Questions tagged [cable]
In electronics, a cable is 1 or more wires (fibers) bound together and running parallel to each other such that larger amounts of data/current can be transmitted at faster speeds than would be accomplished with a lower amount of wires. A cable can refer to an audio, visual, data, electrical or any other numerous types of cables.
767
questions
120
votes
2
answers
43k
views
Why does a gigabit/sec Internet connection via cable (coax) not offer symmetrical speeds like fiber?
In our area, we have Cox Communications (cable) which offers 1 Gbit/s down, and 30 Mbit/s up, while CenturyLink (fiber) offers 1 Gbit/s up and down.
Why does copper only 'allow' fast speeds for ...
- 1,955
93
votes
7
answers
13k
views
Why do some RJ45 plugs have the lock release clip under a rubber cover?
Some RJ45 plugs have an exposed lock release clip, like this:
However, others place the release clip under a rubber cover, like this:
I find that the rubber cover is almost never anything but a ...
- 29.9k
82
votes
4
answers
83k
views
What is that cylinder on cables?
There's always that pesky cylinder thing on every cable I have.
What is it?
And more importantly, why don't Apple's products have them?
- 14.6k
80
votes
5
answers
39k
views
What is the little twist in this floppy ribbon cable for?
There is a twist of a few lines in this floppy cable. Why? What is the purpose of it?
- 5,204
79
votes
3
answers
17k
views
Does a USB 3.0 connection require a USB 3.0 cord?
Does a USB 3.0 connection require a USB 3.0 cord to reach USB 3.0 speeds (SuperSpeed)? Will any USB cord support any USB 3.0 device?
- 8,188
79
votes
8
answers
154k
views
The locking clip/tab on my Ethernet cable's plug is broken. How can I fix it?
I have a 10 meter long Ethernet cable. One plug has the little locking clip missing, just like missing the part in red ellipse in the following picture.
How can I fix it? Is this something I should ...
- 17.3k
61
votes
3
answers
295k
views
Maximum length of a USB Cable?
I want to use a very long USB cable to place a webcam in a different room. The maximum length that I found was five meters.
What is the maximum length of a USB cable?
What is the maximum length ...
- 3,865
54
votes
3
answers
16k
views
What is this female plug with two rows of ten holes (one hole filled in) on the other end of my USB 3.0 cord?
When I built my computer I had a USB 3.0 cord where one side looked like a normal USB to stick into a USB port but the other end has this blue thing:
Where do I stick that in?
- 657
45
votes
14
answers
19k
views
How to declutter and organize the cables on and under my desk? [closed]
Computer cables and external devices are a continuous source of frustration for everybody who likes a clean working environment. The more devices you add to your home office, the more disastrous the ...
45
votes
5
answers
159k
views
Is there a difference between "Thunderbolt" and "Mini DisplayPort" cables?
TB-to-TB cables seems to be more expensive than mDP-to-mDP cables.
Is there any actual difference besides the branding?
This is for use in connecting a MacBook Pro to a dock with multiple ports (USB ...
- 2,280
41
votes
4
answers
17k
views
What is the purpose of this 4 pin cable with 3 wires that came with an old IDE DVD-ROM drive?
Stumbled on this cable today, it has 4 pins, of which only three are actually in use. It was found with a quick installation guide of an old DVD-ROM IDE drive and nothing else except some screws, so I'...
- 696
39
votes
6
answers
17k
views
I plugged in a molex cable the wrong way and the power supply exploded. Did it kill my hard drive?
I bought a cheap kit allowing me to use a 3.5 SATA hard drive with a laptop, by plugging it in with USB. It still requires external power supply so I used an adapter that came with this kit but I ...
- 399
36
votes
7
answers
118k
views
How can you tell a USB cable version?
Here is a question a student asked me in one of my A+ certification classes: How can you tell a USB cable version? I honestly don't know the answer and I can't find one either.
USB cables are rated ...
- 73.3k
35
votes
1
answer
318k
views
What kind of cable looks like HDMI but has only one slanted edge?
What kind of cable/connector is this? It looks like an HDMI connector, with very similar pins, but it has a slanted edge on only one side and the other side is square.
- 1,487
33
votes
6
answers
274k
views
How to unplug a network cable that's stuck?
I have plugged a network cable into my PC to temporarily adjust some settings on my router. Now I can't unplug it. The cable is physically stuck in the RJ45 port. I've tried squeezing every part of it ...
- 2,762
32
votes
8
answers
7k
views
Cleaning computer cables In the dishwasher
A large quantity of assorted computer cables came into my possession. The collection includes almost every type of computer-related cable (video, USB, Ethernet, printer, audio and speaker, SATA, ...
