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There was a question that came up not too long ago from someone browsing our website. They noticed that we commonly changed the terms in which we refer to our cables. Most notably is the way we mention Ethernet and Networking cable. In reality there really isn't any difference between the two terms. They can be both interchangeable when referring to our cables. The thing is though they were wondering what is a LAN cable and is there any difference between that and an ethernet cable? In this article we will break down this term for a better understanding on ethernet terminology.

What Is A LAN?

To begin this article lets first start with exactly what is a LAN? A LAN stands for local area network and it is a computer network that interconnects computers in a certain area such as homes, universities, offices, commercial buildings, labs and just about any place with a range of computers in a close vicinity. LANs are vital in computer networking and just about any computer you use is connected to another device in some way. Not only are there small scale network connections but they can vary in size. What about over large areas of land, say large corporations and governments? These are called wide area networks.

The beginning of a Local Area Network (LAN) began in the 1970's with the increase in the need for high speed interconnections of computers in universities and laboratories. With the introduction of ethernet by Xerox in 1973-1974 LAN would soon be off to the races. The first introduction of LAN is a major use case came with the install of it in 1977 at the Chase Bank in New York City.

Now that you've got a little bit of an intro and background to LAN let's dive into how does a LAN actually work?

What Products Are In A LAN?

Whether you're in your home or business you're probably going to be apart of some sort of LAN. The simplest way of setting up a Local Area Network (LAN) is to use an ethernet cable. But what about a LAN cable? This is where the customers question comes in to play. A LAN cable refers to the same thing as an ethernet or networking cables. So when shopping for a LAN cable and you come across an ethernet or networking cable you will be fine. So in definition a LAN cable is cable that connects to computers, network switches and then from the switch to a router, modem or dsl which powers your internet from a internet service provider. These devices when connected together with a wireless LAN, ethernet or networking cable form a LAN (Local Area Network).

coaxial cable

Coaxial cable is a type of copper cable specially built with a metal shield and other components engineered to block signal interference. It is primarily used by cable TV companies to connect their satellite antenna facilities to customer homes and businesses. It is also sometimes used by telephone companies to connect central offices to telephone poles near customers. Some homes and offices use coaxial cable, too, but its widespread use as an Ethernet connectivity medium in enterprises and data centers has been supplanted by the deployment of twisted pair cabling.

Coaxial cable received its name because it includes one physical channel that carries the signal surrounded — after a layer of insulation — by another concentric physical channel, both running along the same axis. The outer channel serves as a ground. Many of these cables or pairs of coaxial tubes can be placed in a single outer sheathing and, with repeaters, can carry information for a great distance.

Coaxial cable was invented in 1880 by English engineer and mathematician Oliver Heaviside, who patented the invention and design that same year. AT&T established its first cross-continental coaxial transmission system in 1940.
Currently, CAT5E is the standard for data cabling communication with CAT6, CAT6A, and CAT7 being faster. Computers hooked up to a LAN are connected using CAT5E cables, so if you are on a LAN, most likely the cable running out of the back of your PC is Category 5E.

CAT5E Ethernet cable has 4 twisted pairs and comes in a variety of options that will enhance your network installation.

Solid CAT5E Cable supports long cable runs and is designed for fixed cabling situations like homes, offices, and buildings. We carry a few options (view below), including Fire-safety rated and outdoor/direct burial cat5E.

Stranded CAT5E cable is more pliable and better suited for shorter-distances. It features six small diameter wires surrounding a center conductor wire inside each of the twisted pairs. By having multiple small wires instead of a single solid conductor, stranded cable is more flexible, making it preferable for short distance cable runs. Stranded cat5E cable is commonly used for patch cables or crossover cables.