Which Ethernet cable is the right one for me ?

Choosing the right Ethernet cable is critical in building or planning a machine, even it does not seem to be a significant decision. If the cable does not fit, data cannot be transferred correctly which results in leading to a malfunction of the machine. 

In this article, we will show you the different types of Ethernet cables which enable you to choose the right one for your situation.

Industrial Ethernet is the next step for the smart factory of tomorrow. Studies show that the world of Fieldbus is downsizing while the number of Ethernet nodes is increasing - with high double-digit growth rates. Users who decide on CC link IE technologies ( IE = Industrial Ethernet ) are increasing not only in Asia but also in Europe. 

These systems Offer seamless data exchange on all levels of a production facility, from the highest control level to the manufacturing levels. 

                                            Ethernet Cable

                                            

The Ethernet cable categories for industrial applications

In the market, there are eight categories of Ethernet cables. However, CAT1 (0.4MHz): telephone, CAT2 (4MHz): ISDN or terminal systems, CAT3 (16MHz): telephone / ISDN 10BASE-T or 100BASE-T4, CAT4 (20MHz): Token Ring, are taken out and only the last three for industrial applications will be discussed. 

In the following, we will describe the industrial cable categories currently in use and their recommended application:

CAT5, CAT5e (up to 100MHz):

CAT5 is used mainly today. Its maximum transmission rate is 100Mbps, corresponding to Class D.

CAT6, CAT6a (up to 500MHz):

CAT6 achieves transmission rates of up to 1Gbps at 100m or 10Gbps at up to 55m and corresponds to Class E.

CAT7 (bis 1000MHz):

CAT7 achieves transmission rates of 10Gbps at 100m. Also, the CAT7 cable is more resistant to electrical interference and corresponds to Class F.

CAT8, CAT8.1, CAT8.2 (bis 2000MHz):

CAT8 achieves transmission rates of 25Gbps or 40Gbps at 30m and hence corresponds to Class G.

igus® supplies cables for energy chain systems. CAT cables are tested in energy chain systems with millions of cycles and can be used at high speed and acceleration. The product range of chainflex® comprises PVC, PUR, and TPE cables. All chainflex® cables have corresponding certifications and conformities, such as UL, CSA, NFPA-79-2012, EAC, CTP, EtherCAT, CC-Link IE Field, and Profinet.

How can I find the ideal cable for my application?

The following chart will give you the insight to choose the ideal cable for your application - under speed and volume transfer, based on the e-chain® bend radii.

                                      

                                  Choosing the right cable            

Readily harnessed and tested cables are also available from the catalog, with no minimum order quantity, and at individually cut lengths, down to the centimeter.

  

Ready cable

What are the advantages of readily harnessed cables?

Harnessed readycable^® cables are delivered ready-to-install for your plant so that you don’t have to worry about the separate purchase of connectors, complex harnessing, etc.

Your advantages are:

• Clearly assigned number so that you can receive all information on readycable^® and readychain^®
• 36-month guarantee
• 100% tested – in the industry’s largest 2,750m² test lab

Browse in our readycable® shop and find the right ethernet cable.

Or use our readycable® product finder.