Difference between Ethernet cables ?

Difference between Ethernet cables?

Not all Ethernet cables are the same, so what is the difference, and how do you know which you should use? In this short guide we take a look at the technical and physical differences between the Ethernet cables available on broadband buyer.

Ethernet cables are grouped into sequentially numbered categories (e.g CAT5) based on different specifications; sometimes the category is updated with further clarification or testing standards (e.g. CAT5e, CAT6a). These categories are how we can easily know what type of cable we need for a specific application. For our IP Surveillance ( IP Camera, Access Control, BAS, Intrusion ... etc) CAT6 is recommended to install, including PoE based design. 

Manufacturers are required to adhere to the standards which makes our lives easier.

CAT Technical differences

The difference in Ethernet cable specification is not as easy to see as physical changes; so let’s look at what each category does and does not support. Below is a chart for reference when picking cable for your application based on the standards for that category.

Difference between Ethernet cables
	Length	10Mb/s	100Mb/s	1GbE	10GbE	PoE	Mhz
CAT5	100	Y	Y			Y	100
CAT5e	100	Y	Y	Y		Y	100
CAT6	100 (55 for 10GbE)	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y	250
CAT6a	100	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y	500

You may notice that as the category number gets higher, so does the speed and Mhz of the wire. This is not a coincidence, because each category brings more stringent testing for eliminating crosstalk (XT) and adding isolation between the wires.

Category 5 cable was revised in 2001, and mostly replaced with Category 5 Enhanced (CAT5e) cable which did not change anything physically in the cable, but instead applied more stringent testing standards for crosstalk. Category 6 was revised between 2002 with Category 6 Augmented (CAT6a) in 2008 that provided testing for 500 Mhz communication (compared to CAT6 - 250 Mhz). The higher communication frequency eliminated alien crosstalk (AXT) which allows for longer range at 10 GB/s.

Physical Differences

So how does a physical cable eliminate interference and allow for faster speeds? It does it through wire twisting and isolation. Cable twisting was invented by Alexander Graham Bell in 1881 for use on telephone wires that were run along side power lines. He discovered that by twisting the cable every 3-4 utility poles, it reduced the interference and increased the range. Twisted pair became the basis for all Ethernet cables to eliminate interference between internal wires (XT), and external wires (AXT).

There are two main physical differences between CAT5 and CAT6 cables, the number of twists per cm in the wire, and sheath thickness.

Cable twisting length is not standardised but typically there are 1.5-2 twists per cm in CAT5(e) and 2+ twists per cm in CAT6. Within a single cable, each colored pair will also have different twist lengths based on prime numbers so that no two twists ever align. The amount of twists per pair is usually unique for each cable manufacturer.

Many CAT6 cables also include a nylon spline which helps eliminate crosstalk. Although the spline is not required in CAT5 cable, some manufacturers include it anyway. In CAT6 cable, the spline is not required either as long as the cable tests according to the standard.

The nylon spline helps reduce crosstalk in the wire, with the thicker sheath protecting against Near End Crosstalk (NEXT) and Alien Crosstalk (AXT), which both occur more often as the frequency (Mhz) increases. In this picture below, the CAT5e sheath has the thinnest sheath versus CAT6 but it also was the only one with the nylon spline.

Shielded (FTP) vs. Unshielded (UTP)

Because all Ethernet cables are twisted, manufacturers use shielding to further protect the cable from interference. For example, Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP) can easily be used for cables between your computer and the wall but you will want to use Foil Shielded Cable (FTP) for areas with high interference and running cables outdoors or inside walls.

There are different ways to shield an Ethernet cable, but typically it involves putting a shield around each pair of wire in the cable. This protects the pairs from crosstalk internally. Manufacturers can further protect cables from alien crosstalk with additional cable shielding beneath the sheath. The diagram below shows the different types of Ethernet shielding and the codes used to differentiate them.

Configure Router as Switch

How to configure router as switch?
Most likely you will ask this question if you plan to expand you home network, and you have only extra Ethernet router but not switch. At the same time you try to make use this extra router if possible without paying more on extra switch. Well… It’s pretty simple to get it done, keep on reading.

As you can see from 2 examples below, we can use second Ethernet router to expand existing wireless network or Ethernet home network, so that you can connect more computers to your network. Please note that first and second routers must be located on same network, because the second router just acts as a switch, not router anymore.

