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

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...

March 10, 2022

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

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

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

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

Blogs by Skill Level

Beginner Intermediate Advanced

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...

April 16, 2026

spotting the difference between cat5e and cat6

The Difference Between Cat5e vs Cat6 Ethernet Cable

Shopping and a bit confused about the differences between Cat5e and Cat6 Ethernet cable? You are not alone. They appear...

April 02, 2026

trueCABLE’s Fiber Optic Kevlar Cutters: Tool Overview & Best Practices for Fiber Optic Cable Preparation

Cutting aramid yarn (Kevlar) with the wrong tool is slow, messy, and unsafe. trueCABLE’s trueKEVCUT Fiber Optic Kevlar Cutters are...

February 05, 2026

Copper Clad Aluminum vs Copper: The Ultimate Test on a Fluke Versiv DSX CableAnalyzer

We put copper-clad aluminum (CCA) against solid copper on a Fluke Versiv DSX—and CCA failed resistance, PoE, crosstalk, and safety...

January 02, 2026

Skinny Patch Cords: What Are They and How Do They Perform?

Skinny patch cords improve airflow and cable management in high‑density racks, but come with trade‑offs. Learn how they’re built, where...

November 20, 2025

How Far Can You Run an Ethernet Cable? Maximum Length Explained

Running Ethernet can be confusing based upon the limits and other rules. And you can see a huge number of...

June 05, 2025

top ten things you should never do with fiber optic cable blog header image

Top 10 Things You Should Never Do With Fiber Optic Cable

Discover the Top 10 Things You Should Never Do With Fiber Optic Cable and ensure your installations are safe and...

May 15, 2025

Different Ethernet Cable Colors and Their Purposes: What They Mean and When to Use Them

Ever wondered why Ethernet cables come in so many colors? This guide breaks down what different Ethernet cable colors mean,...

May 01, 2025

Debunking Common Misconceptions with Coaxial Cable

Coaxial cables have been a staple in data transmission for decades, yet myths about their performance and relevance persist. In...

April 17, 2025

Customer Success Story: Cerro Gordo’s Modern Revival

Discover how trueCABLE helped connect the historic ghost town of Cerro Gordo to the modern world. From rugged terrain to...

April 03, 2025

Visual Fault Locators - A Guide to Fiber Optic VFL’s

Struggling to identify faults or verify fiber optic cable integrity? A Visual Fault Locator (VFL) is the ultimate tool for...

March 20, 2025

wall mounted patch panel unshielded truecable

trueCABLE’s 3D Cat6A Unshielded Wall-Mounted Patch Panel - Overview and Installation Guide

Are you looking for a high-performing, cost-effective, and easy-to-install networking solution for your home or business? trueCABLE’s 3D Cat6A Unshielded...

March 06, 2025

Debunking Common Misconceptions with Fiber Optic Cable

Fiber optic cabling is revolutionizing wired networking, offering unmatched speed, durability, and distance capabilities compared to traditional Ethernet. However, myths...

January 30, 2025

rg-59 vs rg-6 what is the difference photo

RG59 vs RG6: Key Differences And Which Coaxial Cable Is Best For You

RG59 and RG6 coaxial cables look alike but have key differences. Choosing the wrong one can mean poor performance. This...

January 02, 2025

truecrimp v3 handrawn example blog header image

A Complete Guide to the trueCRIMP V3: Your All-in-One RJ45 Crimp Tool

Looking for a reliable, all-in-one tool for Ethernet cable termination? The trueCRIMP V3 combines crimping, cable cutting, jacket scoring, and...

December 19, 2024

most common fiber optic connectors blog header image

Most Common Fiber Optic Connectors - Full Breakdown with Examples

In this guide, we'll break down the main fiber optic patch connectors you'll run into on the job. We'll define...

November 21, 2024

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...

November 07, 2024

fiber optic vs ethernet comparison photo

Fiber Optics vs Ethernet: Understanding the Key Differences [2025]

A comprehensive comparison of fiber optic vs Ethernet technologies including definition, components, features, benefits, conversion process and advantages. Learn when...

October 24, 2024

Fiber Patch Cables LC, SC Singlemode Multimode

Basic Components of a Fiber Optic Cable

In this blog, we'll take a look under the hood of a fiber optic cable. We'll break down each of...

September 12, 2024

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...

August 15, 2024

The Best Ethernet Cable for Gaming in 2025!

Avoid common mistakes when choosing the right Ethernet cable for gaming. Learn the differences between WiFi, solid copper, and stranded...

August 01, 2024

Fiber Optics In The Home - Why and When?

Upgrade to lightning-fast internet with Fiber to the Home (FTTH) and Fiber In the Home (FITH). FTTH uses fiber optic...

June 20, 2024

PC vs UPC vs APC Fiber Connectors – What is the Difference?

When choosing a fiber connector there are various things to think about; “Do I need LC, SC, ST, etc.?” But...

June 06, 2024

Fiber Optic Color Coding Blog Header Image

What Do All The Colors Mean? Fiber Optic Color Code Explained

This blog examines fiber optic color coding standards and how color is used to identify different cable components like the jacket,...

May 23, 2024

hand drawn cat6 cable with text saying introducing truecables new cat6 patch cable

Introducing trueCABLE's New Cat6 Patch Cable - Optimized for High-Performance Network Upgrades in 2025 and Beyond

After years of extensive research and testing, we have officially released our premium Cat6 unshielded patch cables! Unlike other cables...

