They are faster, more reliable and carry larger bandwidth than copper can handle. FOC usually have different connectors such as: SC-LC; SC-SC; ST-LC; ST- LC; and many more.
IS LAN CABLE FASTER THAN WI-FI?
Simply put yes. Despite speed increases thanks to the introduction of 802.11ac providing speeds up to 1300Mbps and 802.11n speeds of 300Mbps (maxing at 450Mbps).
A full in depth article comparing the difference between Wi-Fi and Ethernet can be found here:
CONCLUSION:
Overall, LAN cable is used to connect your networking devices via routers and switches.