Ok. Let’s start to configure second router as switch.

1) Connect first router’s LAN port to second router’s LAN port by using a crossover cable. If one of the routers supports auto MDI/MDI-X feature, you can use either straight or crossover cable. Remember, don’t make any connection to second router’s WAN or Internet port.

2) Ok. Now assuming your first router's LAN IP is 192.168.1.1 with subnet mask 255.255.255.0, and then this will act as gateway for entire network (including the computers that connect to second router). If you would like to enable DHCP, then just enable the DHCP setting on first router and it will act as DHCP server for entire network (you don't need to enable DHCP on second router anymore). As an example, you can enable DHCP with IP range 192.168.1.2-250, subnet mask 255.255.255.0, gateway 192.168.1.1, DNS servers 208.67.222.222 and 208.67.220.220 on first router.

3) After talking about first router's configuration, proceed to log on to second router’s configuration page, then give this router an IP by configuring an IP and subnet mask under LAN setting. The IP that you configure should be located on subnet same with first router's subnet and this IP is not being used by any other device. If you have configured first router’s LAN IP and DHCP setting as shown in step 2 above, you can easily configure second router with LAN IP 192.168.1.251, 192.168.1.252 or 192.168.1.253 and subnet mask 255.255.255.0.

4) After that, don’t enable DHCP or any other settings on second router. If you have enabled DHCP or other settings, disable them. Finally SAVE all the settings. And now your have completed your mission of making second router as switch.

5) If you have computer that is configured to obtain IP automatically, connect it to other LAN port of this new "network switch", then it should be able connect to network, ping router IP and access to internet.

Fiber media converters For Video Surveillance Cameras

As a kind of Media Converter, Fiber media converters this known as fiber transceivers or Ethernet media converters, are quite obvious networking devices those make it possible for connecting two dissimilar media types such as twisted pair Cat-5 or Cat-6 cable with fiber optic cabling. They may be essential in interconnecting fiber optic cabling-based systems with existing copper-based, structured cabling systems. Fiber ethernet media converters support many different communication protocols including Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet, as well as multiple cabling types such as twisted pair, multi-mode and single-mode fiber optics. Fiber media converters can connect different Local area network (LAN) media, modifying duplex and speed settings.

For video security and surveillance professionals, analog video-based CCTV systems have been the tried-and-true technology for many years. However, these same professionals are the first to recognize the migration of Ethernet into new applications beyond the typical office LAN and how Ethernet is playing a role and introducing new challenges to video security networking.

For years, Transition Networks has been talking about the benefit of fiber optic cabling and how media converters can provide a cost effective method of deploying fiber in local area networks and overcome the limitations and drawbacks of copper UTP cabling. These same benefits can be realized by security and surveillance professionals when they integrate fiber into their video networks.

For example, switching media converters can connect legacy 10BASE-T network segments to more modern 100BASE-TX or 100BASE-FX Fast Ethernet infrastructure. For instance, existing Half-Duplex hubs may be attached to 100BASE-TX Fast Ethernet network segments over 100BASE-FX fiber. When expanding the reach with the LAN to span multiple locations, fiber transceivers are useful in connecting multiple LANs to form one large campus area network that spans more than a wide geographic area.

Fiber media converters support a variety of data communication protocols including Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet, T1/E1/J1, DS3/E3, as well as multiple cabling types for example coax, twisted pair, multi-mode and single-mode fiber optics. Media Converter types range from small standalone devices and PC card converters to high port-density chassis systems offering many advanced features for network management.

On some devices, Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) enables proactive management of link status, monitoring chassis environmental statistics and sending traps to network managers in case of a fiber break or perhaps link loss on the copper port.

 

Fiber media converters can connect different Local area network (LAN) media, modifying duplex and speed settings. Switching media converters can connect legacy 10BASE-T network segments to more recent 100BASE-TX or 100BASE-FX Fast Ethernet infrastructure. For instance, existing Half-Duplex hubs can be linked to 100BASE-TX Fast Ethernet network segments over 100BASE-FX fiber.

When expanding the reach of the LAN to span multiple locations, media converters are of help in connecting multiple LANs to make one large campus area network that spans more than a limited geographic area. As premises networks are primarily copper-based, media converters can extend the reach from the LAN over single-mode fiber approximately 130 kilometers with 1550 nm optics.

