Category: Networking cable

Is it Time to Upgrade your Network Cable to Cat6 and Future-Proof – we say yes!

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Upgrading to Cat6a cables from Cat5 or Cat6 cable is unquestionably the best choice you can make if you’re struggling with your bandwidth and Internet speeds. As demand for faster efficiency with our Internet continues to peak, the old Cat standards no longer work.

 

New Ethernet installations done today should be done with at least Cat6 Ethernet cable, although Cat6a is even better. This is the most advanced Category Ethernet cable there is, perfect for today’s speed and bandwidth needs. Cat5 was a mid-to-late-1990s favourite while Cat5e rose in popularity in the 2000s. Cat6 has been in use since the late 2000s and in the last five years, Cat6a has received much attention for its advancements.

 

When it comes to future-proofing, what we mean is by installing a high quality advanced cable today, you’re preventing yourself from having to upgrade in the future. And, make no mistake, there will come a time when you need to upgrade. As the Internet continues to grow and use more bandwidth, you need the cable to handle it. Ethernet network cables like Cat6a are your best bet.

 

Something which a lot of homeowners and commercial businesses forget about Cat6a networking cable is that in order to achieve the bandwidth, network, and speed promised, all cabling and accessories must meet the minimum standard set out by the IEEE. If any single component’s low quality or older, you may not see the bandwidth improvements expected.

 

Can you still get by with Cat5 cable – not really. The maximum frequency it has is 100 MHz and speeds up to 100 Mbps. Although it may work for a local area network in some commercial environments, Cat5 cable is too slow for most applications and within a decade, will be completely gone. Cat5e cable is an enhanced version of Cat5e cable however and is designed to handle speeds up to 1,000 Mbps. Cat5e cable generally works for most applications, although when possible, switching to Cat6 cable is the better option.

 

If it’s a new Ethernet installation, Cat6 cable is absolutely a must. You’ll receive bandwidth allowance up to 250 MHZ and speeds up to 10 Gbps. Cat6a Ethernet cable has additional advantages over Cat6 and this includes higher bandwidth up to 500 MHZ, 10-gigabit speeds over 330 feet of cable which is double the length of what its cousin Cat6 allows.

 

Browse Ethernet cables in bulk at PrimeCables at the best prices in Canada. Upgrade and future-proof your home or commercial space today!

Why Every Working Professional needs a Portable Laptop Stand

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As a working professional in the modern age, you’re probably not just on the clock from 9-to-5. Many are on-call almost 24/7 seemingly, especially those who have a home office, who work-from-home, or who run their own businesses. At any given moment, you may need to snap into ‘work mode’. For those moments, we think a portable laptop stand can help.

 

A portable laptop stand, first and foremost, comes with the ability to take it with you wherever you go. If you’re on the road, in-commute, or simply out and about, it doesn’t take much to throw your laptop stand in the backseat of your car or in your bag. Keep it with you and always be equipped to use your laptop in the way you want to.

 

PrimeCables’ portable laptop stand model is foldable and so, it’s small enough to be stored wherever you need it to go. If you’re in bed, you can store it right beside the bed and have it take up minimal space. The portable laptop stand is also height adjustable so you can move your screen according to where your eyes are at.

 

If you’re in bed, you can set it up in bed and not have to leave, and still be able to type and browse and do what you need to do. Speaking of remaining in bed, if you ever want to pull it out for a movie or whatever the case, you’ve got exactly the product you need.

 

The grind of being always on-call and always in ‘work mode’ can weigh a person down. Every professional needs a laptop stand because it makes the job easier. It’s not only easier on the hands, wrists, eyes, and body to do your work, but having a physical object you take out and then, put away when you’re done provides a mental ‘start’ and ‘end’ point.

 

Remember, when your laptop stand is out, your mind subconsciously will click into work. When it’s put away, you can turn your ‘work-self’ off. If you’ve ever been on-call and/or if you’re the sort of person who enjoys working all the time, you still need those moments when you can turn off. In this way, visual cues and physical objects play a role.

 

This is just one of the many PrimeCables’ products which can help make your work-day a little brighter and that much easier. Shop portable laptop stands, ergonomic office accessories, adjustable desks, and more at PrimeCables, and receive fast, free shipping on all orders above $49. Say goodbye to uncomfortable, cluttered workspaces with PrimeCables. Visit our online eCommerce store today.

How to Set Up and Use an Ethernet Connection on an Apple iPad

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Did you know you have the potential to use Ethernet on your iPad – you actually do. Just follow these steps to learn how to use a USB-C port on your Apple iPad to act as a portal to Ethernet. If you don’t have a USB-C port, unfortunately, you don’t have a way to connect to fast Ethernet. For the fortunate owners of the 2018 iPad Pro and similar models however, whether you’re on the road or using it at home, hooking up to a wired connection is simple.

