Patch cable - solid (single-core) or stranded LAN cable

You want to use fully stranded LAN cable for your computer network, because you think it has advantages. Is there really a difference between a more rigid cable with one core for each conductor and a stranded cable (many wires in each conductor)? They're both copper, right? Yes! Copper is an ideal material for cables, CCA is a terrible choice, as this article expains.

In fact, there is a big difference between the two types, even if they are from the same category, because:

Stranded кабел – Той е по-гъвкав и има по-добра свързаност с поставените RJ45 куплунги. Затова и се използва за свързващи (patch) cords. It tolerates repeated bending and multiple switching, but its electrical parameters are worse (stranded cables have greater attenuation at the same diameter). It is not recommended to use patch cords longer than 20m. You can find quality stranded category 5e cable here

Solid (single-core) cable – only this type is used for the main routes of the computer network. Standards say that such cables are to be up to 90m long and then you will have the speed you need. It is expected that they will be terminated at both ends with sockets (female modules) or connecting (patch) panels. This way the connection will be permanent and can be certified as a primary link. In exceptional cases, it is allowed to place male RJ45 connectors on one side (for example, to an AP, IP camera).

en_GB