The coaxial cabling utilized in analog CCTV networks suffers from transmission distance issues. The accepted distance for coax is 185 meters. While this has worked well in the past, the demands for increasing the surveillance coverage have pushed camera locations beyond the standard distances.

As for Ethernet and IP cameras, this distance is even more restrictive at 100 meters. Offering transmission over greater distances, fiber cabling is starting to play a signifigant role in surveillance networks. Fiber cabling supports transmission distances up to 2km on multimode fiber without the need for repeaters or signal boosters - with even greater distances available on single mode fiber.

Indoor applications with florescent lights, electric motors, and other sources of electromagnetic interference (EMI) along with sources of radio frequency interference (RFI) can cause disruptions and poor picture quality issues for video over Coax and UTP cabling. The transmission from cameras located outdoors is susceptible to these same conditions as well as the effect from electrical/lightening storms. Due to the nature of how data is transmitted over fiber optic cabling, it does an excellent job of blocking

this electrical interference and protecting the quality of the data.

Wavelength-division multiplexing (WDM) technology in the LAN is very beneficial in situations where fiber is at limited supply or expensive for provision. In addition to conventional dual strand fiber converters, with separate receive and transmit ports, there are also single strand fiber converters, which can extend full-duplex data transmission approximately 70 kilometers more than one optical fiber.

Other benefits of media conversion include providing a gentle migration path from copper to fiber. Fiber connections can help to eliminate electromagnetic interference. Also fiber media converters pose being a cheap solution for many who need it switches for use with fiber along with have enough money to pay for them, they can buy ordinary switches and make use of fiber media converters to make use of making use of their fiber network.

As a fiber optic media converter, you can use it anywhere in the network to integrate newer technology with existing equipment to support new applications, technologies and future growth. Fiber Converters are key aspects of Optical Networking because its long distance operation, high bandwidth capacity and reliablity make fiber optics probably the most desired channel for data communications. Instead of costly, across-the-board upgrades, media converters can extend the productive lifetime of the existing cabling along with the active equipment. FiberStore offers a wide variety of professional fiber optic media converters for Fast Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet, Serial Datacom interfaces and E1 or T1 voice/data communications.

  

To aid in the deployment of fiber in these security and surveillance networks, Transition Networks has specifically designed a copper to fiber media converter for analog video applications. These converters are available to support both fixed-focus cameras as well as pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) cameras. As IP cameras begin to replace analog cameras, traditional Ethernet media converters can be used for the fiber integration. Most IP cameras also support power-over-Ethernet (PoE) technology which makes installation of the cameras easier since the camera can be powered over the UTP Ethernet cable. PoE switches, PoE injectors, and PoE media converters are all available to create the functional network needed in today’s hybrid video security and surveillance applications.

Also Visit: http://arindamcctvaccesscontrol.blogspot.in/2013/12/the-role-of-fiber-in-video-networks_1043.html

The Disadvantages of CCTV Cameras

Closed-circuit TV cameras supposed to catch violent thugs have been trained on roads instead - to trap and fine motorists who stray into bus lanes.

The most common home security system used is a CCTV system. CCTV stands for Closed circuit television. It is considered a revolutionary invention when it comes to security. Due to it’s advantages it gained fame in no time. It is often used for security purposes in house, stores and banks etc. It keeps an eye on the visitors. It can also be used in schools to track the behavior of a student. It has countless advantages, but that does not mean that it is perfect. Yes! CCTV has its disadvantages as well. In this article we are going to discuss the disadvantages of CCTV camera.

CCTV is not always a perfect working system for security. It does not keep an eye on every corner of your office, house or mall. It can just keep an eye on a limited area. It can be easily sabotage by sticking a gum or spraying something on the lens or cutting the cables.

Usually a CCTV is installed at a spot where humans can not reach but criminals usually can easily view CCTVs position and can possibly change the angle so the camera do not catches the crime scene. CCTV cameras can view what normal people are doing this effect the people in a bad way as there is no privacy left. This is a great disadvantage of CCTV cameras.

But wireless bullet camera is such a technology that has improved security of malls, houses and offices. In some cases the camera may miss the detail of the crime scene. For example a concealed weapon the camera is unable to view it in the first place.

The video of a CCTV can be hacked by a hacker easily. Suppose there is a CCTV installed near an ATM machine. So the hacker will hack the video of that camera and can easily get the pin code and any other information he wants about a customer or ATM user.

