Which Ethernet cable is the right one for me?

igu-blog-adm | 20. March 2020

Even if it is not a momentous decision in machine planning, choosing the right Ethernet cable is more important than you might think. If the cable is not the right one, data cannot be transferred correctly, which in turn can lead to a machine malfunction. This article will show you different kinds of Ethernet cables so that you only have to choose the best one for your application.

Industrial Ethernet

Industrial Ethernet is the next step for the digitised factory of tomorrow. Studies show that the world of fieldbus is stagnating, and the number of Ethernet nodes is increasing – with double-digit growth rates.

These systems offer seamless data exchange at all production facility levels, from the highest control level to the manufacturing levels.

Ethernet cable categories for industrial applications

There are basically eight categories of Ethernet cables on the market. However, for industrial applications, we will focus on the last three and set aside CAT1 (0.4 MHz): telephone, CAT2 (4 MHz): ISDN or terminal systems, CAT3 (16 MHz): telephone/ISDN 10BASE-T or 100BASE-T4, and CAT4 (20 MHz): token ring.

Below, we will describe the industrial cable categories currently in use and their recommended application:

CAT5:

Today, CAT5 is the most frequently used type of Ethernet cable. But many users don’t know it because it is often listed under “Ethernet” or “Profinet“, not under “CAT5”.

CAT5e:

CAT5e is the typical class for “GigE”, as it is often termed. This class is referred to in discussions of industrial Ethernet, and the standard is used in CC LIN IE, for instance.

CAT6, CAT6a, and CAT7:

These are the Ethernet cables of the future, since their data quantities and frequencies are much higher. This quality often allows applications to function very well, but the good electrical performance is often not needed.

igus delivers cables for e-chains, with which it has tested Ethernet cables through many millions of cycles. This qualifies them for high speed and acceleration. The product range of chainflex  encompasses PVC, PUR and TPE cables. All chainflex cables have the appropriate certifications and conformities, such as UL, CSA, NFPA-79-2012, EAC, CTP, EtherCAT, CC-Link IE Field, and Profinet.

How do I find the ideal cable for my application?

The following table will help you find the ideal cable for your application. When looking for the best price-performance ratio, choose mechanical performance on the X-axis and electrical performance on the Y-axis.

Harnessed, tested cables are, of course, also available from the catalogue with no minimum order quantity and at lengths cut individually down to the centimetre.

Look in our  readycable shop for the Ethernet cable that is right for you, or use our  readycable product finder.