Are Ethernet Cable and Network Cable Same?

1
Are Ethernet Cable and Network Cable Same?
Computers, televisions, telephones - they all
make use of cables. And its difficult to
imagine our lives without these electronic
devices. So, we can probably say that networking
cables are an inseparable part of peoples lives
as several electronic devices dont work without
them.
Computer supplier promotes ethernet cable and
television supplier speaks about cable
connection. With many different types of cables,
people often get confused as to which one to
buy. Also there is a common question that often
arises. Are Ethernet Cables and Network Cables
the Same? Let us clarify this common confusion.
2
Network cable is a general term that incorporates
many different applications. And ethernet is a
local area network access technology. So, any
cable that enables connection with a
system/device, within a Lan, you can name it
ethernet cable or network cable. Apparently,
there is no difference in network and ethernet
cables. Network cables comprises of ethernet and
Lan cable. Today, we will try to understand
about Ethernet Technology and Lan Cables in
detail. We hope it will help you get over all
the confusion you have. Ethernet Technology Talk
of any wired electronic device at home or
workplace, and the term ethernet will be
applicable to it. So, ethernet connection refers
to all the systems that require network cable to
make a connection. All the equipment that doesnt
require a wire for operation, doesnt fall into
this category. It was Xerox which had created
ethernet in 1970s and in 1983, it handed over
the responsibility to IEEE.
3
It is after this that ethernet became an open
standard, i.e available to all. As the IEEE was
of the opinion that ethernet is not a piece of
design for some equipment but rather a
recommendation. It simply lays down as how to
configure the equipment in order to make a
connection. Ethernet Cable The term ethernet
cable originated from the word Ethernet. And UTP
(Unshielded Twisted Pair) is the most common type
of ethernet network cable. This cable type is
available in different grades and its most
common form is CAT5. However, to give UTP the
name ethernet cable is a misnomer. As not all
ethernet networking wires are unshielded, some
are STP (shielded twisted pair). Apart from
this, ethernet cables have seen a long history of
progression from 10 to 100 megabytes and later
from 1 to 10 gigabytes. Some data centers have
even reached to 40 G and sometimes, it goes
beyond 100G.
4

• LAN Cable
• Any specific type of data cable which helps in
  computer networking is Lan cable. It is
  specially meant for usage in small distances. It
  includes most kind of coax and stuff terminated
  with a BNC or ethernet cables. These Lans use
  wired connections to link or access any data.
• There are two characteristics that help to
  differentiate Lans from each other.
• Network Topology It refers to the geographical
  placement of machines and how a local area
  network gets a connection.
• Media characteristic it refers to physical
  connection of the device to the network.
• Furthermore, there are 2 types of Lan cables
  depending upon protocols
• Client/server Lans
• These Lans are also known as two-tier Lans. These
  are made up of powerful computers called
  networks that help

5

• in managing disk drives, printers, and network
  traffic. These Lans serve personal computers,
  workstations and help to run applications.
• Peer-to-peer Lans
• They are simple to set up but do not perform
  under heavy workloads. Each computer or nodes
  have an equal share in running of these Lans.
  Lan cables help in data transfer at a much
  faster pace than telephone line connections. But
  there is a limitation in the number of computers
  they can support and the distances at which they
  can transfer data. And therefore, theres
  creation of what is known as wide-area network
  (WAN).
• Hope this information aided in solving the
  confusion pertaining to Lan, ethernet and
  network cables. Furthermore, we assume that two
  concepts are now clear as to what do we mean by
  Lan (Local area network) and Wan (Wide Area
  Network). Whether it is Ethernet or Lan cables,
  they are network cables that provide
  connectivity to devices and help with data
  transfer. What are your thoughts on the same? Do
  share with us.