 

The first thing you need is a USB-to-Ethernet adapter. This will be a device that provides you the opportunity to essentially convert your USB-C port into an Ethernet port. Using this adapter, you can then connect an Ethernet cable to the adapter. Lastly, just connect the Ethernet network cable to the router and you’re good to go. Setup is as easy as that. Now, go into your settings. You should be seeing a connection over Ethernet rather than Wi-Fi or cellular. Prior to using Ethernet on your iPad, be sure to turn off your WiFi completely just to make sure you’re not connected through a wireless connection.

 

The last thing we would recommend doing, especially if this is your first time using an iPad to connect to Ethernet, is to verify you are connected. Simply open up your ‘Settings’ app. Then, assuming you were successful in connecting, there will be an Ethernet menu item somewhere there. Click on it and tap on your USB-C Ethernet adapter. You should see your IP address and DNS. If you need to set up a proxy for whatever reason, you can do so here. If you don’t need a proxy, you’ve done everything you need to do to verify your Ethernet is working. If you do find there to be an issue, simply unplug everything from your iPad and re-connect.

 

The beauty about an Ethernet connection on an iPad is that you don’t really need to do much. Apple products in general are very easy to connect. As long as you have a working USB-to-Ethernet adapter, that’s all you need. You can also re-purpose this USB-to-Ethernet on any product with a USB port to connect it to Ethernet. Technically, it may also work with a tablet or smartphone or any kind as long as it has that USB port you absolutely 100% need. Buy yours today from PrimeCables, and browse other accessories and cables including USB-C cables, Ethernet networking cables, and more.

Understanding Cat6 Ethernet Cable for your Internet Cable Knowledge

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Replacing your Cat5 and Cat5e networking cables is a smart move as Internet speeds are increasing. Cat6 Ethernet cables are far and away an installation you won’t regret making.

 

Considered the sixth generation of Ethernet cables, Cat6 cables are used today across thousands of homes and buildings all over Canada. Cat6 Ethernet cables are also ‘backwards compatible’ with the Cat5 and Cat5e standard ensuring that any sort of replacement or connection that needs to be made is easily done.

 

Cat6 cables, otherwise known as ‘Category 6’ cables, support Gigabit Ethernet data transfer at one gigabit per second. Up to 10 Gigabit Ethernet connections can be accommodated over a distance of 164 feet per cable. Inside, you’ll notice 4 pairs of copper wire, used to obtain the highest level of performance. You’ll see that Cat6 cables also carry with them the same RJ-45 connector found on all Ethernet cables.

 

Now, there is an enhanced version of Cat6 cables which are known as Cat6a or ‘Category 6 Augmented’. The augmented version of the Cat6 cable enables 10 Gigabit Ethernet data rates over a single cable run of up to 328 feet – roughly double the distance the original Cat6 cable can handle. If you have the right speed with Cat6 cables but are concerned about distance, Cat6a cables are added certainty. Cat 6a cables cost a little more and are generally thicker however they’re well worth the purchase for some residents.

 

As an alternative to Cat6 Ethernet cables, you may choose to go with Cat5 or Cat5e cables. Although they come at a slightly lower cost, Cat5 cables aren’t as fast as the Cat6 cables. Cat5 cables also lack the advanced technology of their counterpart. For the average home, Cat5e cables are oftentimes enough to get by. For commercial enterprises and business environments, Cat6 cables are a necessity as they provide more support and will carry the high Internet speeds shared on the network. The only limitation on Cat6 cables are the length at which they can perform at before the data transfer rates begin to go down. Alternatively, if you’re replacing Cat5 cables, you’ll immediately notice a big difference in Internet speeds as it’s like day and night. Cat6 cables are up to 10 times faster than Cat5 cables.

 

For high-speed Cat6 Ethernet network cables, there’s only one place in Canada to go and PrimeCables is where it’s at. Shop your Ethernet network needs at PrimeCables and receive fast, free shipping on all orders above $49.

How to Pick the Right Cables for your Home Network

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Building a home network, you may be asking yourself what the right kind of Ethernet cable is for you. Some may also be wondering about the differences between and whether Cat5, Cat6, or Cat7 network cable is preferable. For all of the PrimeCables customers across Canada, we hope to provide some insight here into these questions.

 

For those completely new to Ethernet cables, ‘Cat’ stands for ‘category’. In your home, you probably already have Cat 5 or Cat 5e wire. Although this was once the standard for Ethernet connections, it has since become Cat 6 which is more reliable, has higher speeds, and which is backward compatible with earlier Ethernet cables making it highly adaptable.

