Ethernet Cables, UTP vs STP, Straight vs Crossover, CAT 5,5e,6,7,8 Network Cables

This is an animated video explaining Ethernet network cables, such as unshielded twisted pair (UTP) and shielded twisted pair (STP). Straight (patch ) cables vs Crossover cables and CAT 3,5,5e,6,6a,7 and 8. It also shows the wiring order of ethernet cables and how to make RJ45 network patch cables.

Save 59% on a 2-year plan + 4 months free

[PowerCertAnimatedVideos]

Save 59% on a 2-year plan + 4 months free

[plaguex]

Have a job as a IT Tech Specialist. This channel is a life saver just to help memorize everything and to help touch-up info

[pherii]

I've just found this channel and I have to say this is pure gold and treasure, big thank you

[garrydominique]

Make no mistake about it; this is far the best tech channel on youtube. A four-year old wouldn't have any difficulties following the lessons. Thank you!

[JaleSwiftpaw]

Very instructive videos as always, sir.

It's also worth mentioning that, for example, Cat 5 cables use only 2 out of the 4 twisted pairs to reach 100 Mbps speed and to achieve 1 Gbps speed, all 4 pairs must work flawlessly or the speed will fall back to 100 Mbps.

[JimFortune]

0:50 The twists are to offset capacitance in the wire pairs. The pairs are twisted at different rates to reduce cross-talk.

[satellitesage]

I'm a BSIT student who's having a hard time with computer networking. Your videos are really helpful, way better than my textbook! I hope you would keep more videos coming <3

[jahjin]

currently in school for computer tech and your videos explain things a million times better than the books and the teachers.

you are going to be the reason why i find a good job later so thank you and keep up with the videos!

[andreitataa]

I literally spent so long trying to understand this and finally I get it…this channel is amazing!!!!

[CubeHsiao]

I used to do the job of telecommunication engineering in Taiwan, and made a lot of Ethernet cable. It’s the first time I understand which is which instead of just verbatim and didn’t know why!

Good work!

[KSnakeW]

S(hielded)TP is not the same what F(oiled)PT is. In STP shield is made as metal braid/mesh. FTP cables has metalized foil. Differences is that the STP needs to be connected with ground to work. FTP doesn't need (but can be if cable has special conductor strand) to be grounded because metalized foil distracts EMI on its surface. FTP should not be used whitout actual need; they can self-interfere. CAT 7 and 7a are not TIA/EIA standards and it are not backward compatible with 8p8c connectors. These are designed to use with GG45 or TERA connectors. Propper replacement for CAT 5e are CAT 6a and CAT 8 Class I which are use 8p8c.

[SwordQuake]

Crossover cables... a blast from the past. Haven't heard of them in probably a decade.

[TrueThanny]

Something not covered in this video, and very important for making patch cables, is the difference between solid and stranded wires. Some cable ends work well with either solid or stranded wires, while others only work well with stranded. In general, if you're making patch cables, go with stranded.


Beyond that, if you're wiring inside the walls, make sure it's riser rated. That just means there's something (typically a string) inside the sheath that physically supports the weight of the wire other than the wires themselves. CAT6 comes in riser-rated varieties, but it's also inherently suitable for in-wall wiring by design, as there's a plastic separator between pairs that effectively supports the weight of the wire as well. If you're wiring a commercial building, you also need to make sure the wires are plenum rated. That means the outer sheath is of a material that will not catch fire when subjected to extreme heat (it'll just melt).


The only other thing I'd add is that all modern ethernet switches automatically detect whether a cable is straight through or crossover, and set up the connection accordingly (it's called auto MDI-X). Even a lot of ports on NICs and laptops support auto MDI-X. So it generally doesn't matter which cable type you use, unless you're connecting older hardware.

[katdareshruti]

I am binge watching these videos. It's like a very hungry and lost person finally found food!:)

[RushitShukla]

JUST ANOTHER COMMENT LETTING YOU KNOW YOUR VIDEOS PROVIDE A LOT OF GOOD AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION IN THE MOST SIMPLEST AND EASIEST WAY ANYONE COULD. THANKS .

[caturdaynite]

When I used to pull cable, I can;t do ladder work for health reasons now, it always specified that we use STP. Especially if there were fluorescent light ballasts in the ceiling. Good video and well explained.

[CP-hbff]

I used to watch your videos before I had my certs. Nostalgia 🤗

[HughjanusIncorporatedLLC]

As a BICSI level 1 student getting ready to take my hands on test and written exam; this video helps reinforce the text material!

[tombeheydt]

The STP you describe isn't an STP cable but an FTP cable. STP is similar to FTP but FTP only has a fieldprotection around the cable and STP has a fieldprotection around the cable and fieldprotection aroud each pair.

[dabombinablemi]

Crossover cables are more of a relic from the early 2000's at this point. My OG Xbox require them for systemlink. Everything else that I have can communicate with them over a standard cable.