Betterbox
Ethernet patch leads are used to connect Ethernet devices together. Maximum lengths of patch leads varies depending on speed but the general rule is, the shorter the better. The maximum recommended patch lead length is 5 metres on each end of a 90 metre segment. This is applicable to both Cat5E and Cat6 cabling with speeds up to 1000Base-T. Please contact Betterbox for information with regards lengths for higher speeds.
Cat5E vs Cat6 vs Cat6A
Cat5e cables are suitable for Cable runs of up to 100 metres for Ethernet speeds of 10/100/1000 Mbit/s. In addition to the Cat5E capabilities, Cat6 cables
are suitable for cable runs of up to 55 metres for 10 Gbit/s Ethernet. Cat6A cables were designed to allow the full 100 metres run for 10 Gbit/s.
When buying patch leads, always match them to the specification of currently installed cabling. There is no benefit in adding Cat6 patch leads to a Cat5E
cabling system. The Cat6 cables will work and if you are looking to upgrade the cabling before too long, then maybe it’s worth buying the
higher grade patch leads, otherwise, match them to your cabling.
Our cables are available as standard straight through cables or as full crossover. Straight leads are simply pinned 1 to 1, 2 to 2 etc. Our full crossover leads cross the transmit and receive pairs on all pins.
UTP is Unshielded Twisted Pair cable. This is the most common cable used for patch leads. F/UTP cable has an overall foil shield. This type of shielding protects EMI from entering or exiting the cable.
Cables are available without boots, with our standard strain relief boots or as moulded cable with built in moulded boots
An overall PVC sheath is most frequently specified for patch leads. LS0H (Low Smoke Zero Halogen) jackets are available for locations that have this requirement.
Ethernet patch leads are available in whatever length is wanted. Generally as short as reasonably possible is best, however, as long as the overall cable run does not exceed 100 metres between repeaters then the leads should work.
Many colour choices are available for Ethernet patch cords. This allows a colour scheme to be used in high density patch panels to show perhaps, Ethernet, ISDN or Voice cabling.