 

Now, Cat5 can still be used in some cases and supports gigabit speeds however its performance can be lacking. When you’re connecting Cat5 cable to a Gigabit Ethernet router, you’re really pushing its limits. Cat6 cable is far and away the recommended cable. It can easily handle Gigabit speeds and also carries with it more specifications relating to limitations on crosstalk or system noise than its predecessor.

 

Although the benefits of Cat6 cable are well understood by industry players and Ethernet fanatics, there are many who believe Cat6 Ethernet cable is more difficult to install. Its conductors are twisted more tightly and there’s more insulation to work out. Therefore, one must go slower when cutting the cable. Cost-wise, Cat5 cable is going to be a little bit cheaper than Cat6 however in short, Cat6 networking cable is always going to be our recommendation. The Internet’s speeds are always increasing and you need to ensure you have a cable that can handle what’s happening.

 

Now, if you’re cheap or if your budget is not where it needs to be to afford Cat6 cable immediately, Cat5e should serve you well for now. Cat5e is a little more advanced than Cat5 cable and should be equipped with enough tech to stay around for the next few years at least. That said, down the line, you’ll want to switch out to Cat6 cable to get everything up to par. Thankfully, you can browse all these Ethernet cables at PrimeCables and you can compare lengths, prices, and types according with what you need it for and what you need it to do.

 

Buy Ethernet networking cables online from PrimeCables today and pay a fraction of what you would elsewhere. Get it all on-sale and receive fast, free shipping to anywhere in Canada on orders above $49.

Cat5 vs. Cat6 Cables – What are the Differences

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Cat5 and Cat6 cables are installed in thousands of Canadian households, although few homeowners precisely how they work or what they’re capable of. Homes that need an upgrade may not even know they require one.

Network-Ethernet-Cables-Network-Ethernet-Cables
Network-Ethernet-Cables-Network-Ethernet-Cables

Cat5 and Cat6 Ethernet cables are used to connect computers, servers, and other Internet devices to modems and ISPs. As Internet speeds have progressed in the last decade and a half, Ethernet cables have come a long way as well to accommodate the need for greater performance.

 

Although Cat5 cable has become obsolete, the standard has an alternative in Cat5e which stands for ‘Cat5 Enhanced’. Released roughly 15 years ago, the Cat5e cable provides stronger performance with speeds up to 10 times faster and the ability to travel over longer distances without crosstalk.

 

Comparatively, Cat6 network cables have been around for over a decade and are used throughout numerous networks. Cat6 cables can process 10 Gigabits of data at a time with bandwidth limited to 164 feet. It’s about ten times faster than Cat5e cable. If you’re looking for improvements on distance, there’s also the Cat6a cable which keeps up the same speed over longer distances of up to 328 feet.

 

There are many similarities between Cat5 and Cat6 cables. They utilized a lot of the same hardware, including the RJ-45 Ethernet jack. They plug into the same ports and can easily be switched out one for the other. The materials used to manufacture them is sometimes different. Their capabilities certainly vary. That said, there is a standard for all Ethernet cables out there ensuring that no matter what you’re using, it’s compatible with every Ethernet port.

 

Once a consumer understands the difference between Cat5 and Cat6 cables, their next question’s typically which one do you use – well, it depends. Cat6 cables have better, more advanced technology however if you’re looking to install Ethernet cables in a residential home, you can get by with Cat5e easy. Cat5e cables will meet every need you have, with a capacity to handle speeds your Internet connection won’t even be able to provide.

 

If you’re a small business, office, or commercial enterprise, you’re going to require faster Internet, faster internal speeds, and may have a lot of processing requirements. In most cases, Cat6 Ethernet cables are going to be the way you want to go. They’ll service your commercial needs better and you also won’t need to replace them five or six years down the road when the Internet’s expanded to the point where you need a faster cable.

 

Shop Cat5 cables, Cat5e cables, and Cat6 cables as well as all your network Ethernet cable accessories at Canada’s own PrimeCables.

7 Things to Consider when Buying Ethernet Cable for your Home or Business

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Choosing the right Ethernet cable for residential, commercial, or industrial use relies on knowing what requirements need to be fulfilled. Here are 7 things you need to consider when buying Ethernet cable.

 

Which CAT.

Network-Ethernet-Cables-Network-Ethernet-Cables
Network-Ethernet-Cables-Network-Ethernet-Cables

CAT 5 cables are suitable for low-level application and any connections requiring standard Internet speeds. Comparatively, CAT 6 Ethernet cables operate at more than double the frequency than CAT 5 and passes high-data transfer speeds. Above CAT 6 cables, you’ll find even higher speeds on your Internet connection.

