Ethernet Cables - Assorted
Product information
On Sale
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Description
Circa 1973 to Early 2000's
History and Production:
- Invention: Ethernet was invented by Robert Metcalfe and David Boggs at Xerox PARC in 1973.
- Standardization: It was commercially introduced in 1980 and standardized as IEEE 802.3 in 1983.
- Evolution: The first systems used thick coaxial cables, which evolved into the thinner, more flexible twisted pair cables common today. The first official standard for twisted-pair cables (Category 3) was ratified in 1991.
- Current Production (as of 2025): Ethernet cables have been in continuous production for decades and continue to be manufactured today with new categories (e.g., Cat5e, Cat6, Cat6a, Cat8) that support progressively faster speeds and bandwidths.
Common Categories and Uses:
- Cat5e: 1 Gbps (1000 Mbps)100 MHz. Common for home networks, basic internet usage, and streaming.
- Cat6: 1 Gbps (10 Gbps at <55m) 250 MHz. Recommended for gaming, HD streaming, and commercial offices.
- Cat6a: 10 Gbps - 500 MHz. Used in data centers and demanding applications where speed and reliability are crucial.
PLEASE NOTE: Rental rate is per cable. Various lengths and colors available.