- 535
31
votes
5
answers
14k
views
Why do similar devices use a cross-over cable instead of a straight-through cable?
Why do similar devices use a cross-over cable instead of a straight-through cable?
user576476
31
votes
7
answers
51k
views
Ethernet cable too long?
I have an Ethernet cable running from a Huawei ADSL router to a computer> The total length is 61 meters (200 ft).
When connected to the computer, a cycle of identifying, disconnected, identifying, ...
Mota
27
votes
6
answers
133k
views
Identifying data transfer micro USB cables vs charge only micro USB cables
Is there any way for me to be able to recognize if a micro USB cable is good for data transfer as opposed to just charging?
I have quite a few micro USB cables but not all of them allow me connect ...
- 393
26
votes
6
answers
22k
views
How much electricity is there in the "power switch" button cables?
Because of a broken power button on the front of my computer I've had to take the cables connected to the button and create a sort of "hotwire" setup to start my computer. This is done by simply ...
- 371
26
votes
8
answers
50k
views
cat6 cable only getting 100mbps over larger distance
I know this question has already been asked a few times but I feel that my case is a little different since I've tried all the solutions provided in the other threads.
I created a small diagram to ...
- 1,564
26
votes
2
answers
38k
views
USB Type C Power Delivery Profile - max length?
The new USB-C connector allows for 100W to be delivered to charge laptops etc.
Is there a maximum length for a charging only cable?
The specification talks about cables being less than two meters ...
- 863
25
votes
3
answers
14k
views
Is it safe to use a micro-USB 2 cable in a USB 3 portable hard drive?
The micro-B USB 3 port seems to be somewhat backwards compatible with the old micro-USB 2 standard. I was able to charge a phone that had the micro-B USB 3 port with a micro-USB 2 cable.
However, I ...
- 477
25
votes
6
answers
28k
views
Is there any benefit of using HDMI over DVI?
I recently bought a Mac mini. It comes with an HDMI to DVI adapter. I bought a LG monitor that has an HDMI port.
My concern is: Is there any improvement when I connect the Mac Mini to the monitor ...
- 445
23
votes
5
answers
14k
views
My ISP doesn't use a modem. How does this work?
I have only an Ethernet cable straight to my apartment.
The Internet works when I just plug in this cable into the computer.
They say that there is a switch somewhere in the apartment building.
Where ...
- 701
23
votes
14
answers
20k
views
Running CAT 5 cable outdoors
I'm trying to extend my network to an unconnected garage that's about 20 yards away from my house. What's the best way to do this?
Is there special outdoor-rated CAT5e/CAT6 I should use?
If put it ...
- 333
20
votes
2
answers
92k
views
How to determine a network cable's maximum speed?
I have some machines connected in my workplace network using Ethernet cables. I know some types of Ethernet cable can handle speeds up to 5 Gbps but I'm not sure which ones. So I want to determine the ...
- 561
19
votes
8
answers
41k
views
Does HDMI cable "quality" actually affect transmission?
I really don't want to pay a ridiculous price for a "name brand" HDMI cable if it doesn't really do anything for me. I'm just curious: now that most transmission is digital (packetized) is there such ...
- 1,168
18
votes
2
answers
63k
views
Does eSATA require power source?
I got eSATA slot in my laptop (HP DV-7) + WD 1TB (The exact model: Caviar Green WD10EADS)
What I want to know, it's if I need something else except from the eSATA cable. Does the eSATA cable provide ...
- 2,677
18
votes
3
answers
97k
views
How seriously does cable length affect USB 3.0 transfer speeds?
Recently I've been thinking of upgrading my computer with some USB 3.0 ports. However, the problem is my computer is some ways away from my desk so that would mean I would need a long cable, ...
- 1,451
18
votes
9
answers
44k
views
Static noise from speakers when computer is off
I have a rather old set of Creative speakers called Inspire 2.1 2400.
The original cable that connects them to the computer was of poor quality, and at some point I had to replace it. The original ...
- 733
17
votes
5
answers
75k
views
Wireless vs. Wired: which is faster?
I have the option of hooking up my machines to the internet either wirelessly or via ethernet cable (wired). I'm curious as to which is faster; the approximate wireless signal strength (average) is ...
- 13.5k
17
votes
6
answers
75k
views
Can I safely connect the power-only-end of a USB-Y cable to an other power source?
If the host computer for an USB device doesn't provide enough power for a device which has no dedicated power port, can I connect the power-only-plug of a Y-USB-cable to an other computer, an USB-...
- 343
17
votes
3
answers
108k
views
How do I find out the speed of an Ethernet cable?
