An Ethernet Cable is a network cable used to connect wired networks. In their short version (several feet or so), they connect between a computer and a modem or router in a home network. bulk Ethernet cable (up to 1000 feet runs are available) is used to set up a network, connecting multiple computers (possibly in different rooms) and other devices to the server usually in offices and other businesses.
A Bulk Ethernet cable is typically available on a spool or in a pull box, for easy use when rolling the cable out during installation.
Ethernet is a network protocol used to make a network. When we talk about Ethernet cable, we commonly refer to category cables, more specifically Cat5e or Cat6.
As a role of thumb, higher category number translates to faster speeds and Mhz of the cable.
Category cables include Cat5, Cat5e Cat6 and Cat6a. The difference between the category cables is evident primarily in speed:
Cat5 cable is a twisted pair cable for carrying signal. It can handle 10/100 Mbps speeds (Fast Ethernet) at up to 100 MHz bandwidth. In other words – it is slow. Like other category 5 cables, it is very flexible and can be bent at any radius exceeding around four times its outside diameter.
Cat5e (the ‘e’ stands for enhanced) is the revised version of Cat5, which replaced it in the market today. Cat5e handles 1000 Mbps speeds (gigabit Ethernet) at 100 MHz (faster than its predecessor Cat5) and is designed to reduce crosstalk (signal interference between adjacent cables). Cat5e is the most commonly used category cable in new installations.
Cat6 handles 10 gigabit Ethernet at 250 MHz and an internal separator isolating the pairs from one another to better control and prevent crosstalk. This major improvement over Cat 5e comes at a cost, but will remain current with fast evolving technology longer than other cables.