May 09, 2024

waterproof outdoor cat6a rj45 ethernet couplers

How to Protect Your Ethernet Cables with Waterproof Couplers: A Step-by-Step Guide

Learn how to install waterproof Cat6A RJ45 Ethernet couplers in this step-by-step guide by our very own, Don Schultz! The blog...

May 01, 2024

Using Fiber Optics to Extend Your Ethernet Network Beyond Copper's Limits

Discover how to extend Ethernet connections beyond the standard range of copper cabling by leveraging the power of fiber optics....

January 25, 2024

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,...

January 11, 2024

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...

December 21, 2023

Obey the Bend: bending radius for cables

Obey the Bend: Calculating Wire Bend Radius

A long time ago, when I was first running Ethernet cabling, I was told by an older installer that the...

December 15, 2023

A Discussion about The Benefits Of Using A Fiber Optic Media Converter

Discover the transformative benefits of fiber optic media converters for network reach, security, and performance, with insights from trueCABLE's expert,...

November 07, 2023

photo of two hands holding a service loop of cables with text with the blog title in it

Service Loops: Discovering Purpose, Placement, and Preparation

Service loops are essential in cabling to allow for changes, prevent damage, and maintain performance. This post explains proper service...

October 26, 2023

#1 Cause of Fiber Optic Cabling Failures

In the realm of fiber optic connectivity, system failures can often be tracked down to a seemingly trivial but critically...

October 16, 2023

image of bird feeder on a pole with birds flying around and a camera watching the bird feeder and birds

Site Visit Success Story: Setting Up a Proper Outdoor Camera Stream

At trueCABLE, providing exceptional customer service is our top priority. That's why when long-time customers Jack and Brooke ran into...

September 28, 2023

How To: trueCABLE Bonding & Grounding Extension Adapter

This blog discusses the challenges of bonding shielded Ethernet cable to ground in residential installations. It introduces the trueCABLE Shielded...

August 24, 2023

How To: Dressing Ethernet Cables into Patch Panels

This blog post provides a step-by-step guide on how to dress Ethernet cables into patch panels. The post covers the...

August 04, 2023

Picture of woman next to the symbol for wifi and an ethernet cable | trueCABLE

Ethernet vs WiFi, Is Wiring your Network Worth It?

In this blog, we explore the comparison between Ethernet and Wi-Fi network connectivity. The convenience of Wi-Fi is undeniable, but...

July 27, 2023

Getting started in the low voltage industry QA

Q&A: How To Get Into The Low-Voltage Industry

The low-voltage industry is a growing field with many opportunities for qualified installers. To get started, you'll need to complete...

July 21, 2023

The Difference Between Cat6 vs Cat6A Ethernet Cable

Cat6 vs Cat6A made simple: performance, PoE, cost, and when 10GbE really matters. Get pro insights to avoid re-running cable...

June 09, 2023

Working with EMT Conduit: Cutting and Measurement

We receive many questions about the installation of our cable products. At times, it is appropriate to suggest to customers...

May 11, 2023

Insertion and Removal of Ethernet Keystone Jacks in Patch Panels and Wall Plates

One of the most simple, yet vexing operations for newcomers to Ethernet installations, is the installation and removal of keystone...

May 04, 2023

Shielded Ethernet with Unshielded Hardware - Don't Do It!

One of the most important things to realize when terminating shielded Ethernet cable is that in order for the cable...

April 06, 2023

Q&A: Series 6 Coaxial Cable with Don and Dave

Are you shocked that we're back with another Q&A video?! This time around, Don and Dave answer questions about Series 6...

March 30, 2023

Q&A: Do's and Don'ts for Copper Twisted Pair Ethernet Cable

And we're back with another Q&A video! This time, Don and Dave dive deep into copper twisted pair Ethernet cable. What...

February 22, 2023

Basic Home Network Connection: A Simple Ethernet Network

If you have Internet access, you have it in your house! You might not recognize all that it does, but...

February 09, 2023

Q&A: Ethernet Cable Jacket Types with Don and Dave

And we're back with another Q&A video! This time, networking experts Don and Dave take customer questions about Ethernet cable...

January 19, 2023

Keystone Jack Q&A with Don and Dave

We often get asked questions from our customer through email, live chat, social media, and over the phone. We decided...

December 23, 2022

Print & Go DIY Cable Installation Tool Checklist

Getting your home or small business network in place is easier than you might think. The primary obstacle for many...

December 01, 2022

How to: Terminate an Unshielded Toolless Keystone Jack

One of the best ways to achieve a clean and professional-looking network install is to run a solid copper structure...

November 24, 2022

How to: Running Ethernet Cable Through Walls

If you are installing new data cabling in your home or business, you want it to end up looking complete...

November 17, 2022

Top 2 Things to Consider When Running Ethernet and Power Cable

Have you ever wondered about the effects of running Ethernet cable next to power cable? How about running your Ethernet...

October 20, 2022

Low-Voltage Q&A With Don and Dave

We often get asked questions through email, live chat, social media, and over the phone. A lot of times these...

September 30, 2022

Ethernet Couplers - How Many is Too Many?

September 22, 2022

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...

September 08, 2022

Basic Network Cable Troubleshooting: What Did I Do Wrong?