 

Size of the conductor.

Conductors are what determines the data speed over long distances. Ethernet conductors are divided between 26 and 24 AWG. Conductors of larger sizes are recommended for long distances. If you choose to use 22 AWG Ethernet cables or similarly alternative conductor sizes, please note you will need corrective RJ45 conductors to compensate.

 

Shielded Ethernet cables v. unshielded.

Unshielded Ethernet cables are used for most general work environments. Shielded cables are made from foil or braid to protect the signal, commonly used in noisy environments. In any case, prioritizing durability and noise protection ensures a high quality Ethernet fix.

 

Cable selection.

If it’s an industrial environment, a high level of security standards are expected. For construction or chemical environments, it’s important for cables to be safe to use. Polyurethane is an ideal material as it has mineral oil resistance and are halogen-free. The type of conductors also matters as solids are great for industry use and standard conductors are flexible enough for static applications.

 

Packet stability.

Data packet drops cause losses of data, money, and energy. When packets don’t reach their destination, this is what a ‘packet drop’ is. When your network has a deterministic Ethernet system, this is the best way to protect packet transfers. High quality Internet services can also be used to prioritize sensitive traffic, ensuring no packet drops occur over your system.

 

Knowing the environment.

Environment factors which could influence what Ethernet cable you choose includes humidity, vibrations, dust, and more. Any of these can disrupt signal transmission through damaging switches or hardware. Overall network performance can also be affected, if you haven’t purchased Ethernet cable to combat the natural environment which surrounds it.

 

Knowing the requirements.

Based on what your requirements are, oftentimes this will be what decides the type of cable to purchase. The right type of cables differs according to industry requirements. A vital part of any network’s success, the wrong Ethernet cable can really mess up a connection.

Shop your favourite network Ethernet cables at PrimeCables. Choose from Cat5e, Cat5, Cat6a, Cat7, fiber optic cables, bulk network cables, and more!

Cat5, Cat6, or Cat7 Ethernet Network Cables – Which One’s Best

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Although wireless is all where it’s at right now, anyone serious about getting the fastest speeds from their Internet are using classic network Ethernet cables to achieve this. If we’re talking connectivity, there’s nothing quite like Ethernet cables, currently available in types ranging from Cat5 to Cat7. Selecting the right Ethernet cable for your home can be the key to a Pandora’s Box of Internet capability and if you’re wondering what the best Ethernet cable is, we can help.

network cable canada
network cable Canada

When you’re reading these things like ‘Cat1’, ‘Cat4’, ‘Cat5’, etc., the ‘Cat’ being referred to stands for Category. The higher the number, the higher the bandwidth speed your cable is capable of. Anything below Cat5 has been made obsolete and aren’t really used anymore in household connections. Cat5e Ethernet cable has become one of the most popular Ethernet cables – despite the fact that Cat6, Cat7, and Cat8 are in essence better and more advanced cables.

 

Comparatively, Cat5 is popular however has nearly been made obsolete by what’ come after. Improving upon what’s in the Cat5, the Cat5e cable stands for ‘Category 5 enhanced’. Some features consumers can enjoy using a Cat5e cable is reduced signal interference from other wires and a transmission speed of up to 1 Gbps. If you’re looking at what the most cost-effective Ethernet cable is, it has to be the Cat5e. It’s more than appropriate for wired connections in residential and commercial settings.

 

Now we come upon Cat6 Ethernet cables. Supporting transmission speeds up to 10 Gpbs, the unfortunate thing is that the longer the cable, the more speed is reduced. Even so, Cat6 cables continue to improve on the previous Cat5e and for that reason, is slightly more expensive. If you’re really looking to talk about extremes, we can refer you to the Cat7 cable which boasts a huge transmission speed of up to 40 Gpbs at fifty metres in length and a massive 100 Gpbs at distances up to 15 meters. Cat7 Ethernet cables are generally stiffer cables and they come with a higher price tag than the other Ethernet cables mentioned here.

 

So which one is best – the answer relies entirely on what you’re looking for. Cat5e is the most affordable while still providing a good performance. Cat5e Ethernet cables are also the most flexible physically speaking. That said, Cat6 Ethernet cables and Cat7 Ethernet cables boast higher speeds and an overall better performance.

 

For all your Ethernet cable needs, shop at PrimeCables and receive fast, free shipping to anywhere in Canada on all orders above $49.

