Each and every ethernet cable you observe will have an alternate construction to it of some kind or another. Such as the cable category (cat5e cable, cat6 cable, etc), type of jacket (plenum, riser, PVC), shielding, and so on. Stranded and solid are two of the most common specifications of ethernet cables people get confused about.
Knowing what exactly this cable specification means is the key to establishing the perfect local area network.
So, in this article, we will look into stranded and Solid Ethernet Cables. What makes each of them different from the other? And which is the one you should choose for your unique requirements? Let’s dive in.
Solid vs Stranded: Explained
The conductors in solid ethernet cables are made out of one piece of metal such as bare copper or copper-clad aluminum. The conductor wire is one thick wire that is stronger than its counterpart but has the same AWG.
Note that despite the different structures of both cables, they have the same gauge.
Examples of Solid Cable
Following are some examples of solid ethernet cables.
- Cat5e PVC
- Cat6 PVC
- Cat6a Riser
In stranded cable, the wires that form the conductor are typically very thin wires which are twisted to each other. If you look at the core of a stranded cable, you will notice multiple strands of smaller cables twisted to make one large conductor.
Examples of Stranded Cable.
Following are some examples of Stranded cable.
- Cat5e Stranded Cable
- Cat6 Stranded Cable
- Ethernet Patch Cables
Difference between Solid and Stranded Ethernet Cables: Key points
Stranded cables have more attenuation as compared to solid cables.
Solid cables are better for long-distance transmissions and stranded cables are ideal for short distances.
Stranded cables are flexible and therefore easier to install. Solid cables are more rigid and installation requires good skills.
Pros and Cons of Solid vs Stranded Cables
Both of these cables have different designs and therefore, come with their pros and cons. But before we look into their benefits and downsides. For instance, the signal integrity in solid cables is stronger compared to their counterparts. Similarly, stranded cables are more flexible and easier to install due to their flexibility but installing solid cables can sometimes be a hassle. Particularly, terminating them in RJ45 Keystone Jacks can be tricky.
Following are the pros and cons of each type of cable.
Pros of Solid Cables
- Cost-effective.
- Less complicated end frameworks.
- Better transmission execution at high frequencies and over long distances.
- Less EMI, Crosstalk, and External Noise.
Cons of Solid Cables
- Tricky to run through indoor spaces.
Pros of Stranded Cables
- More adaptable
- Longer flex life
- Less helpless to harm during crease terminations
- Better for patch cords due to their flexibility
Cons of Stranded Cables
- Weaker signal transmission over long distances.
- Susceptible to EMI and crosstalk.
What isn’t different?
To understand the differences between both types of cables, it is important to discuss the things that are the same in both them. When we say solid cable or stranded cable, it refers to the type of conductor.
Other than that, the specifications of the cable may or may not be the same. For instance, Cat6a Riser Bare copper-stranded cable and Cat6a riser bare copper solid cable are the same except for the type of conductor.
Which one do you need?
The type of cable you need actually depends on where you will be using it. For instance, if you need a patch cord, the answer is simple: go with the stranded. It is flexible, terminates easily, and is ideal for signal transmission at short lengths. Similarly, if you need the cable to connect devices within a building, also go with the same cables.
But if you need a cable to connect an outdoor CCTV camera, for example, you will need a sturdy solid cable that is capable of transmitting both data and power. Meaning, that solid core cables are better for PoE, PoE+/++ connections.
Final Thoughts
In short, solid ethernet cables are made for long-distance and heavy-duty performance while stranded core cables are designed for indoors and short distances. However, that is not to say that you cannot use either of the cables in a space they are not designed for. In fact, these cables are frequently being used in alternate spaces. But for ideal performance, you can choose to install them in their recommended spaces.
