Cable Academy

Check out our in-depth blogs, white papers, and instructional videos about everything going on in the low voltage industry. Have questions? Our networking experts have answers!

Featured Blog

Cat6A 3-Way Unshielded Field Termination Plug: Have it Your Way!
Beginner

Cat6A 3-Way Unshielded Field Termination Plug: Have it Your Way!

Field termination plugs are a key way of achieving good performance when you need a male plug end as opposed to using a plain RJ45. I strongly recommend you use them when you can, and leave the RJ45s to pre-terminated patch cables that come from a factory. If you need to make a high performing custom and reliable patch cord (male to male end) in the field, especially when using sol...
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Selecting the Right Ethernet Cable for You

The Difference Between Cat6 vs Cat6A Ethernet Cable

June 9, 2023

Shielded vs. Unshielded Cable

September 8, 2022

Selecting the Correct Outdoor Ethernet Cable

February 17, 2022

Beginner's Guide to Network Cables

June 19, 2025

Ethernet Cable Finder

So many cables, so little time! Answer a couple of questions and let trueBOT guide you to the perfect Ethernet cable.

Your Solution is Here
Top Ethernet Cable Videos
We Tested The Top Rated Patch Cables in 2024!
We Tested The Top Rated Patch Cables in 2024!
14 minute watch time
2024-07-11
Cat7 vs Cat8 vs Fiber Optic | Here’s What You Need to Know in 2025!
Cat7 vs Cat8 vs Fiber Optic | Here’s What You Need to Know in 2025!
6 minute watch time
2024-09-20
A Breakdown of All Ethernet Cable Jacket Types
A Breakdown of All Ethernet Cable Jacket Types
12 minute watch time
2023-01-19
Cat5e vs Cat6: Overview and Comparison
Cat5e vs Cat6: Overview and Comparison
6 minute watch time
2022-05-19

All About Connectors

Choosing the Right Termination - Keystone Jack vs RJ45 Connector vs Field Termination Plug

January 13, 2025

Terminating Pass-Through RJ45 Connectors onto Solid Copper Ethernet Cable -- A Really Bad Idea?

May 26, 2022

Toolless Keystone Jacks vs Punch Down Keystone Jacks: What's the Difference?

February 11, 2021

Load Bar Staggered RJ45 Connectors: Do They Increase Ethernet Cable Performance?

June 21, 2021

Connector Finder

So many connectors, so little time! Answer a couple of questions and let trueBOT guide you to the perfect connecting hardware to pair with your low voltage cabling.

Connect With Confidence
Top Connector Videos
Which One is Best For You: Monolithic vs Keystone Jack vs Staggered Patch Panels
Which One is Best For You: Monolithic vs Keystone Jack vs Staggered Patch Panels
5 minute watch time
2023-05-31
RJ45 or Keystone? The Connector Secrets Every Network Installer Should Know
RJ45 or Keystone? The Connector Secrets Every Network Installer Should Know
9 minute watch time
2025-09-29
Cat6A Shielded Direct Burial Ethernet Cable: Overview and Fluke Test
Cat6A Shielded Direct Burial Ethernet Cable: Overview and Fluke Test
5 minute watch time
2022-07-14
Selecting the Correct RJ45 Connector
Selecting the Correct RJ45 Connector
13 minute watch time
2021-06-28

Termination:  Step by Step

How to: Terminate an Unshielded Punch Down Keystone Jack

January 11, 2021

How to: Terminate an Unshielded Toolless Keystone Jack

November 24, 2022

T568a vs T568b, Which to Use

April 16, 2026

How To: Terminate an Unshielded Pass Through RJ45 Connector

July 30, 2021

How To: Terminate a Shielded Cat6/6A External Ground Pass Through RJ45 Connector

November 16, 2023

How To: Terminating a Cat6-6A Standard Load Bar Unshielded RJ45 Connector

July 7, 2022
Top Termination Videos
How To: Bond Shielded Ethernet Cable with Copper Fabric Strips
How To: Bond Shielded Ethernet Cable with Copper Fabric Strips
9 minute watch time
2021-05-07
Why Is My Internet Speed Slow? It May Be Your Ethernet Cable!
Why Is My Internet Speed Slow? It May Be Your Ethernet Cable!
6 minute watch time
2020-10-09
How To: Reuse Keystone Jacks and Field Termination Plugs for Ethernet Cable Terminations
How To: Reuse Keystone Jacks and Field Termination Plugs for Ethernet Cable Terminations
5 minute watch time
2022-08-17
RG6 Quad Shield Coax Riser: Overview and Termination
RG6 Quad Shield Coax Riser: Overview and Termination
8 minute watch time
2021-09-29

