Networking Guides
Fiber Optic Cable Types: Single-Mode vs. Multimode
Every fiber optic cable falls into one of two fundamental categories, single-mode or multimode, and the difference comes down to a single physical measurement: the diameter of the glass core...
Fiber Optic Cable Types: Single-Mode vs. Multimode
Every fiber optic cable falls into one of two fundamental categories, single-mode or multimode, and the difference comes down to a single physical measurement: the diameter of the glass core...
How to Terminate an RJ45 Connector
An RJ45 connector, technically an 8P8C modular plug, is the eight-pin connector used to terminate Cat5e, Cat6, and Cat6a Ethernet cable. Terminating one correctly, meaning stripping the cable, arranging the...
How to Terminate an RJ45 Connector
An RJ45 connector, technically an 8P8C modular plug, is the eight-pin connector used to terminate Cat5e, Cat6, and Cat6a Ethernet cable. Terminating one correctly, meaning stripping the cable, arranging the...
Fiber Connector Types (LC, SC, ST, MPO)
Fiber connector types are the standardized plug designs that terminate an optical fiber so it can click into a switch port, transceiver, patch panel, or wall outlet, and the four...
Fiber Connector Types (LC, SC, ST, MPO)
Fiber connector types are the standardized plug designs that terminate an optical fiber so it can click into a switch port, transceiver, patch panel, or wall outlet, and the four...
Plenum vs Riser vs PVC Cable Rating (CMP/CMR)
The letters stamped on a network or low-voltage cable jacket, CMP, CMR, CM, are not about how fast the cable is. They're fire-safety ratings that dictate where the code lets you...
Plenum vs Riser vs PVC Cable Rating (CMP/CMR)
The letters stamped on a network or low-voltage cable jacket, CMP, CMR, CM, are not about how fast the cable is. They're fire-safety ratings that dictate where the code lets you...
Cat6 vs Cat7 vs Cat8: Do You Need It?
Walk down the Ethernet aisle and the numbers keep climbing: Cat6, Cat7, Cat8, each promising more bandwidth and higher speeds than the last. So the honest question is the one...
Cat6 vs Cat7 vs Cat8: Do You Need It?
Walk down the Ethernet aisle and the numbers keep climbing: Cat6, Cat7, Cat8, each promising more bandwidth and higher speeds than the last. So the honest question is the one...
Cat5e vs Cat6 vs Cat6a Cable Explained
Cat5e, Cat6, and Cat6a are the three Ethernet cable categories you'll actually choose between for a home or building network. They all use the same RJ45 connector and are fully...
Cat5e vs Cat6 vs Cat6a Cable Explained
Cat5e, Cat6, and Cat6a are the three Ethernet cable categories you'll actually choose between for a home or building network. They all use the same RJ45 connector and are fully...