It can sometimes be overwhelming how many cables and cords we seem to have acquired with all our technology. At work, we have multiple cables — cat5e cables bulk, a network ethernet cable, USB cables, a phone line cord, and more. At home, the cables don’t stop either — an HDMI cable, cell phone cables, and more are added to the list. We’re quite literally tethered into our work or play. But say a cable gets damaged or lost and you need to replace it? Given the number of cables you face, how do you know which cable is the right one for the device you need to connect? Which are most beneficial for you to have? For example, an HDMI cable can help you view content from the Internet right on your computer and share content on a bigger screen for everyone to view. Cat5e cables bulk are useful for networks or multi-line phone systems at work — although a technician would probably advise for work-related cable questions.
What Do Some of These Cable Names Mean?
Some of the most common cable names are Cat 5, Cat 5e, Cat 6, and Cat 6a. Category 5 (Cat 5) is defined with ANSI/TIA/EIA/568A, but can’t be used with ANSI/TIA/EIA/568B. It’s used for networks and multi-line phone systems with a maximum frequency of 100 MHz and can transmit up to 10/100Mbps. The Cat5e (think cat5e cables bulk) performs the same functions with a frequency of 100Mhz and transmits up to 10/100/1000 Mbps. Cat 6 has a higher maximum frequency of 250 Mhz and transmits the same as Cat5e. Cat 6a is used only for networks and has a maximum frequency of 500 MHz and transmits 10/100/1000 Mbps and 10 Gbps.
Another common type of cable is an HDMI cable (high-definition multimedia interface) that connects video or audio from one source to another (think, your computer to your TV). There’s your standard HDMI, HDMI standard with Ethernet, HDMI standard automotive (for use in your car) and then highspeed HDMI cables that can often stream better quality material faster.
How Much Do They Cost? How Long Will They Last? Does Length Matter?
A well-constructed, high-quality Cat 5 cable can have a life span of up to 5-10 years. (Buy Cat5e cables bulk!) Even better, they tend to be under $20, so it’s not a terribly expensive replacement should you have to. Length doesn’t really matter — of course, you want to make sure that you get a length that will reach the devices you need it to reach, but length typically doesn’t affect speed or quality of connection.
Similarly, HDMI cables are not an expensive investment, even if you get a 75 foot or 100 foot HDMI cable. The costs aren’t that different. The highspeed HDMi cables will be a bit more expensive than the standard HDMI cables, but you’ll also get better connection speed and quality streaming. Don’t let anyone tell you that it can cost up to $50 to purchase an HDMI cable; you can certainly find one for much less. Similarly with the Cat5e cables, make sure that you get the appropriate length to connect device to device — it can be so frustrating to realize that your cord runs just a little short of where you needed it to go.
Cell phone charging cables will be dependent on the type of cell phone and the brand name chargers will typically be more expensive than knock off or off-brand chargers that typically work just as well. Do be careful of scams that could fry your cell phone though, if you buy off-brand. Make sure it has good reviews before charging. Usually having a larger charging cable is more convenient, for those hard-to-access plugs, but again, it won’t impact the effectiveness of the charging device!
With all the cables that entwine our life, it can become dizzying. Knowing which cables are used for what application can be very helpful and can avoid you being taken in by a scam or having to pay more money than necessary if you need to replace them.