Network Cables

Network cables are used in the transmission of data across networks. There are two basic types of products: bulk cables and cable assemblies. Bulk network cables are sold by the foot or in reels. Network cable assemblies are collections of wires or cables that are banded into a single unit with connectors on at least one end. Specifications for network cables include network technology, application or use, connector type, cable type, and standards. Operating temperature and suitability for extreme environments or clean room may also be important to consider. Some types of network cables, such as SCSI cables and Ethernet cables, carry additional parameters. 

There are many different technologies for network cables. Choices include AS-I, ATM, CANopen, CC-Link, high-speed Ethernet, Fibre Channel, Fieldbus, Gigabit Ethernet, IEEE 1394 or FireWire^® (Apple Computer, Inc.), Infiniband ^® (system I/O, Inc.), general-purpose interface bus (GPIB), local area network (LAN), ODVA, parallel, SAE J1939, patch cable, SCSI, serial, and universal serial bus (USB). Applications for network cable are listed as automotive, audio, camera or imaging, general-purpose, instrumentation and control, computer cable, military or defense, networking, medical, telecommunications, and video. 

Network cables differ in terms of gender and connector type. There are three choices for gender: male-male, male-female, and female-female. Common connector types include Centronics^® (Centronics Corp.) 36 and Centronics 50; BNC; DB9, DB15, DB25, DB37, DB50, and DB68; Header 26, Header 40, and Header 50; HSSDC and HSSDC2; internal 50-pin SCSI and internal 68-pin SCSI; Micro Centronics 36, 50, 60, and 68; Min DIN 4; RCAM; RJ011, RJ-12, and RJ-45; Telco 50; USB Type A and USB Type B. The length of network cables is specified in English or metric units.

There are a variety of cable types for network cables. Choices include Cat 3, Cat 5, Cat 5E, and Cat 6; CATV and CCTV; coaxial, triaxial, and twisted pair; general-purpose and fiber optic; and Type 1 and RG6/11. Depending on the cable technology, network cables carry additional specifications such as Ethernet protocol, serial protocol, USB technology, and SCSI standards. There are four choices for Ethernet protocol: 10Base-T, 100Base-Tx, 100Base-FX, and 1000Base-T. Serial protocols include RS232, RS422 and RS485. USB 1.1 and USB 2.0 products are also available. Standards for SCSI network cables include SCSI-1, SCSI-2, and SCSI-3; Ultra2 SCSI and Ultra3 SCSI; and Ultra3 SCSI.

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Part Numbers for Network Cables