While Ethernet refers to a family of networking technologies, the "size" often discussed in relation to its physical implementation pertains to the Ethernet cable specifications, particularly the size of the conductors within the cable. The size of these conductors is typically measured using the American Wire Gauge (AWG) system.
According to the provided reference, the size of the conductors in Ethernet cables varies depending on the specific cable type.
Understanding Conductor Size and AWG
The American Wire Gauge (AWG) is a standard system used to denote the diameter of electrical conductors. An important characteristic of the AWG system is that the smaller the AWG gauge number, the larger the conductor diameter. Conversely, a higher AWG number indicates a smaller conductor.
This means a cable with a 23 AWG conductor has a larger diameter than a cable with a 28 AWG conductor.
Typical Ethernet Cable Conductor Sizes
Different categories of Ethernet cables use conductors of various sizes. These sizes impact factors such as cable length capabilities, flexibility, and power delivery (like Power over Ethernet - PoE).
Here are typical conductor sizes and their corresponding diameters based on the reference:
| Cable Type | Typical Gauge | Diameter (inches) |
|---|---|---|
| Cat6/Cat6a | 23 AWG | 0.0226 |
| Cat5e | 24 AWG | 0.0201 |
| Slim Cat6 | 28 AWG | 0.0126 |
| Ultra Slim Cat6 | 32 AWG | 0.0080 |
As you can see from the table, standard Cat5e and Cat6/6a cables use larger conductors (24 AWG and 23 AWG) compared to newer, slimmer versions like Slim Cat6 (28 AWG) and Ultra Slim Cat6 (32 AWG), which feature significantly smaller conductors.
In summary, when referring to the "size" of Ethernet in terms of its physical cable, one is typically discussing the gauge and diameter of its internal conductors, which varies by cable category.
