What is cat5e riser cable

This article is sure to answer your questions regarding this Cat5e Riser Cable.

Like the word "riser" suggests that it is Cat5e. Riser cable is specifically designed for use in vertically rising spaces between floors and within walls. The riser-rated jacket that is on cat5e is created of fire-resistant fibers and a Teflon tape that prevents the jacket from carrying the flame. 

It's also referred to as a CMR-rated (communications riser) cable suitable for use throughout the building, except the plenum and outside. Suppose the cable gets caught in flames and releases toxic smoke. That's why it is recommended to install it in areas where smoke can be kept out—for instance, vertical shafts inside structures.

An overview

At its core, the Cat5e riser has four unshielded twisting sets of 8 conductors. Conductors are constructed from either copper-clad or pure aluminum. Conductors made from pure copper are sold higher than copper-clad aluminum conductors.

For networking, a Cat5e riser is a well-known option. It is because it can be installed in various locations and at a reasonable cost. Furthermore, it can support gigabit and fast Ethernet, and you can see it utilized for video and audio streaming, too.

Let's discuss the two-conductor types in-depth since they are the main component in the Cat5e riser cable and the riser Ethernet cables.

Cat5e pure copper:

Pure copper is the most sought-after choice due to its outstanding conductivity properties. It is incredibly immune to electromagnetic interference (EMI) and has nearly no cross-talk. The standard frequency of EIA/TIA is 100 MHz for a thousand meters; however, you will find the cable over the limit of the standard up to 300 MHz. 

Copper is pure and the most desirable out of conductors. It's ductile, meaning it's easy to bend and change to form the shape of your needs. It also doesn't fade for long periods.

The conductor's diameter can be measured at 24 AWG (American Wire Gauge), and it is a reliable and highly efficient data transmission channel.

Cat5e Copper-Clad Aluminum (CCA):

Copper-clad Aluminium refers to an extremely thin layer of copper sprayed on the aluminum foundation of the conductor. It appears identical to the pure copper conductor; however, its performance is miles away. Aluminum has a lower bend radius, meaning that you can't bend it as far but not damage it. 

Also, when CCA gets heated, it turns weak and eventually breaks. Even though CCA provides 350 MHz in frequency, the attenuation is much higher than a pure copper conductor resulting in slower network speeds. Also, data loss is more frequently experienced as well.

Conclusion:

The Cat5 riser with an enhanced Ethernet cable is an incredible invention that improves the Cat5 riser cable. It can do the job if you require a reliable networking cable for your small commercial or residential home. It's not as technologically advanced as other options on the market. 

But, for the price, Cat5e Riser is a good choice even though it's not as efficient as other upgraded cables in the fight against electromagnetic interference. It's fire-proof, and the version with bare copper is unlikely to be caught in the flames. If it does catch fire, it will emit harmful smoke that could cause death if placed in non-approved areas.

It is a given that safety guidelines must be observed at all costs in the world of networking.