Let me tell you about a recent experience I had…I did a favor for a friend. I would like to...

September 01, 2022

How To: Reterminate an IDC Connector

Sometimes when you terminate an Ethernet cable, the termination just doesn’t turn out right. Maybe it fails a test, or...

August 18, 2022

How Do You Install a Keystone Jack Into a Wall?

So here we are. You’ve just cleared out that old bedroom. This is your new home office, and you need...

June 09, 2022

How To: Open Cat6A Shielded and Unshielded Field Term Plugs

trueCABLE sells two great pieces of Ethernet cable termination hardware that makes putting male ends onto your cable runs easy...

April 21, 2022

Give it the Boot! Putting Boots onto Ethernet Cable

Introducing trueCABLE’s new line of strain relief boots. Commonly seen on factory made Ethernet patch cables, you now have the option...

April 07, 2022

How To: Universal RG6 Compression F Connector on Quad Shield Coaxial Cable

One would think that RG6 F-Connectors on coaxial cable would have been totally sorted out by now. Considering this technology...

March 31, 2022

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...

March 10, 2022

Cat5e Outdoor UV - Gemini Ethernet Twins

Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you need a quality outdoor grade cable, you’re not looking to...

February 02, 2022

How To: Heavy Duty Coaxial and Ethernet Cable Cutter

Say “hello” to your new best friend on the job site! The trueCUT Heavy Duty Cable Cutter is optimized to provide a...

December 16, 2021

How To: Open Shielded and Unshielded Tool-Less Keystone Jacks

You are excited! You have waited patiently for your order to arrive from trueCABLE and of course you cannot resist...

November 11, 2021

How To: RG6 Quad Shield Coaxial Strip and Termination

Sometimes you just have to go heavy duty! RG6 coaxial cable is the mainstay for broadband applications like CATV, satellite,...

October 21, 2021

How To: RG6/U Dual Shield Coaxial Strip and Termination

Coaxial cable has been around for some time. You may never have terminated it, but you almost have certainly handled...

October 18, 2021

A Better Way of Flush Cutting Ethernet Cable Conductors

We learn something new every day! Today I learned there are two methods to flush cutting your Ethernet cable conductors...

August 13, 2021

How To: Terminate an Unshielded Pass Through RJ45 Connector

Termination means to attach something to the raw end of the cable so it can be plugged into something else...

July 30, 2021

Cat6/6A Shielded RJ45 External Ground Collar Crimping Done Right

The external ground crimp collar is the only mechanism that keeps your plug attached to the cable, preventing cable pull-out, and...

July 22, 2021

Cat6 Shielded Aerial Messenger Cable: Up The Ladder You Go!

Do you need to run a Cat6 cable between two points but direct burial is not an option? Don shows you a cable ideally...

July 12, 2021

Ethernet Keystone Jacks In the Wild!

Ethernet keystone jacks can be an important part of well designed and flexible LAN (local area network). This blog and...

June 11, 2021

Cat6 Gel Filled Direct Burial Ethernet: In Depth

Gel filled Ethernet cable has been in use for a while, but many have opted for the waterproof tape version...

June 07, 2021

How To: Copper Fabric Strips for Bonding Shielded Ethernet Cable

The most common tried and true method is to strip your cable and fold back the cable shield, wrapping the...

May 07, 2021

How To: Terminate a Shielded Cat5e Internal Ground Pass Through RJ45 Connector

April 26, 2021

Introducing: trueIMPACT 110 Punch Down Tool

How can trueCABLE redefine the simple ho-hum punch down tool? Well, you start by asking an actual installer what they want!

April 02, 2021

Using trueCABLE's EZ Termination Keystone Jack Tool

trueCABLE developed our very own EZ punch down jack termination tool. We call it the trueTERM. This tool will greatly speed...

March 25, 2021

Walkthrough the All-In-One Crimp and Termination Tool | trueCRIMP

Our All-In-One Crimp and Termination Tool performs multiple functions simultaneously. Very little maintenance is required to keep your tool in top functioning...

March 18, 2021

How to: Terminate an Unshielded Punch Down Keystone Jack

Meet the punch down keystone jack. The punch down keystone jack, generally speaking, remains extremely effective and costs less per jack than...

January 11, 2021

How to: Terminate a Shielded Toolless Keystone Jack

December 25, 2020

How To: Terminating a Cat5e Standard Push On Unshielded RJ45 Connector

This combined video and written blog will show you how to put on one of the most challenging styles of...

November 20, 2020

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...

October 08, 2020

How to Use the Cable Stripping & Cutting Tool

trueCABLE’s Cable Stripping and Cutting Tool is a truly versatile tool and is something you must have in your tool kit. You...

August 06, 2020

blog header image cassette cleaner hand drawn

A Complete Guide to Fiber Optic Cassette Cleaners: The Ultimate Cleaning Solution for Fiber Optic Cables

January 29, 2026

Ethernet Cable Testers: Which Is Best for My Application?

Not all Ethernet cable testers are created equal. Whether you’re a DIYer wiring your home or a professional contractor handling...

August 07, 2025

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

The folks at trueCABLE frequently get asked a great number of questions about the correct cable needed for any particular...

January 13, 2025

Conduit Fill Chart for Ethernet and Coaxial Cable

Learn how to calculate conduit fill for Ethernet and coaxial cables using the “40% Rule.” Avoid cable damage, master installation...