During the years I've collected many ethernet cables. I'd like to know the speed of each one (10Mbit / 10BASE-T or 100Mbit / 100BASE-TX or 1000BASE-T). How could I find out the speed of each Ethernet ...
- 271
17
votes
5
answers
17k
views
How can I guess if a USB cable will power my devices?
I've had problems with one long (4 meter) USB Mini-B to USB Type-A cable not being able to boot a 2.5'' external hard disc due to not supplying enough current. On top of that, the cable used a Type-A ...
- 1,375
15
votes
6
answers
107k
views
How much power output can an 8-pin to 2x 6+2-pin connector output?
A common cable included in modern modular PSU's is the 8-pin to 2x 6+2 pin. However, based on reading (such as PCI-e Power - Does 6 + 2 Equal 8?) an 8-pin is effectively the same as a 6+2 pin. If that'...
- 506
15
votes
6
answers
311k
views
Can I use CAT5e jacks with CAT6 cable?
I was wondering if I can use a CAT5e keystone jack with CAT6 cable. I am refering to the parts that terminate a cable where it comes out of the wall.
I want to run a 30 ft length of CAT6 but all I ...
- 3,284
14
votes
6
answers
12k
views
Why does my USB cable have an extra red plug?
My girlfriend just got a new ebook reader — a jetbook — that came with an unusual USB cable. One end is a regular USB mini B head, but the other end has two plugs. Both are USB non-mini ...
- 8,473
14
votes
2
answers
5k
views
Is a USB 3 Type A-to-A cable dangerous with USB 2 ports?
I recently purchased a USB 3.0 hub, and was surprised when I opened the box to find that it used an A-to-A cable for it’s main connection; see picture below. A “Type A” connector is the rectangular ...
- 549
13
votes
4
answers
2k
views
The characteristic AWG stands for American Wire Gauge but what's its importance in networking?
AWG stands for American Wire Gauge. This is something interesting that I learned today (at least what the abbreviation means).
In terms of networking it represents the wire diameter of an Ethernet ...
- 161
13
votes
5
answers
75k
views
What is the cable that runs from the cable modem to a wall outlet
I was wondering what type of cable runs from the modem to the wall outlet in my house? Is it a coaxial cable? I'm very confused by what I've read around the internet. There seem to be many variations. ...
user447436
13
votes
5
answers
15k
views
Are USB cables device-specific?
I have a dozen or so USB or USB to mini-USB cables lying around. It's annoying keeping track of what goes to what.
Are they interchangeable or are they device-specific?
Does it change the answer if ...
- 588
13
votes
4
answers
6k
views
Is testing Cat5 cable using a testing device necessary if I have verified connectivity with a computer?
I'm running some CAT5 cable around the house and this is the first time I've needed to build/terminate my own cables. I hooked up the cables to a computer and router and was able to reach the router ...
- 1,407
12
votes
6
answers
89k
views
Maximum/ ideal length of ethernet cable?
What is the maximum and/or ideal length of an ethernet cable? Is there a distance that data cannot be transferred over an ethernet cable, say over X number of feet?
- 13.5k
12
votes
5
answers
36k
views
Crimping CAT6 cables results in lower bandwidth than expected
I'm trying to make my own CAT6 cables, because I need specific lengths.
I've managed to create 2 "working" patch cables, but when I hook them up to my cable modem, both of them take a fairly long ...
- 263
12
votes
1
answer
32k
views
will any usb extension cord work with usb3? [duplicate]
I know that with 1gbit ethernet 100mbit ethernet cables won't work. You have to use cables designed for 1gbit.
What about with USB3? If I have a ten year old USB extension cable (ie. one that was ...
- 7,122
12
votes
1
answer
4k
views
How does Device Manager estimate ethernet cable length?
Device Manager (Network adapters / Intel(R) Ethernet Connection I219-V / Properties / Link speed / Diagnostics) estimates the length of ethernet cable between my PC and the router as 31 meters. How ...
- 12.6k
11
votes
5
answers
7k
views
What is the end of this cable?
In the below image (from here), the "left" end (which I have labeled "A") is clearly two PS/2 ports.
What is the "right" end (which I have labeled "B")?
Does it connect directly to a motherboard?
...
- 736
11
votes
5
answers
16k
views
Audio cable "joiner"? [duplicate]
Is there something available that will enable one pair of headphones to get input from two or more sources?
If yes, what is it called (so I can search for it on New Egg and the like)?
I'd really ...
- 4,434
11
votes
3
answers
52k
views
What connectors do I need for Cat 7 cable?
SOLUTION: I have found RJ45 connectors that are compatible with Cat7 and can also be used with the standard cat 5/6 crimpers. These do not provide speeds higher than would be expected of Cat 6a, and ...
- 1,055