Skip to main content

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.

18 votes
3 answers
99k 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, ...
Faken's user avatar
  • 1,451
18 votes
9 answers
45k 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 ...
daphshez's user avatar
  • 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 ...
studiohack's user avatar
  • 13.5k
17 votes
6 answers
76k 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-...
Den's user avatar
  • 353
17 votes
3 answers
112k 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 ...
Giorgio's user avatar
  • 271
17 votes
5 answers
18k 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 ...
Ricardo Sanchez-Saez's user avatar
16 votes
6 answers
112k 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'...
WannabeCoder's user avatar
15 votes
6 answers
315k 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 ...
AtomicPorkchop's user avatar
14 votes
6 answers
13k 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 ...
Pops's user avatar
  • 8,503
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 ...
jpfx1342's user avatar
  • 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 ...
Dreamfield's user avatar
13 votes
5 answers
79k 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. ...
user avatar
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 ...
AK.'s user avatar
  • 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 ...
JohnFx's user avatar
  • 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?
studiohack's user avatar
  • 13.5k

15 30 50 per page
1 2
3
4 5
52