November 27, 2024

how to wire a server rack and network rack

How To Wire a Server and Network Rack | Tips & Best Practices

Wiring up a server or network rack can be the source of pride or frustration, depending on your planning and...

September 26, 2024

two ethernet cables duking it out in a ring to see which one is best

We Tested The Top Rated Patch Cables in 2025 - Here’s What We Found

Think your network is safe from shoddy Ethernet patch cables? Think again. Our exhaustive testing has exposed a startling truth...

July 05, 2024

How To: Terminating a Standard RJ45 Onto Cat6A Direct Burial Unshielded Ethernet

A step-by-step guide to terminating an RJ45 connector onto Cat6A direct burial unshielded Ethernet cable including tools needed, cable preparation,...

February 15, 2024

how to terminate a field termination onto cat6a unshielded direct burial

How To: Terminating a Field Term Plug Onto Cat6A Direct Burial Unshielded Ethernet

When terminating Cat6A Ethernet cable of any kind, including Cat6A direct burial unshielded Ethernet cable, it is good to have...

February 08, 2024

terminating a keystone jack onto a cat6a cable with a cord coming out of the ground

How To: Terminating a Keystone Jack Onto Cat6A Direct Burial Unshielded Ethernet

Learn the secrets to expert Cat6A keystone jack termination for direct burial Ethernet connections. Our step-by-step guide ensures that your...

February 01, 2024

Cat6A unshielded direct burial ethernet cable everything you need to know

Everything To Know About Cat6A Unshielded Direct Burial Ethernet Cable

Thinking of running Ethernet cable outside but don't want the bulk or cost of shielded cable? Discover why Cat6A unshielded...

January 19, 2024

All About Ethernet Couplers: What They Are, How They Work, and How to Use Them

Learn about Ethernet couplers and how they can be a useful solution for joining two segments of an Ethernet channel....

November 30, 2023

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

One of the most challenging Ethernet cable terminations, is the shielded Cat6 or Cat6A RJ45 connector. Let's walk you through...

November 16, 2023

Residential Bonding and Grounding of Shielded Ethernet Cable Systems

Learn how to properly bond and ground shielded Ethernet cable in residential settings with various methods including the truePLUG adapter,...

November 09, 2023

Comparing Keystone Jacks: The Importance of Permanent Link Certification in Structured Cabling

This post delves into the relevance of the 'permanent link' in a structured cabling network, primarily focusing on Keystone Jacks....

October 12, 2023

How To: trueCABLE Shielded 24 Port 1U Toolless Patch Panel

The trueCABLE 24 Port 1U Shielded Patch Panel is a versatile and easy-to-use option for any installation that uses shielded...

August 10, 2023

Calculating Ethernet Cable Overall Channel Length for Success

Consider this situation: An installer runs 290 feet of solid copper Ethernet cable and dutifully punches down both ends of...

June 22, 2023

How to: Terminate a Cat6A Shielded Field Term Plug

Is it a RJ45 connector plug or a tool-less keystone jack? We have a potential personality disorder going on here!...

March 16, 2023

Advanced Residential and Small Business Physical Ethernet LAN Setup

I have written much about the individual phases of working with Ethernet cable, such as how to terminate a keystone...

December 15, 2022

Terminating Cat6A Shielded Direct Burial Ethernet for Performance

4K HDBASE-T and 10G Internet over coaxial is here, and you should be ready for it! Up until now, our...

July 28, 2022

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

This combined video and written blog will show you how to put on one of the most easy to terminate...

July 07, 2022

Cat6 Ethernet Cable Untwist Performance Compared - Fluke DSX-8000 Test Results

One of the cool things about having a Fluke DSX-8000 CableAnalyzer around is the ability to do “what-if” testing. Although expensive at...

May 19, 2022

Tips to Put RJ45 Connectors on Thick Ethernet Cable

Sometimes you need to make your cable thinner. Will a diet of celery and lettuce get results? For you, perhaps. For...

September 02, 2021

Copper Twisted Pair Ethernet vs Extreme EMI: Testing Performance and Packet Loss

Copper twisted pair Ethernet and extreme EMI don’t always play nicely—but how real is the risk to your network? In...

February 19, 2026

Commercial Bonding and Grounding of Ethernet Cable Systems

Bonding and grounding. Of all the subjects that come up when installing Ethernet cable, this one has to be at...

July 14, 2022

Blogs by Product Category

Ethernet Cable Fiber Optic Coaxial Cable Cable Management Tools

How to Use a Field Term Plug for Patch Cables

Need a patch cable that’s the perfect length—without a crimp tool? This step‑by‑step guide shows how to terminate a high‑performance...

May 21, 2026

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...

April 16, 2026

The Difference Between Cat5e vs Cat6 Ethernet Cable

Shopping and a bit confused about the differences between Cat5e and Cat6 Ethernet cable? You are not alone. They appear...

April 02, 2026

Copper Twisted Pair Ethernet vs Extreme EMI: Testing Performance and Packet Loss

Copper twisted pair Ethernet and extreme EMI don’t always play nicely—but how real is the risk to your network? In...

February 19, 2026

Hand-drawn illustration comparing Copper Clad Aluminum vs Copper cable testing results.

Copper Clad Aluminum vs Copper: Testing with the netAlly LinkRunner® 10G

Copper Clad Aluminum (CCA) promises copper-like performance at a lower price—but does it deliver? We put CCA head-to-head with solid...

