Crossover cable vs. Molded vs cat5 versus cat5e 1

[JennyNet]

Hi there,
I was just wondering what is the difference between crossover cable and molded crossover cable. Which is is better and what does it mean.
also if do get a crossover cable, will it be cat5 or cat 5e.

And if anybody can recommend any reliable sites, they had good experiences to purchase crossover cable of 100ft. Feel free to let me know...
Thanks...

 

[fs483]

Crossover cable only allows you to plug to computer DIRECTLY without any devices in the middle. Crossover cables are sometimes used between switches or from a router to a switch. Most switches these days are auto-sensing thus avoiding the need for crossover cables. If you do use a crossover cable somewhere in your setup, PLEASE CLEARLY LABEL IT !!! The sequence of wires are different from a straight through cable that your normally use between a switch and a host (PC or whatever). Molded means that the jacket of the cable is melted and glued to the plastic clip. If they are not molded, the clip is usually crimped onto the jacket of the cable. The connection is less solid. There's also the term snagless that is used. Snagless cables do just that, avoids snags that could break the clip. There are many ways to achieve snagless cables. One method used is to mold two small bumps on each side of the clip. Another method is the protect the tip of the clip with molded plastic that is attached to the jacket of the cable (or uses a boot). Another method used is to have the clip continu on and reattach itself onto the end of the clip (near the jacket of the cable). I personally ALWAYS order molded snagless cables. They are sometimes a few cents more expensive but saves a lot of headaches.

Here's a link to the type of cables that I order from my supplier :

http://www.startech.com/ststore/catlist.cfm?category=c70&mt=c

Yes you can order 100ft long crossover cables.

 

[jneiberger]

I would add that the category of the cable indicates the frequency at which it can operate, which is one of the factors that limits the maximum data rates available on the cable. As I recall, Category 5 is certified to operate at 100 MHz and Category 5e is certified at 350 MHz. Don't quote me on that, though, I'm just going from memory.

Category 5 is fine for running Fast Ethernet, but you should use Cat 5e if you want to run Gigabit Ethernet over copper.