Ethernet Installation Made Easy

Top 5 Things to Consider When Running Ethernet Cable

January 5, 2023

How To: Install Fiber Optic Cable for Success

September 19, 2024

How To: Install Copper Ethernet and Coaxial Cable for Success

September 5, 2024

Calculating Ethernet Cable Overall Channel Length for Success

June 22, 2023

Temperature's Effect on Ethernet Cable Length

December 30, 2021

Obey the Bend: Calculating Wire Bend Radius

December 15, 2023
Top Ethernet Installation Videos
The Quick and Easy Way to Install a Wall Plate
The Quick and Easy Way to Install a Wall Plate
9 minute watch time
2022-06-09
A Beginner's Guide to Conduit Measurement & Cutting
A Beginner's Guide to Conduit Measurement & Cutting
4 minute watch time
2023-04-19
How to Run Ethernet Cable Through Walls
How to Run Ethernet Cable Through Walls
5 minute watch
2022-10-05
How To Wire a Server Rack Tips & Best Practices
How To Wire a Server Rack Tips & Best Practices
7 minute watch time
2024-10-24

Blogs by Skill Level

t568a vs t568b hand drawn header image with a woman pointing to the text

T568a vs T568b, Which to Use

Data cabling, it can be confusing sometimes. If you are just getting started on your network, or if you need...
beginner's guide to network cables

Beginner's Guide to Network Cables

In today's digital world, a robust network is essential. This comprehensive guide simplifies the complex world of network cables, empowering...
10 100 1000 speeds blog header image

What does 10/100/1000 Base-T mean?

Understanding Ethernet speed is crucial in today’s data-driven world. The 10/100/1000 Base-T standard ensures compatibility and reliability for Ethernet networks,...
Fiber Optic Bend-Insensitive Fiber

Bend-Insensitive Fiber – What Is It?

First introduced in 2007 for singlemode fiber and later for multimode fiber in 2009, bend-insensitive fiber uses an additional material...
What is an RJ45 Connector?

What is an RJ45 Connector?

What is an RJ45 Connector? How does it work? What do you do with it? We've answered all these questions...
Single vs Multi Mode Fiber Optic

Singlemode vs Multimode Fiber Optic Cable

This guide explores the key differences between single mode and multimode fiber optic cable, including their light transmission characteristics, physical...
rj45 and rj11 next to each other in vs photo

RJ45 vs. RJ11: What's the Difference?

If you work with networking, telecommunications or any cabling systems, understanding the distinction between RJ45 and RJ11 connectors is critical....
Hand drawn Ethernet cable connector

Selecting the Correct RJ45 Connector

Discover the art of selecting the perfect RJ45 connector for your Ethernet cable termination. Unlock the differences between keystone jacks,...
what does fluke tested mean?

What Does Fluke Tested Mean?

In this blog, Don breaks down the concept of "Fluke Testing" in Ethernet networks, giving an insight into the certification process...
how to choose the right ethernet cable

How to Choose the Right Ethernet Cable

Discover the essentials of selecting the perfect Ethernet cable with this basic guide. Understand cable categories, jacket compositions, and shielding...
What is an ethernet patch cable?

What is an Ethernet Patch Cable?

Ethernet patch cables connect a network router or Ethernet switch to network devices of different types, such as computers, digital...
Solid vs. Stranded Ethernet Cable

Solid vs. Stranded Ethernet Cable

Copper conductors are key for installing ethernet cables but learning the difference between solid vs. stranded ethernet cables makes for a smooth installation.
The Fiber Optic vs Copper UTP Enigma

The Fiber Optic vs Copper UTP Enigma

Confused between fiber optic & copper cabling? The costs, the strengths, the weaknesses of each? The following article and accompanying...
FTP vs UTP Ethernet Cable

Shielded vs. Unshielded Cable

Installing data networking cable? Learn the differences and similarities of Shielded vs. Unshielded cable to find which one is the right fit...
The Internet of Things: PoE Lighting

The Internet of Things: PoE Lighting

The Internet isn’t just for people anymore.  Nowadays there are actually more devices operating autonomously on the Internet than there...
Ethernet Cable Shielding Types

Ethernet Cable Shielding Types

Like it or not, eventually you will probably encounter a situation that requires the installation of shielded Ethernet cable. Usually...
The Power of PoE

The Power of PoE

PoE is an acronym for “Power Over Ethernet”. PoE technology allows two services to be combined utilizing a single network...
ETL Listed Mark: ETL vs UL

ETL Listed Mark: ETL vs UL

When you're wiring a home or business for network access, it’s not the speed of the network that’s most important...
What Does a Bad Termination Look Like?

What Does a Bad Termination Look Like?

What makes an Ethernet cable termination bad?  Excessive untwist of the twisted pair conductors? Crossed wires? Nicked conductors? Bad electrical contact? Some...
What Does TAA Compliant Mean?

What Does TAA Compliant Mean?

At trueCABLE we mention TAA compliant as a certification for our Connectors. But what does that mean? This article explains...
What is WiFi 6?

What is WiFi 6?

