In the realm of networking, the terms “Internet cable” and “LAN cable” are frequently used interchangeably. These cables serve as the medium for data transfer between networking devices such as computers, switches, and routers. However, there are distinct differences between these two types of cables, which we will explore in this article.
Internet Cable vs LAN Cable: Definitions and Differences
The Internet is a global network connecting millions of businesses, government agencies, educational institutions, and individuals. Various mediums, including network switches, routers, fiber optic links, and copper cabling technologies, deliver Internet services like file sharing and Internet access to end users. Therefore, Internet cables can be considered the physical cables used in the Internet. The most common types include fiber optic cables, coaxial cables, and copper cables.
Fiber Optic Cables
A fiber optic cable contains one or more optical fibers inside an insulated casing and delivers signals via light. It’s designed for long-distance, high-performance data networking and telecommunications, providing higher bandwidth and transmitting data over long distances. Fiber cables are divided into standard fiber patch cables with connectors like LC or SC, and MTP fiber cables. The common fiber cables are widely deployed for most 10G transmissions, while MTP cables are designed for 40/100G transmissions in data centers. Outdoor fiber cables, such as armored patch cables or military-grade fiber cables, can be used in harsh environments like outdoor underground cabling.
Coaxial Cables
Coaxial cable is an electrical cable type with a center conductor and an outer conductor separated by an insulating spacer. It’s primarily used in applications like telephone trunklines, high-speed computer data buses, and carrying cable television signals, as it performs well at high frequencies and provides superior EMI control.
Copper Cables
Also known as LAN cables, copper cables are a type of Internet cable. They are used to carry data in computer networking. There are two main types of LAN cable: the standard straight-through cable, usually known as an Ethernet patch cable, used for connecting computers to routers or switches, and the crossover cable, used for connecting two computers directly without routers, switches, or hubs.
LAN Cables
A Local Area Network (LAN) operates over a small distance, typically within a single building or campus. It can be small, linking as few as three computers, but can also connect hundreds of computers used by thousands of people. LAN cables, or Ethernet cables, come in two main types: Shielded Twisted Pair (STP) and Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP).
STP Cables
STP cables have an outer layer or “shield” of conductive material around the internal conductors, designed to reduce EMI effects. They’re widely used in environments with a high chance of electronic interference, like airports or factories.
UTP Cables
UTP cables don’t have shielding to reduce interference. They rely on the cancellation effect caused by the twisting of the wire pairs to handle EMI. While they don’t perform as well as STP in reducing EMI, they’re often used for domestic and office Ethernet connections.
FAQs
Are Internet cable and LAN cable the same thing?
LAN cable is a subset of Internet cable. LAN cable can deliver Internet data or information to end users via physical RJ45 patch cables, functioning like an Internet cable. However, Internet cable encompasses a broader range of cables like fiber optic cables, telephone wires, HDMI cables. Essentially, any cable used for transmitting Internet information can be considered an Internet cable.
What do Internet and LAN cables do?
Internet cables, such as fiber optic cables, are designed with higher bandwidth and are widely used in data centers that require higher transmission speed. They can also be used in areas with heavy electromagnetic interference, such as on a factory floor, since they don’t conduct electricity.
On the other hand, LAN Ethernet cables can be used in voice transmission, in-building networks, and Power over Ethernet (PoE) applications, as they can supply power and deliver data simultaneously. LAN crossover cables are typically used for networking two similar devices directly without using hubs or routers, like connecting two computers for file sharing.
Can I use a LAN cable as an Ethernet cable?
Yes, in copper networks, LAN and Ethernet cables are interchangeable since both types use RJ45 connectors.
Conclusion
In the comparison of Internet cable vs LAN cable, both types can deliver signals and connect networking equipment like switches. LAN cable is a type of Internet cable, and Internet cable encompasses a wide range of cable types like fiber cables, telephone wires, or coaxial cables. High-quality Internet cables, including Cat5e/Cat6/Cat7/Cat8 patch cables, and fiber patch cables, are available from various suppliers, offering superior quality, favorable prices, and 24/7 technical support.
