Networking FAQ

What is RJ45 / RJ-45?

RJ45 is a standard for network connections.

"8P8C" is the same thing.

What is the difference between
CAT5, CAT5e,and CAT6?

Type	Frequency Support	Networking Usage
CAT5	100 MHz	100BASE-T (most common type)
CAT5e	100 MHz	100BASE-T and Gigabit (newer standard seen on many computers)
CAT6	250 MHz	Gigabit and 10Gigabit (at 180ft max). CAT6 cables are backwards compatible with CAT5.
CAT6A	500 MHz	Gigabit and 10Gigabit. CAT6A cables are backwards compatible with CAT5.

What is 8P8C?

It is the same jack as RJ45.

What is CAT6?

CAT6 is a cable standard the supports 100BaseT and Gigabit networks.
More CAT6 information on Wikipedia

What is stranded cable?

Stranded cable is more flexible than solid cable, but has lesser signal quality. It can resist wear better than solid cable.

What is solid cable?

Solid cable will break easily if bent repeatedly. It has better signal quality than stranded, and is suited for behind the wall use.

What is assembly cable?

Assembly cable allows the cable length to be resized. It does not have thick molded ends.

What is molded cable?

Molded cable has a thick molded end, that protect the wire from flexing at the ends. The end is done my machine and not by hand.

What is crossover cable?

Crossover cable allows two computers to connect via one cable.

What is Gigabit Ethernet?

Gigabit Ethernet transfers data at 1 gigabit per second (125 MB/sec). It is found on many new computers.

GIGABIT ETHERNET
Name	Cable type	Max distance
1000BASE-CX	Copper cable	25 meters
1000BASE-T	CAT5, CAT5e, CAT6 (4 pairs used in the cable)	100 meters
1000BASE-TX	CAT6 (uses 2 pairs in the cable)	100 meters
1000BASE-SX	Fiber optic - multi-mode fiber	500 meters
1000BASE-LX	Fiber optic - single-mode fiber	2000 meters
1000BASE-BX10	Fiber optic - single-mode fiber	10,000 meters
1000BASE-ZX	Fiber optic - single-mode fiber	70,000 meters

What is Fast Ethernet?

Fast Ethernet transfers data at 12 MB/sec.

FAST ETHERNET
Name	Cable type	Max Distance	Connectors
100BASE-SX	Fiber optic - multi-mode fiber	300 meters	SC, ST, MIC
100BASE-FX	Fiber optic - multi-mode fiber	400 meters	SC, ST, MIC
100BASE-TX	CAT5, CAT5e, CAT6	100 meters	RJ45

What is 1000BASE-TX?

It is a version of 1000BASE-T that requires CAT6 cable. It uses two pairs of wires (inside the cable) in each direction.
1000BASE-T products are sometimes mistakenly marketed as 1000BASE-TX.

What is port forwarding?

Port forwarding allows internet access to a specific device, from outside the local network.
Normally, devices cannnot be directly accessed from outside a local network if they are protected by a router. These devices can still use the internet by making requests through the router, which acts as a security layer.
You can set the router to allow specific port numbers to be accessed by outside traffic, so that a device on a local network becomes directly accessible over the internet (from another remote computer).

An example application for port forwarding is to allow remote video feed of DVR video.
DVR's sold by PI can be accessed remotely over the internet, allowing the user to check on their home or business from anywhere.

Can I connect two hubs/routers wirelessly?

Yes, we carry long range (up to 1000 feet) wireless bridges, which allow routers and hubs to talk remotely. Local networks can span across buildings wirelessly.

UL-204 Wireless LAN Bridge
KW-6917G Wireless LAN Bridge

What network cable do I need for a home network?

You would use RJ45 cable (also called 8P8C), in either CAT5, CAT5E, or CAT6 versions.
If your computer has a Gigabit networking port, CAT5E and CAT6 cable is recommended.
Otherwise, CAT5 is fine.

What is an IP address?

IP address is the address of a computer on a network. It allows one computer to find another across the internet.

What is a port number?

Port numbers are channels of data, that allow multiple services to use the network at the same time. For example, port 80 is used by web browsers, port 21 is used by FTP.
On devices such as DVR's, a custom port number can be specified. Custom ports can range from 0 to about 65,000. Setting the port number will enable the device to be specifically addressed.

What is wireless internet?

Wireless internet follows the 802.11 standards. Both 802.11b and 802.11g operate along the 2.4GHz band, and are cross-compatible.

802.11b	Transfer rate: 0.5MB/sec Range: 100 meters outdoors
802.11g	Transfer rate: 2.5MB/sec Range: 95 meters outdoors

What if I get interference with my wireless network?

There can be interference from cordless phones, bluetooth products, baby monitors, cordless mice, etc that are operating in the 2.4GHz band.
You may wish to switch your wireless network to use another available channel, or avoid using consumer products that use 2.4GHz (for example, buying a 5.8GHz phone).
An antenna shield can help cut down on interference.

Which antenna should I buy for my router?

First, determine which connector type is used by your router or wireless card.
We carry SMA, N, and TNC antennas. Cables and adapters for these are also available.
Select the appropriate antenna. Note that adapters are avaialbe if you want to use an antenna with another connector type.

What is TIA/EIA-568-B?

It is a standard for wiring patterns on networking cables (Cat5, Cat6, etc).
Wiring diagrams for this standard as well as the older EIA-568-A standard are provided.