January 15, 2026

Copper Clad Aluminum vs Copper: The Ultimate Test on a Fluke Versiv DSX CableAnalyzer

We put copper-clad aluminum (CCA) against solid copper on a Fluke Versiv DSX—and CCA failed resistance, PoE, crosstalk, and safety...

January 02, 2026

Skinny Patch Cords: What Are They and How Do They Perform?

Skinny patch cords improve airflow and cable management in high‑density racks, but come with trade‑offs. Learn how they’re built, where...

November 20, 2025

How Far Can You Run an Ethernet Cable? Maximum Length Explained

Running Ethernet can be confusing based upon the limits and other rules. And you can see a huge number of...

June 05, 2025

Different Ethernet Cable Colors and Their Purposes: What They Mean and When to Use Them

Ever wondered why Ethernet cables come in so many colors? This guide breaks down what different Ethernet cable colors mean,...

May 01, 2025

Customer Success Story: Cerro Gordo’s Modern Revival

Discover how trueCABLE helped connect the historic ghost town of Cerro Gordo to the modern world. From rugged terrain to...

April 03, 2025

A Complete Guide to the trueCRIMP V3: Your All-in-One RJ45 Crimp Tool

Looking for a reliable, all-in-one tool for Ethernet cable termination? The trueCRIMP V3 combines crimping, cable cutting, jacket scoring, and...

December 19, 2024

Conduit Fill Chart for Ethernet and Coaxial Cable

Learn how to calculate conduit fill for Ethernet and coaxial cables using the “40% Rule.” Avoid cable damage, master installation...

November 27, 2024

Fiber Optics vs Ethernet: Understanding the Key Differences [2025]

A comprehensive comparison of fiber optic vs Ethernet technologies including definition, components, features, benefits, conversion process and advantages. Learn when...

October 24, 2024

The Best Ethernet Cable for Gaming in 2025!

Avoid common mistakes when choosing the right Ethernet cable for gaming. Learn the differences between WiFi, solid copper, and stranded...

August 01, 2024

We Tested The Top Rated Patch Cables in 2025 - Here’s What We Found

Think your network is safe from shoddy Ethernet patch cables? Think again. Our exhaustive testing has exposed a startling truth...

July 05, 2024

Introducing trueCABLE's New Cat6 Patch Cable - Optimized for High-Performance Network Upgrades in 2025 and Beyond

After years of extensive research and testing, we have officially released our premium Cat6 unshielded patch cables! Unlike other cables...

May 09, 2024

How To: Terminating a Standard RJ45 Onto Cat6A Direct Burial Unshielded Ethernet

A step-by-step guide to terminating an RJ45 connector onto Cat6A direct burial unshielded Ethernet cable including tools needed, cable preparation,...

February 15, 2024

How To: Terminating a Field Term Plug Onto Cat6A Direct Burial Unshielded Ethernet

When terminating Cat6A Ethernet cable of any kind, including Cat6A direct burial unshielded Ethernet cable, it is good to have...

February 08, 2024

How To: Terminating a Keystone Jack Onto Cat6A Direct Burial Unshielded Ethernet

Learn the secrets to expert Cat6A keystone jack termination for direct burial Ethernet connections. Our step-by-step guide ensures that your...

February 01, 2024

Everything To Know About Cat6A Unshielded Direct Burial Ethernet Cable

Thinking of running Ethernet cable outside but don't want the bulk or cost of shielded cable? Discover why Cat6A unshielded...

January 19, 2024

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,...

January 11, 2024

All About Ethernet Couplers: What They Are, How They Work, and How to Use Them

Learn about Ethernet couplers and how they can be a useful solution for joining two segments of an Ethernet channel....

November 30, 2023

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

One of the most challenging Ethernet cable terminations, is the shielded Cat6 or Cat6A RJ45 connector. Let's walk you through...

November 16, 2023

Residential Bonding and Grounding of Shielded Ethernet Cable Systems

Learn how to properly bond and ground shielded Ethernet cable in residential settings with various methods including the truePLUG adapter,...

November 09, 2023

Site Visit Success Story: Setting Up a Proper Outdoor Camera Stream

At trueCABLE, providing exceptional customer service is our top priority. That's why when long-time customers Jack and Brooke ran into...

September 28, 2023

Ethernet vs WiFi, Is Wiring your Network Worth It?

In this blog, we explore the comparison between Ethernet and Wi-Fi network connectivity. The convenience of Wi-Fi is undeniable, but...

July 27, 2023

Q&A: How To Get Into The Low-Voltage Industry

The low-voltage industry is a growing field with many opportunities for qualified installers. To get started, you'll need to complete...

July 21, 2023

Calculating Ethernet Cable Overall Channel Length for Success

Consider this situation: An installer runs 290 feet of solid copper Ethernet cable and dutifully punches down both ends of...

June 22, 2023

The Difference Between Cat6 vs Cat6A Ethernet Cable

Cat6 vs Cat6A made simple: performance, PoE, cost, and when 10GbE really matters. Get pro insights to avoid re-running cable...

June 09, 2023

Shielded Ethernet with Unshielded Hardware - Don't Do It!

One of the most important things to realize when terminating shielded Ethernet cable is that in order for the cable...