There's a new WiFi kid on the block, and it’s named “6”. What is this new WiFi 6 technology getting...
MoCA vs Ethernet

MoCA vs Ethernet

Imagine this: You need a wired Internet connection to your smart TV. Your walls are concrete and there is no...
Ethernet Cable ID for Beginners

Ethernet Cable ID for Beginners

Here you are, trying to plug an Ethernet cable into your favorite device. One small problem: you have no idea...
The Need for Speed

The Need for Speed

When planning your network, keep in mind that the slowest piece of hardware in your network will determine your overall...

Blogs by Product Category

t568a vs t568b hand drawn header image with a woman pointing to the text

T568a vs T568b, Which to Use

Data cabling, it can be confusing sometimes. If you are just getting started on your network, or if you need...
beginner's guide to network cables

Beginner's Guide to Network Cables

In today's digital world, a robust network is essential. This comprehensive guide simplifies the complex world of network cables, empowering...
10 100 1000 speeds blog header image

What does 10/100/1000 Base-T mean?

Understanding Ethernet speed is crucial in today’s data-driven world. The 10/100/1000 Base-T standard ensures compatibility and reliability for Ethernet networks,...
What is an RJ45 Connector?

What is an RJ45 Connector?

What is an RJ45 Connector? How does it work? What do you do with it? We've answered all these questions...
rj45 and rj11 next to each other in vs photo

RJ45 vs. RJ11: What's the Difference?

If you work with networking, telecommunications or any cabling systems, understanding the distinction between RJ45 and RJ11 connectors is critical....
Hand drawn Ethernet cable connector

Selecting the Correct RJ45 Connector

Discover the art of selecting the perfect RJ45 connector for your Ethernet cable termination. Unlock the differences between keystone jacks,...
how to choose the right ethernet cable

How to Choose the Right Ethernet Cable

Discover the essentials of selecting the perfect Ethernet cable with this basic guide. Understand cable categories, jacket compositions, and shielding...
What is an ethernet patch cable?

What is an Ethernet Patch Cable?

Ethernet patch cables connect a network router or Ethernet switch to network devices of different types, such as computers, digital...
Solid vs. Stranded Ethernet Cable

Solid vs. Stranded Ethernet Cable

Copper conductors are key for installing ethernet cables but learning the difference between solid vs. stranded ethernet cables makes for a smooth installation.
The Fiber Optic vs Copper UTP Enigma

The Fiber Optic vs Copper UTP Enigma

Confused between fiber optic & copper cabling? The costs, the strengths, the weaknesses of each? The following article and accompanying...
FTP vs UTP Ethernet Cable

Shielded vs. Unshielded Cable

Installing data networking cable? Learn the differences and similarities of Shielded vs. Unshielded cable to find which one is the right fit...
The Internet of Things: PoE Lighting

The Internet of Things: PoE Lighting

The Internet isn’t just for people anymore.  Nowadays there are actually more devices operating autonomously on the Internet than there...
Ethernet Cable Shielding Types

Ethernet Cable Shielding Types

Like it or not, eventually you will probably encounter a situation that requires the installation of shielded Ethernet cable. Usually...
The Power of PoE

The Power of PoE

PoE is an acronym for “Power Over Ethernet”. PoE technology allows two services to be combined utilizing a single network...
What Does a Bad Termination Look Like?

What Does a Bad Termination Look Like?

What makes an Ethernet cable termination bad?  Excessive untwist of the twisted pair conductors? Crossed wires? Nicked conductors? Bad electrical contact? Some...
What is WiFi 6?

What is WiFi 6?

There's a new WiFi kid on the block, and it’s named “6”. What is this new WiFi 6 technology getting...
MoCA vs Ethernet

MoCA vs Ethernet

Imagine this: You need a wired Internet connection to your smart TV. Your walls are concrete and there is no...
Ethernet Cable ID for Beginners

Ethernet Cable ID for Beginners

Here you are, trying to plug an Ethernet cable into your favorite device. One small problem: you have no idea...
The Need for Speed

The Need for Speed

When planning your network, keep in mind that the slowest piece of hardware in your network will determine your overall...
Fiber Optic Bend-Insensitive Fiber

Bend-Insensitive Fiber – What Is It?

First introduced in 2007 for singlemode fiber and later for multimode fiber in 2009, bend-insensitive fiber uses an additional material...
Single vs Multi Mode Fiber Optic

Singlemode vs Multimode Fiber Optic Cable

This guide explores the key differences between single mode and multimode fiber optic cable, including their light transmission characteristics, physical...
The Fiber Optic vs Copper UTP Enigma

The Fiber Optic vs Copper UTP Enigma

Confused between fiber optic & copper cabling? The costs, the strengths, the weaknesses of each? The following article and accompanying...
MoCA vs Ethernet

MoCA vs Ethernet

Imagine this: You need a wired Internet connection to your smart TV. Your walls are concrete and there is no...
what does fluke tested mean?

What Does Fluke Tested Mean?

In this blog, Don breaks down the concept of "Fluke Testing" in Ethernet networks, giving an insight into the certification process...
ETL Listed Mark: ETL vs UL

ETL Listed Mark: ETL vs UL

When you're wiring a home or business for network access, it’s not the speed of the network that’s most important...

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