Zip-Linq network cables are not CAT5!

[CZroe]

Zip-Linq retractable network cables are not CAT5 even though the box says so! They are flat cables with four obvious "segments" carrying two conductors each, none of which appear to carry shielding or twisted wires internally. Twisted pairs with a certain number of twists per foot are a required specification for CAT5. There doesn't seem to be any shielding to compensate for the lack, but it's not like that it matters when it's only 4' I picked up a couple which were free after rebate at CompUSA yesterday and today.

It's nothing big, and I'm sure they'll live up to any CAT5 use at that length. I just think it's dissapointing to see "CAT5" equated with "any 100mbps-capable Ethernet cable."

http://www.zip-linq.com/images/prod-images/ZIP-DATA-RJ45.jpg

 

[Ionizer86]

CZroe, thanks for letting me know. I was about to buy one yesterday, but the lines were too long. Of course, these are still on sale today, and since they're not Cat5, then I don't have to run by Cusa

 

[CZroe]

Originally posted by: Ionizer86
CZroe, thanks for letting me know. I was about to buy one yesterday, but the lines were too long. Of course, these are still on sale today, and since they're not Cat5, then I don't have to run by Cusa

Well, at 4' they're certainly capable of anything true CAT5 is. There shouldn't be anything to worry about. The short length certainly limits it's usefullness but I'm sure it'll come in handy some day.

 

[Eug]

Zip-Linq network cables are not CAT5!

If they're only 4' long and work at normal 100 Mbps speeds then who cares, esp. when they're essentially free?

 

[Ichinisan]

Originally posted by: Eug

Zip-Linq network cables are not CAT5!

If they're only 4' long and work at normal 100 Mbps speeds then who cares, esp. when they're essentially free?

Like I said, that's not what bothers me (I really don't care). I'm just pointing out that the PC Tech industry has now equated CAT5 with "100mbps-capable" which is dissapointing. Standards were made for a reason. CAT5 isn't a performance specification. It's performance at 4' doesn't mean a thing because it's not CAT5 if a 200' run isn't within spec.

Oops... Posted with my brother's account