April 06, 2023

How to: Terminate a Cat6A Shielded Field Term Plug

Is it a RJ45 connector plug or a tool-less keystone jack? We have a potential personality disorder going on here!...

March 16, 2023

Q&A: Do's and Don'ts for Copper Twisted Pair Ethernet Cable

And we're back with another Q&A video! This time, Don and Dave dive deep into copper twisted pair Ethernet cable. What...

February 22, 2023

Basic Home Network Connection: A Simple Ethernet Network

If you have Internet access, you have it in your house! You might not recognize all that it does, but...

February 09, 2023

Q&A: Ethernet Cable Jacket Types with Don and Dave

And we're back with another Q&A video! This time, networking experts Don and Dave take customer questions about Ethernet cable...

January 19, 2023

Advanced Residential and Small Business Physical Ethernet LAN Setup

I have written much about the individual phases of working with Ethernet cable, such as how to terminate a keystone...

December 15, 2022

How to: Running Ethernet Cable Through Walls

If you are installing new data cabling in your home or business, you want it to end up looking complete...

November 17, 2022

Top 2 Things to Consider When Running Ethernet and Power Cable

Have you ever wondered about the effects of running Ethernet cable next to power cable? How about running your Ethernet...

October 20, 2022

Low-Voltage Q&A With Don and Dave

We often get asked questions through email, live chat, social media, and over the phone. A lot of times these...

September 30, 2022

Ethernet Couplers - How Many is Too Many?

September 22, 2022

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...

September 08, 2022

Basic Network Cable Troubleshooting: What Did I Do Wrong?

Let me tell you about a recent experience I had…I did a favor for a friend. I would like to...

September 01, 2022

Terminating Cat6A Shielded Direct Burial Ethernet for Performance

4K HDBASE-T and 10G Internet over coaxial is here, and you should be ready for it! Up until now, our...

July 28, 2022

Commercial Bonding and Grounding of Ethernet Cable Systems

Bonding and grounding. Of all the subjects that come up when installing Ethernet cable, this one has to be at...

July 14, 2022

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

This combined video and written blog will show you how to put on one of the most easy to terminate...

July 07, 2022

Cat6 Ethernet Cable Untwist Performance Compared - Fluke DSX-8000 Test Results

One of the cool things about having a Fluke DSX-8000 CableAnalyzer around is the ability to do “what-if” testing. Although expensive at...

May 19, 2022

How To: Open Cat6A Shielded and Unshielded Field Term Plugs

trueCABLE sells two great pieces of Ethernet cable termination hardware that makes putting male ends onto your cable runs easy...

April 21, 2022

Give it the Boot! Putting Boots onto Ethernet Cable

Introducing trueCABLE’s new line of strain relief boots. Commonly seen on factory made Ethernet patch cables, you now have the option...

April 07, 2022

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...

March 10, 2022

Cat5e Outdoor UV - Gemini Ethernet Twins

Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you need a quality outdoor grade cable, you’re not looking to...

February 02, 2022

Tips to Put RJ45 Connectors on Thick Ethernet Cable

Sometimes you need to make your cable thinner. Will a diet of celery and lettuce get results? For you, perhaps. For...

September 02, 2021

A Better Way of Flush Cutting Ethernet Cable Conductors

We learn something new every day! Today I learned there are two methods to flush cutting your Ethernet cable conductors...

August 13, 2021

How To: Terminate an Unshielded Pass Through RJ45 Connector

Termination means to attach something to the raw end of the cable so it can be plugged into something else...

July 30, 2021

Cat6 Shielded Aerial Messenger Cable: Up The Ladder You Go!

Do you need to run a Cat6 cable between two points but direct burial is not an option? Don shows you a cable ideally...

July 12, 2021

Cat6 Gel Filled Direct Burial Ethernet: In Depth

Gel filled Ethernet cable has been in use for a while, but many have opted for the waterproof tape version...

June 07, 2021

How To: Copper Fabric Strips for Bonding Shielded Ethernet Cable

The most common tried and true method is to strip your cable and fold back the cable shield, wrapping the...

May 07, 2021

How To: Terminate a Shielded Cat5e Internal Ground Pass Through RJ45 Connector

April 26, 2021

How to: Terminate a Shielded Toolless Keystone Jack

December 25, 2020

How To: Terminating a Cat5e Standard Push On Unshielded RJ45 Connector

This combined video and written blog will show you how to put on one of the most challenging styles of...

November 20, 2020

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...

October 08, 2020

trueCABLE’s Fiber Optic Kevlar Cutters: Tool Overview & Best Practices for Fiber Optic Cable Preparation

Cutting aramid yarn (Kevlar) with the wrong tool is slow, messy, and unsafe. trueCABLE’s trueKEVCUT Fiber Optic Kevlar Cutters are...

February 05, 2026

A Complete Guide to Fiber Optic Cassette Cleaners: The Ultimate Cleaning Solution for Fiber Optic Cables

January 29, 2026

Top 10 Things You Should Never Do With Fiber Optic Cable

Discover the Top 10 Things You Should Never Do With Fiber Optic Cable and ensure your installations are safe and...

May 15, 2025

Visual Fault Locators - A Guide to Fiber Optic VFL’s

Struggling to identify faults or verify fiber optic cable integrity? A Visual Fault Locator (VFL) is the ultimate tool for...

