Computers, TVs, and telephones use cables. And it’s tough to envision our existence without these technological aids. The terms “internet cable” and “LAN cable” are commonly used in the networking industry. They are cables used to link networking equipment such as PCs, network switches, and routers to transport data. The most common network cable is LAN; now you might think, What Is LAN Cable?
It’s worth noting how we refer to Ethernet and networking cable. They may both get used interchangeably when it comes to our cables. The confusion stems from the distinction between a LAN cable and an ethernet cable.
What is LAN?
Before jumping to the main query, i.e. what is LAN cable, first, it’s better to discuss what LAN is?
A LAN is a term for a local area network. It is a computer network that links computers in a specific area such as homes, workplaces, and pretty much any place with several computers nearby. Numerous cables may get utilized with LAN, which is a connection of several computers and networking devices. It comprises the following items:
- Cable (coaxial)
- Copper Twisted Pair (Also referred to as LAN, Ethernet, or Networking cable)
- Fibre Optic Cable
Advantages of LAN
LAN allows computer resources, including printers, scanners, modems, DVD-ROM drives, and hard drives, to share amongst linked devices through LAN. It minimizes prices and material purchases.
What Is A LAN Cable?
Let’s briefly discuss What Is LAN Cable? Well, a LAN cable is any specific sort of data connection that aids in computer networking. It includes things terminated with a BNC or ethernet cable, as well as most varieties of coax. It is because these cable types support a Local Area Network (LAN).
These LANs use wired connections to connect and access data. As a result, many of these cables use wired connections to join or access any form of data. The two primary requirements that distinguish various LAN connections from one another are:
- The geographical layout of equipment and how a local area network is connected is called network topology.
- A media characteristic refers to the device’s physical connection to the network.
Copper cables get sometimes referred to as LAN cables, which are a sort of Internet connection. Standard fibre cables get used for most 10G transmissions, and these cables got designed for 40/100G transmissions in data centers. Outside, fiber cables are getting installed. These outdoor fibre cables, such as armoured patch cables or military-grade fibre cables, are designed in extreme settings, such as underground wiring.
Types of LAN cable
There are two types of LANs based on the distinct protocol types:
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LANs client/server
The client/server LAN cable is sometimes referred to as a two-tier LAN connection because it comprises a powerful computer known as a network. It assists in handling network traffic, disc drives, printers, peripherals, and other gear.
These LANs service personal computers, workstations and aid in the execution of programs.
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LANs Peer-to-Peer
Peer-to-peer LANs cannot manage large workloads as well as client/server LAN connections. This type of cable’s peer-to-peer (p2p) characteristic implies that each computer or node inside the Local Area Network will have an equal share of the burden (LAN).
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Is LAN Cable Faster Than The Internet?
The speed with which Internet users may access the World Wide Web is usually a source of worry. It might be an issue depending on the Internet Service Provider (ISP) you choose. Another reason might be that your Wi-Fi router isn’t up to the task of delivering high Internet connections.
The ease of use of Wi-Fi without the need for network wires to connect to the Internet is a compelling incentive to continue using it. However, using a LAN connection to connect to the Internet over Ethernet is still faster than Wi-Fi.
Ethernet Cable
On the other hand, to know the difference between Ethernet and network cable, we first need to know about ethernet cables. The word Ethernet got derived from the term Ethernet cable. UTP is the most common type of ethernet network cable. An Ethernet crossover cable is a network cable that links two Ethernet network devices directly without a switch or router, such as two PCs.
In wired networks, an Ethernet cable is a typical type of network connection. Local area networks use them to connect routers, computers, and switches.
Are Ethernet Cable and Network Cable the Same?
The cables that connect the components in computer networks are not always referred to in the same way by network operators. Many different uses can get defined by broad phrases such as “network cable.” The name “Ethernet” refers to the standard LAN access technique, not to a cable in and of itself.
Without further explanation, any cable that links this access within a LAN might get referred to as a “network cable” or an “Ethernet cable.” So it is seen that there is no distinction between a network cable and an Ethernet cable. The critical points between them are as follow:
- When it comes to controlling, Ethernet is decentralized, whereas LANs control is centralized.
- Ethernet is not as reliable as LAN.
- The ethernet transmission path get only wired, whereas the LAN transmission path is both wired and wireless
Final Thought
LANs have become an integral part of our everyday life in a variety of ways. If you play computer games or create graphics on your computer at work, you are almost certainly a member of a LAN. Using a LAN cable to link your computer to the switch and then to a router or modem is the most common way to set up a LAN. Find wires with a protective layer or weatherproof wires that specifically intended to withstand the elements.
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