# Ethernet cables - multiple types - too much information!

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ethernet-cables-multiple-types-too-much-information/564466>\
**Category:** Factual Questions\
**Created:** [December 17, 2010, 3:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ethernet-cables-multiple-types-too-much-information/564466 "2010-12-17T03:34:17Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 3\
**Page:** 2

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**Author:** ![BigT](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bigt/32/12044_2.png) [@BigT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BigT)\
**Post date:** [December 21, 2010, 2:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ethernet-cables-multiple-types-too-much-information/564466/21 "2010-12-21T14:18:36Z")

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I’m currently using a crossover cable for my home network. I originally read that I needed one to connect two computers without a router. Even though I now finally have a router, I continue to use that cable.

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**Author:** ![Mines\_Mystique](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/d26b3c/32.png) [@Mines\_Mystique](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mines_Mystique)\
**Post date:** [December 21, 2010, 2:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ethernet-cables-multiple-types-too-much-information/564466/22 "2010-12-21T14:38:37Z")

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[quote=“Gary “Wombat” Robson, post:4, topic:564466”]

Although the term “patch cable” used to refer to a short cable for a patch panel, it’s used pretty much synonymously with “network cable” now, so it really tells you nothing.  
[/QUOTE]

The term ‘patch’ refers to the construction of the cable. Patch cables are made with stranded wires inside of them and are much more flexible than ‘riser’ or ‘horizontal’ cable. They are also rated for less distance than a solid cable.

‘Riser’ cable’s jacket is somewhat flame resistant and is typically used between floors in multi-story buildings. The idea is that it doesn’t allow a fire to use the cable as a path between floors.

‘Horizontal’ cable doesn’t necessarily have the fire-resistance and is used to go from the network closet on one floor to all the jacks on that floor, then a patch cable is used to plug in any network equipment that may be present.

Horizontal and riser cable are also terminated differently due to the solid conductors. Typically, these cables will be terminated to a punchdown-type connection on the back of a patch panel or a wall jack. Stranded cable is terminated with a regular 8P8C (what most people call an RJ45, although it [isn’t one](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/8P8C#8P8C)) modular connector.

There are also plenum and non-plenum versions of cables that refer to the smoke produced when the jacket of the cable is burned.

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**Author:** ![Musicat](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/musicat/32/20189_2.png) [@Musicat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Musicat)\
**Post date:** [December 21, 2010, 3:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ethernet-cables-multiple-types-too-much-information/564466/23 "2010-12-21T15:08:47Z")

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> [@Mines\_Mystique](#):
>
> The term ‘patch’ refers to the construction of the cable. Patch cables are made with stranded wires inside of them and are much more flexible than ‘riser’ or ‘horizontal’ cable. They are also rated for less distance than a solid cable.

Interestingly enough, [your link](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/8P8C#8P8C) about RJ45/8P8C has a different definition:

> [@](#):
>
> A cable wired the same at both ends is called a “patch” or “straight-through” cable, because no pin/pair assignments are swapped.

From my work in the audio field, a patch cable would most likely be a short, flexible one with male plugs at both ends. Pin assignments would not be relevant there.

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