March 20, 2025

Debunking Common Misconceptions with Fiber Optic Cable

Fiber optic cabling is revolutionizing wired networking, offering unmatched speed, durability, and distance capabilities compared to traditional Ethernet. However, myths...

January 30, 2025

Most Common Fiber Optic Connectors - Full Breakdown with Examples

In this guide, we'll break down the main fiber optic patch connectors you'll run into on the job. We'll define...

November 21, 2024

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...

November 07, 2024

Fiber Optics vs Ethernet: Understanding the Key Differences [2025]

A comprehensive comparison of fiber optic vs Ethernet technologies including definition, components, features, benefits, conversion process and advantages. Learn when...

October 24, 2024

Basic Components of a Fiber Optic Cable

In this blog, we'll take a look under the hood of a fiber optic cable. We'll break down each of...

September 12, 2024

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...

August 15, 2024

Fiber Optics In The Home - Why and When?

Upgrade to lightning-fast internet with Fiber to the Home (FTTH) and Fiber In the Home (FITH). FTTH uses fiber optic...

June 20, 2024

PC vs UPC vs APC Fiber Connectors – What is the Difference?

When choosing a fiber connector there are various things to think about; “Do I need LC, SC, ST, etc.?” But...

June 06, 2024

What Do All The Colors Mean? Fiber Optic Color Code Explained

This blog examines fiber optic color coding standards and how color is used to identify different cable components like the jacket,...

May 23, 2024

Using Fiber Optics to Extend Your Ethernet Network Beyond Copper's Limits

Discover how to extend Ethernet connections beyond the standard range of copper cabling by leveraging the power of fiber optics....

January 25, 2024

A Discussion about The Benefits Of Using A Fiber Optic Media Converter

Discover the transformative benefits of fiber optic media converters for network reach, security, and performance, with insights from trueCABLE's expert,...

November 07, 2023

#1 Cause of Fiber Optic Cabling Failures

In the realm of fiber optic connectivity, system failures can often be tracked down to a seemingly trivial but critically...

October 16, 2023

Debunking Common Misconceptions with Coaxial Cable

Coaxial cables have been a staple in data transmission for decades, yet myths about their performance and relevance persist. In...

April 17, 2025

RG59 vs RG6: Key Differences And Which Coaxial Cable Is Best For You

RG59 and RG6 coaxial cables look alike but have key differences. Choosing the wrong one can mean poor performance. This...

January 02, 2025

Conduit Fill Chart for Ethernet and Coaxial Cable

Learn how to calculate conduit fill for Ethernet and coaxial cables using the “40% Rule.” Avoid cable damage, master installation...

November 27, 2024

Q&A: How To Get Into The Low-Voltage Industry

The low-voltage industry is a growing field with many opportunities for qualified installers. To get started, you'll need to complete...

July 21, 2023

Q&A: Series 6 Coaxial Cable with Don and Dave

Are you shocked that we're back with another Q&A video?! This time around, Don and Dave answer questions about Series 6...

March 30, 2023

How To: Universal RG6 Compression F Connector on Quad Shield Coaxial Cable

One would think that RG6 F-Connectors on coaxial cable would have been totally sorted out by now. Considering this technology...

March 31, 2022

How To: RG6 Quad Shield Coaxial Strip and Termination

Sometimes you just have to go heavy duty! RG6 coaxial cable is the mainstay for broadband applications like CATV, satellite,...

October 21, 2021

How To: RG6/U Dual Shield Coaxial Strip and Termination

Coaxial cable has been around for some time. You may never have terminated it, but you almost have certainly handled...

October 18, 2021

shielded wall mount patch panel blog header photo

trueCABLE’s Shielded Wall-Mounted Patch Panel - Overview and Installation Guide

Build a clean, high-performance network with trueCABLE’s 12-port shielded wall-mounted patch panel. Get EMI/RFI protection, tool-less keystone flexibility, and an...

November 06, 2025

trueCABLE’s 3D Cat6A Unshielded Wall-Mounted Patch Panel - Overview and Installation Guide

Are you looking for a high-performing, cost-effective, and easy-to-install networking solution for your home or business? trueCABLE’s 3D Cat6A Unshielded...

March 06, 2025

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

The folks at trueCABLE frequently get asked a great number of questions about the correct cable needed for any particular...

January 13, 2025

Conduit Fill Chart for Ethernet and Coaxial Cable

Learn how to calculate conduit fill for Ethernet and coaxial cables using the “40% Rule.” Avoid cable damage, master installation...

November 27, 2024

How To Wire a Server and Network Rack | Tips & Best Practices

Wiring up a server or network rack can be the source of pride or frustration, depending on your planning and...

September 26, 2024

How to Protect Your Ethernet Cables with Waterproof Couplers: A Step-by-Step Guide

Learn how to install waterproof Cat6A RJ45 Ethernet couplers in this step-by-step guide by our very own, Don Schultz! The blog...

May 01, 2024

Obey the Bend: Calculating Wire Bend Radius

A long time ago, when I was first running Ethernet cabling, I was told by an older installer that the...

December 15, 2023

Service Loops: Discovering Purpose, Placement, and Preparation

Service loops are essential in cabling to allow for changes, prevent damage, and maintain performance. This post explains proper service...

October 26, 2023

Comparing Keystone Jacks: The Importance of Permanent Link Certification in Structured Cabling

This post delves into the relevance of the 'permanent link' in a structured cabling network, primarily focusing on Keystone Jacks....

