LAN Cable Function, Here's An Explanation

LAN Cable functions that need to be known. (Photo: Vladislav Kim - Unsplash)

YOGYAKARTA - In our daily lives, they have been indispensable for decades, but most have not been able to provide a clear answer to the question "What is LAN cables?" may not be able to provide a clear answer. Let's find out what the LAN cable function is!

The idea of this article is to help you answer that question. In this text, we see how Ethernet cables work, technical differences, and excesses and shortages of LAN cable installation.

The LAN cable is a conductor connecting the device on the Local Area Network (LAN) with the network connector. The network cable provides communication between multiple devices (computers, routers, switches,...). The term "LAN" is a replacement for Ethernet cables.

It was created in the 1970s by the company XEROX. Universities and laboratories depend on their computer and terminal interconnects at the time. Employee Robert Metcalfe wants all computers to be able to print from XEROX's new laser printer. Local area network was born.

Much has happened since the beginning of LAN technology. We have explained in more detail which standards exist today, what cable categories, and what plug-in technology are used and what ethernet cables are.

What are the LAN cables used for and how?

First and most importantly, such LAN cables are used to connect devices in the network. This is a physical plug connection. Basically, any data cable used for communication between final devices can be called network cables.

Some of them are very suitable for short distances. The design can be very space-efficient so it can also be used in limited areas. Others are designed for longer distances or outdoor use.

However, all of this only serves one goal: to connect the device to each other with the network connector. Apart from computers, routers or servers, peripheral devices such as printers or IP cameras are also part of the network.

For this purpose, the LAN cable is connected to the terminal device. The data reaches the other end of the device via the LAN distributor. Of course, this should also be integrated into the network.

What does the cable look like?

From the outside, the LAN cable looks very similar to the phone cable. It is also covered with a plastic envelope. The most common colors are blue, orange, yellow or gray. Inside there are eight different strands. This in turn is twisted into four pairs of cables.

However, network cables have one extraordinary characteristic. They look the same at both ends. There is a RJ45 plug, which is in the shape of a rectangular and often has a small nose used to lock the plug into the ethernet port.

In addition, the plug has a built-in small light. Depending on the light signal, this can be used to detect activity in the final device. If turned on green, for example, the device is properly connected to the network. The red signal shows an error.

However, as long as the light goes on, it means at least there is communication between the device and the LAN distributor.

So after knowing the function of the lan cable, watch other interesting news on VOI, it's time to revolutionize news!