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Ethernet cable for highest speeds
Transporting data reliably with Ethernet cables
Ethernet is the most widely used standard for local area network (LAN) cabling. Although transmission rates of up to 400Gbps are currently specified, the current state of the art allows a maximum speed of 40Gbps. Ethernet cables are divided into categories (Cat) from CAT3 to CAT8. While CAT3 is generally no longer used, CAT5-CAT7 are common in the industry. However, the CAT5e standard is still the most widely used in automation technology. PROFINET and ETHERCAT, which are based on the Ethernet standard, are also derived from it.
Ethernet is the standard in automation technology. Both mechanical engineering and image processing systems use Ethernet-based bus systems. The high data transmission also makes it possible to implement requirements in the area of Industry 4.0. Finally, Ethernet has become very attractive for mechanical engineering because it makes machinery relatively easy to integrate into the existing office network.
Areas of application for Ethernet cables
Ethernet cables are available for different areas of application. Ethernet cables are often permanently installed in machines and systems, so that inexpensive cables with a solid conductor or a flexible conductor consisting of 7 stranded wires can be selected.
Applications in energy chains or drag chains, however, require Ethernet cables with fine stranded wires. A cable structure tailored to movement in energy chains is also necessary to guarantee secure data transmission over the years. This is why chainflex cables have established themselves, especially in equipment and machines such as robots, packaging machines, production machines, and machine tools.
Network cable applications from igus
The igus chainflex cable product range includes a variety of Ethernet bus cables. A total of 32 different Ethernet cable types are available in CAT5, CAT6, and CAT7 from nine different cable ranges for various application areas. All chainflex Ethernet cables are designed for continuous movement in energy chains. Depending on your requirements, you can choose among various PVC, PUR, and TPE outer jackets. The various bus cable series offer different performance levels, so that the right cable can be chosen for each application area to maximise service life.
All chainflex bus cables have one thing in common. All chainflex cables are subject to the same quality standards, from cost-effective CF888 cables to cables for the highest demands and smallest bend radii , as is the case with the CFBUS.LB range. This is why igus also offers a 36-month functional guarantee on all chainflex cables with a service life of up to ten million double strokes.
The cheapest Ethernet cable that is guaranteed to work****The selection table for the largest range of flexible Ethernet cables
Transmission lengths The topic of the maximum bus cable transmission length is often underestimated. In general, caution should be exercised, since the maximum cable length can be strongly linked to cable type. A cable for fixed installation always has a lower dampening than flexible cables, which are designed for constant movement. As a result, the transmission length is shorter than with a cable for fixed installation.
Depending on the cable range, chainflex network cables are mechanically designed for travels of up to 400m or more, but the bus system data rate decreases as cable length increases. The Ethernet specification describes a total cable length of 100m. Here, however, 90m installation cables and 10m patch cables (2x5m) are provided for. A total of up to 100m can be achieved with fixed installation. Our experience with highly flexible Ethernet cables for energy chains shows that cable length between two Ethernet participants can be up to 50m. But this length depends on the cable category (CAT5, CAT5e, CAT6, CAT6A, or CAT7), environmental conditions, and application requirements. For long travels, we therefore recommend using fibre optic cables , which allow cable lengths of several hundred meters up to 2km.
Monitoring Ethernet cables with i.Sense CF.D
The new, protocol-independent measuring method determines cable data transmission properties during operation using high-frequency technology. This eliminates the need for additional sacrificial cores. The latest generation can even manage completely contactless cable monitoring.
If the transmission characteristics start to deteriorate, cables can be replaced in good time. Intelligent condition monitoring of the entire moving cable, including the plug-in connector, also prevents system downtimes.
Sold by the metre or harnessed chainflex network cables can be ordered classically by the metre on a drum, or a cable ring, from 1m with no cutting charge or minimum quantity surcharges. igus also offers these cables as harnessed readycables. Each chainflex Ethernet cable can therefore be ordered in a desired length, no minimum quantity, including as a ready-harnessed cable. The readycable online shop has a selection of cables and connectors. A filter function facilitates type selection.