October 12, 2023

How To: trueCABLE Bonding & Grounding Extension Adapter

This blog discusses the challenges of bonding shielded Ethernet cable to ground in residential installations. It introduces the trueCABLE Shielded...

August 24, 2023

How To: trueCABLE Shielded 24 Port 1U Toolless Patch Panel

The trueCABLE 24 Port 1U Shielded Patch Panel is a versatile and easy-to-use option for any installation that uses shielded...

August 10, 2023

How To: Dressing Ethernet Cables into Patch Panels

This blog post provides a step-by-step guide on how to dress Ethernet cables into patch panels. The post covers the...

August 04, 2023

Working with EMT Conduit: Cutting and Measurement

We receive many questions about the installation of our cable products. At times, it is appropriate to suggest to customers...

May 11, 2023

Insertion and Removal of Ethernet Keystone Jacks in Patch Panels and Wall Plates

One of the most simple, yet vexing operations for newcomers to Ethernet installations, is the installation and removal of keystone...

May 04, 2023

Keystone Jack Q&A with Don and Dave

We often get asked questions from our customer through email, live chat, social media, and over the phone. We decided...

December 23, 2022

How to: Terminate an Unshielded Toolless Keystone Jack

One of the best ways to achieve a clean and professional-looking network install is to run a solid copper structure...

November 24, 2022

How To: Reterminate an IDC Connector

Sometimes when you terminate an Ethernet cable, the termination just doesn’t turn out right. Maybe it fails a test, or...

August 18, 2022

How Do You Install a Keystone Jack Into a Wall?

So here we are. You’ve just cleared out that old bedroom. This is your new home office, and you need...

June 09, 2022

How To: Open Shielded and Unshielded Tool-Less Keystone Jacks

You are excited! You have waited patiently for your order to arrive from trueCABLE and of course you cannot resist...

November 11, 2021

Ethernet Keystone Jacks In the Wild!

Ethernet keystone jacks can be an important part of well designed and flexible LAN (local area network). This blog and...

June 11, 2021

How To: Copper Fabric Strips for Bonding Shielded Ethernet Cable

The most common tried and true method is to strip your cable and fold back the cable shield, wrapping the...

May 07, 2021

How to: Terminate an Unshielded Punch Down Keystone Jack

Meet the punch down keystone jack. The punch down keystone jack, generally speaking, remains extremely effective and costs less per jack than...

January 11, 2021

How to Use a Field Term Plug for Patch Cables

Need a patch cable that’s the perfect length—without a crimp tool? This step‑by‑step guide shows how to terminate a high‑performance...

May 21, 2026

trueCABLE’s Fiber Optic Kevlar Cutters: Tool Overview & Best Practices for Fiber Optic Cable Preparation

Cutting aramid yarn (Kevlar) with the wrong tool is slow, messy, and unsafe. trueCABLE’s trueKEVCUT Fiber Optic Kevlar Cutters are...

February 05, 2026

A Complete Guide to Fiber Optic Cassette Cleaners: The Ultimate Cleaning Solution for Fiber Optic Cables

January 29, 2026

Ethernet Cable Testers: Which Is Best for My Application?

Not all Ethernet cable testers are created equal. Whether you’re a DIYer wiring your home or a professional contractor handling...

August 07, 2025

Visual Fault Locators - A Guide to Fiber Optic VFL’s

Struggling to identify faults or verify fiber optic cable integrity? A Visual Fault Locator (VFL) is the ultimate tool for...

March 20, 2025

A Complete Guide to the trueCRIMP V3: Your All-in-One RJ45 Crimp Tool

Looking for a reliable, all-in-one tool for Ethernet cable termination? The trueCRIMP V3 combines crimping, cable cutting, jacket scoring, and...

December 19, 2024

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...

December 21, 2023

Print & Go DIY Cable Installation Tool Checklist

Getting your home or small business network in place is easier than you might think. The primary obstacle for many...

December 01, 2022

How To: Heavy Duty Coaxial and Ethernet Cable Cutter

Say “hello” to your new best friend on the job site! The trueCUT Heavy Duty Cable Cutter is optimized to provide a...

December 16, 2021

How To: RG6 Quad Shield Coaxial Strip and Termination

Sometimes you just have to go heavy duty! RG6 coaxial cable is the mainstay for broadband applications like CATV, satellite,...

October 21, 2021

Cat6/6A Shielded RJ45 External Ground Collar Crimping Done Right

The external ground crimp collar is the only mechanism that keeps your plug attached to the cable, preventing cable pull-out, and...

July 22, 2021

Introducing: trueIMPACT 110 Punch Down Tool

How can trueCABLE redefine the simple ho-hum punch down tool? Well, you start by asking an actual installer what they want!

April 02, 2021

Using trueCABLE's EZ Termination Keystone Jack Tool

trueCABLE developed our very own EZ punch down jack termination tool. We call it the trueTERM. This tool will greatly speed...

March 25, 2021

Walkthrough the All-In-One Crimp and Termination Tool | trueCRIMP

Our All-In-One Crimp and Termination Tool performs multiple functions simultaneously. Very little maintenance is required to keep your tool in top functioning...

March 18, 2021

How to Use the Cable Stripping & Cutting Tool

trueCABLE’s Cable Stripping and Cutting Tool is a truly versatile tool and is something you must have in your tool kit. You...

August 06, 2020

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