Another disadvantage of CCTV is that not everyone can afford it. Despite all these disadvantages CCTV still allows you to secure your place to a great deal. It has disadvantages but as you know nothing is perfect.

The following are some of the potential weaknesses of IP cameras in comparison to other CCTV cameras.
Disadvantages are that they are costly, do not always work (as they are not set up in the right places) and manipulate with people's privacy.

1. Higher initial cost per camera.

2. Fewer choices of manufacturers.

3. Lack of standards. Different IP cameras may encode video differently or use a different programming interface. This means a particular camera model should be deployed only with compatible IP video recording solutions.

4. Technical barrier. Installation for IP camera required a series of complicated network setting including IP address, DDNS, router setting and port forwarding. This is very difficult for most users to do without help from an IT technician.

5. Lower dynamic range - i.e. reduced ability to cope with low light and high contrast scenes.

HDCCTV has the following disadvantages:

1. Closed technology – little room for improvement in picture quality going forward.

2. Limited maximum resolution of 1.8 mega pixels (1080 TV lines)

3. Currently difficult and expensive to transmit HD images over CAT5e network cables.

4. Dumb cameras – only the DVR is addressable over the network or the web

So here is an article that lets you know about few disadvantages of the CCTV camera. But to me CCTVs advantages are so many that in front of them we can neglect its few disadvantages. Hope the article was helpful. Visit regularly arindamcctvaccesscontrol.blogspot.com Thank You.

Distributing Video Over CAT 5 and CAT 7

Some SI Need to Know About Video Distribution Through Cat5 or Cat7


When thinking of setting up your home video system, it means that you should know something about distributing video over CAT5 and CAT7 because it is the kind of system that will broadcast optimum performance. It also means that you can now have your source from a distance away from the display device, television or monitor.
There are three (3) general types of video distribution system:
1) Analog or Baseband
2) Internet Protocol
3) Radio Frequency

Any of these types may use coaxial cables, category 5 or more commonly known as CAT5 cables, CAT5e, CAT6, CAT6e or CAT7 cables. What are the differences between them?
1) CAT-5 distributes video up to 100M.
2) CAT-5e 350M.
3) CAT-6 and CAT6e distributes video as far as 550M to 1000M
4) CAT-7 is rated from 700M to 1000M.

Viewing Video Over CAT5 or CAT7
Video over CAT5 or CAT7 like those delivered by CATV, data, and telephone are all distributed in similar wiring closets. It delivers videos that may run along a distance of 100M for CAT 5 or even up to 1000M for CAT7. Video over CAT5 or CAT7 all goes out on the same cabling system. The system is channeled in a passive broadband balun that converts any uneven coaxial signal into a balanced signal through the video over CAT5 or CAT7. Even when distributed to different channels simultaneously, it will not slow down the network because the air analog signals do not travel on that similar network, and thus, it does not rely on the bandwidth of the video signals.
Presently, the use of FTP or UTP cables for audio and video needs is prevalent. Instead of using coaxial cables, CAT5 and CAT7 cables are used. Coax are first installed into the hubs and everything else is distributed through the FTP/UTP. Video over CAT7 or CAT5 for that matter are now possible at a limited cost. There is ease in the installation and location change is not a big deal. All one needs to do is connect patch cords from the distribution hub to the patch panel and have a single port converter connected to the television.

Advantages of a Video System Using CAT5 and CAT7
1) Video over CAT5 or CAT7 is cost effective as it eliminates the need for additional coaxial cables.
2) Configuration of video over CAT5 or CAT7 is much easier than having multiple splitter taps, amplifiers and combiners of coax.
3) A high quality signal is maintained as the distribution system of video over CAT5 or video over CAT7 uses active RF video hubs. It makes automatic slope adjustments hence all video channels’ image quality is sustained.
4) The video distribution system of CAT5 or CAT7 can carry out voice and auxiliary signals simultaneously. There are no interferences between the voice and video data.
5) A system with video over CAT5 or CAT7 allows video streaming from the computer and it is made possible through a broadband video system.
Distributing video over CAT5 and CAT7 is made possible through an RF broadband system. It broadcasts CATV, HDTV, internally generated video, video-on-demand services, and satellite videos through twisted pairs of CAT5 or CAT7 cables.