[Q] Why are there so many price differences in CAT 5 ethernet cable?
[A] There are many reasons, but we will try and focus on those that
really matter. It is not uncommon to find an incredible range
of prices for what seems like the same cable, but do not be
deceived.
Most
of the really cheap cables you will find for sale on the internet
and in the stores are generally going to be imported, inferior
products. Both the raw materials, and the production methods
reflect only one mode of thought: cheaper is better. We know
this is not the case.
Cables
assembled from top quality materials assembled here in the
U.S.A. have many advantages over the cheaper import cables.
Quality is first and foremost. Top material brands of CAT 5,
CAT 5e, and CAT 6 cable are the very foundation of a superior
cable. The difference in performance data between these two
classes of cable can easily be revealed on test equipment, and
is not denied by the makers of the cheaper material. Next time
a cheap cable maker boasts being as good as top end American
made cable, ask them to show you the performance data for the
raw material. This will usually end the conversation. Anyone
with even the slightest level of expertise with regards to patch
cables will tell you the same thing.
Many
people do not realize that a lot of the cable sold from these
cheap companies actually achieved their Bandwidth rating from
failure to achieve the rating it was designed for. They may
have intended for a run of cable to achieve 350 Megahertz, but
it ended up testing out at around 200 Megahertz instead. So
what do they do? Change the specifications and stick it in a
different box.
RJ45
Plugs - Yet another area that cannot be compromised. The materials
in the plug are absolutely critical in making a good cable.
Cheap cable makers will by a cheap plug, one made with cheap
metals that are finished out to appear gold and shiny. This in
no way compares to a real quality RJ45 plug, precision machined
with intelligent fork design to strike the individual wires
firmly and solidly. This makes for a true connection between
the wire and the fork. These high quality plugs will also boast
a 50 micron (or better) coating of real gold - which has superior
electrical conduction properties.
Crimping
procedure - Cables made in a press are often subjected to excessive
crimping force which can warp the RJ45 plug, bend the forks,
and ultimately cause damage to the entire cable assembly. It
is a well known fact among many IT professionals, that cables
that can be hand assembled are more reliable and therefore a
much desired item. Although very few companies assemble CAT
5 cable by hand, it is still the practice of CAT 5 Cable Company.
Quality
Control - under rated concept by many companies. They are willing
to gamble that even though they may have a high failure rate
of their cables in the field, they accept this and move on happy
in the knowledge they are producing thousands of cables, figuring
few buyers will pursue replacements or will simply assume they
damaged the cables on their own during installation or removal.
At CAT 5 Cable Company, we find this practice unacceptable.
100% of every order, that's every single cable that we produce
is hand tested by the technician who assembled it prior to being
added to your order. No one can match this level of dedication
to quality.
The
bottom line is: You get what you pay for.
If
you are unconcerned with performance and quality, and don't
mind replacing your cables after every equipment change, then
you will be happy to know that there are hundreds of companies
out there all selling the same kind of cable.
If
you are serious about quality and performance, it is well worth
the extra money to get the very best. You will find that the
best will still end up being an exceptional value. Get the best.
Your network deserves it.
CAT
5 Cable Company provides CAT 5 and CAT 5e patch and crossover cables for all networking applications in
9 colors, and any custom length. Hand assembled and 100% tested
to ensure the finest quality.
RELATED
FAQ QUESTION: What
is the difference between a patch cable and a crossover cable?
Keywords: CAT 5 Cable, CAT 5e cable, patch cable, crossover cable
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