How to Use an Ethernet Cable to Connect your Home

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Are you looking to hook up your Ethernet cable to connect your home – PrimeCables can help. As one of Canada’s top eCommerce sites for Ethernet cables and network solutions, browse dozens of products to help connect your home with the fastest Internet cables on the market.

PrimeCabbles-Network-Ethernet-Cables-Network-Ethernet-Cables

The first step towards connecting your Ethernet cable will be to set yourself up with a great modem. Connect your modem to where is recommended and then use a router to connect to the room where you want to have Ethernet access. Test to ensure your WiFi is working fine. If Internet’s working, that’s great. Now we can move onto the next step which is installing your Ethernet cable.

network ethernet cables
network ethernet cables

Connect the Ethernet cable to from the port on the back of the router to the patch panel. In a nutshell, that’s all you really need to go to hook up your Ethernet cable. Now if your Ethernet connection is not working, you may want to check your modem’s capabilities to see if there’s a problem with what’s expected in the connection chain.

 

Keep in mind that unless you’ve bought your Ethernet cable from a reputable company like PrimeCables, the cable itself could be broken or there may be an issue with the connectivity there. If you’re working with a professional installer, they may be able to test the Ethernet cable.

 

For the average Canadian household, the hardest thing about creating an Ethernet connection will be figuring out how to get the cable from your computer or devices and to your router. Ideally, your PC will only be a metre or two away from the router. If not, you may have to drill some holes in the wall or through the floor, having to run cable along the way to get a connection. Using a Cat5e, Cat6, Cat6e, Cat7 network cable, or more advanced Ethernet cable, you can keep the process simple and straightforward.

 

Some of the top Ethernet cable deals in Canada include six feet of Cat6 Ethernet network cable for $1.59, ten feet of Cat6 Ethernet cable for $2.15, 1 feet of Cat5e bare copper Ethernet cable for $1.14, ten feet fo Cat5e Ethernet network cable for $1.91, fifteen feet of Cat 5e network cable for $2.29, and 25 feet of Cat6 Ethernet network cable for $3.43.

 

Shop amazing PrimeCables deals on Ethernet cable and all types of network solutions. See ‘free shipping’ on all orders above $49. Buy in bulk and save $100s off Ethernet cable, computer accessories, home theater products, and more!

PrimeCables offers CMR, CMX cables cheap in bulk!

Andrew the Cable NingaLeave a comment

Keystone jacks are a necessary component in the arsenal of many home theater enthusiasts in Canada.

 

A keystone is a standardized snap-in package that allows one to mount any of a variety of low-voltage electrical jacks and/or optical connectors into a keystone wall plate, face plate, surface-mount box, or patch panel.

 

Keystone jacks are used predominantly in commercial telecommunications although they also have residential purpose for those who know how to use them. Be it for a telephone line or, more popularly, an Ethernet Internet network connection, keystone jacks certainly have a role to play in increasing connectivity in the home.

 

Keystone jacks typically accept Ethernet cable like CAT5, CAT6e, or similar connections. They typically measure 14.5mm x 16mm high and are held in place by flexible tabs. In general, they are easy to snap into a mounting plate.

 

All keystones are interchangeable and replaceable, which allows for some flexibility in arrangement and mounting. There are some keystones which use a pass-through type connector while others have a jack on the front and an alternative mechanism on the back. The most popular types of keystones include RJ-11 modular jacks for telephones, RJ-45 modular jacks which are used for computer networking, F-connectors for cable TV or satellite, RCA jacks, HDMI jacks, optical fiber connectors, BNC connectors, USB jacks, speaker terminals, and banana connectors.

 

Keystone jacks were first invented in the late 1970s though at the time, this was a very primitive design not yet released commercially. The current design of what is known as a ‘keystone’ came to exist in the mid-1990s, originally used for telephone connection. In the decades that followed, keystones were popularized across North America for their amazing connectivity and other advantages.

 

If you’re looking for cheap keystone jacks and keystone accessories, visit PrimeCables. In this PrimeCables catalogue, you’ll find Cat6 RJ-45 jacks, Cat5e RJ-45 jacks, audio video keystone jacks, RJ-11 and RJ-12 jacks, and RJ-45 strain relief boots.

 

In related categories, you can also find some amazing keystone accessories to add to your haul. Network Ethernet cable is available currently on discount up to 90% off. Wall plates are also on-sale, allowing you to add the finishing touches to your installation. We also have cable cutting tools, network testers, crimp tools, installation tool kits, and network modular connectors.

 

Shop high quality cheap keystone products at PrimeCables and don’t pay a dollar more. Re-build your property’s connectivity today with reliable, advanced keystone jacks and accessories you can rely on. Visit PrimeCables for more information on where to go!