What Is Ethernet Cable?
Ethernet cables or network cables are used for carrying broadband signals between your computer, modem, and router. You can even use them for other wired devices like streaming boxes and gaming consoles for transferring the internet. It features a connector on either end and looks similar to telephone cables.
In an Ethernet cable, you will find four twisted pairs of insulated copper wires. They are also called RJ45 (registered jack) cables in the telecommunications network. These cables utilize the 8P8C (8 position 8 contact) connector. Using an Ethernet cable requires having an Ethernet adapter.
Advantage Of Ethernet Over Wi-Fi –
Compared to Wi-Fi, Ethernet doesn’t have an advantage. By hard-wiring the internet connection, it can provide consistent and faster connectivity. With it, there will be no barriers to Wi-Fi like distance, weather, or even walls that can block the signal. When you play games with an Ethernet cable, there will be faster loading and less lag.
Different Types of Ethernet Cables –
The main function of Ethernet cables is to provide a network connection. The cables have been classified into seven different generations. The most common of them are
Category 5 (Cat5): It is a fifth-generation Ethernet network cable that can support speeds of up to 100 MBPS. The enhanced version Cat5e can provide a speed of up to 1 GBPS. This is an ideal choice for business houses. There is also a Cat5a which can peak up to 1000 MBPS.
Category 6 (Cat6): One of the main advantages of Cat6 is that it can support speeds of 1GBPS from a distance of 100 meters. It comes in the form of a twisted cable and can be great for shorter distances.
Category 7 (Cat7): This is a new generation Ethernet cable with a speed of 100,000 MBPS at 49 feet. Compared to Cat5 and Cat6, Cat7 is more durable. Using this type of Ethernet cable will improve the noise resistance as it has shielded twisted pairs.
How To Connect Ethernet Cable to Laptop?
To have a fast internet connection, you will be requiring an Ethernet port and a wired Ethernet cable. The following are the steps for connecting an Ethernet cable to the laptop.
1. Purchase a USB adapter:The first step will be to get a USB adapter. There are different types of adapters and they can range from $10 to $30. If you are looking to have a faster speed, you need to go for a USB 3.0 adapter. However, you will have to make sure that your laptop comes with a USB 3.0 port. People can also use a docking station for extended USB ports. Again this will cost you more.
If your budget is tight, you can go for a USB 2.0 adaptor. These types of adapters have slower connection speeds. For people, whose operating system is not Windows, you need to get a USB adapter that is compatible with your laptop.
2. Connect the adapter to a USB port: After having the adapter, you will have to connect it to the USB port. Look for the USB port on your laptop. If you are using a USB 3.0 adapter, you will have to plug it into the USB 3.0 port.
3. Download the adapter drivers: Most types of devices will automatically install the necessary drivers. If the drivers are not installed automatically, you will have to install them manually by going to the manufacturer’s website. It can happen especially when you are using an older Windows version. Here are the steps for downloading the adapter drivers.
Step 1: Go to your computer browser and visit the website of the manufacturer.
Step 2: Navigate to Products or Downloads.
Step 3: Find the support page for your device.
Step 4: Hit on Download for getting the drivers.
Step 5: Go to the Downloads folder on your computer and open the downloaded file.
Step 6: Install the adapter drivers by following the instructions.
4. Connect an Ethernet cable to the adapter: Once the download and installation of the drivers are complete, you will now be able to connect to the Ethernet cable by using the adapter.
Conclusion
Ethernet cables offer reliable connectivity over Wi-Fi. You can use Ethernet cables even if your laptop does not have an Ethernet port. Some adapters can easily provide Ethernet connection from the USB ports. However, the bandwidth will range according to the USB port generation. Using Ethernet cables is easy and you can connect them without any issue. Ethernet cables also give you the option to combine multiple internet connections rather than switching between them.
