A Guide to Choosing FS Indoor and Outdoor Ethernet Cables for Seamless Connectivity

Ethernet cables, as the backbone of many network systems, play a crucial role in connecting devices and ensuring seamless communication. FS, a leading provider of networking equipment, offers a comprehensive range of high-quality indoor Ethernet cables and outdoor Ethernet cables designed to cater to diverse environments and requirements. This article explains the differences between indoor and outdoor Ethernet cables, how to choose between them based on application scenarios, and why, as a consumer, you are recommended to purchase FS bulk Ethernet cables.

Understanding Indoor and Outdoor Ethernet Cables

Before we can determine the differences between indoor and outdoor Ethernet cables, we must first have a basic understanding of both.

What Is an Indoor Ethernet Cable?

An indoor Ethernet cable connects devices within a building to a network and is intended for safe indoor environments. Commonly used in homes, offices, and schools, these cables are typically run through ducts to link PCs to the LAN network in server rooms.

What Is an Outdoor Ethernet Cable?

An outdoor Ethernet cable is designed to endure harsh conditions, with features to resist UV rays, moisture, and extreme temperatures. These cables are ideal for outdoor installations, such as connecting buildings and outdoor security cameras, where the cable is exposed to challenging environments.

What Makes Outdoor Ethernet Cable Suited for Outdoor Environment?

As their name suggests, indoor network cables are used indoors, while outdoor network cables are used outdoors. However, have you ever wondered why indoor network cables are suitable for indoor environments and outdoor network cables can be used outdoors?

The only difference between indoor and outdoor-rated cables of the same category is their outer cable jacket. It is the outer jacket that determines whether your network cable can be used in an outdoor environment.

Following are the 3 reasons why outdoor Ethernet cables are suited for outside applications:

Outdoor Ethernet Cable Is Less Likely to Crack When Exposed to Sunlight

A significant difference between indoor and outdoor Ethernet cables is their resistance to sunlight. Outdoor network cables feature UV-resistant jackets made of polyethylene (PE) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC). This UV protection prevents the cables from degrading and cracking over time due to exposure to direct sunlight, which allows you to run Ethernet cables outside. In contrast, indoor cables do not have UV protection and can deteriorate if used outdoors.

Outdoor Ethernet Cable Can Resist Moisture

Another critical difference is moisture resistance. Exterior Ethernet cables are designed to be waterproof, thanks to their low water absorption PE or PVC jackets. This feature ensures the cables can withstand rain, humidity, and submersion.

Outdoor Ethernet Cable Meets the Need for Direct Burial or Aerial Laying

Outdoor Ethernet cables are versatile and can be installed in various challenging environments. There are two specific types: direct burial cables and aerial cables.

Direct burial cables are designed to be installed underground. They are filled with a gel that blocks moisture seepage, protecting the cable's core. Aerial cables are used between poles and feature a messenger wire for added strength and stability. These cables have a low-density polyethene (LDPE) jacket that protects them from water and extreme temperatures. Indoor cables, however, are only suitable for limited types of installations.

Outdoor Ethernet Cable Is More Tolerant to Extreme Temperatures

Outdoor network cables are designed to withstand harsh weather conditions and have superior capabilities in enduring extreme temperatures compared to indoor cables. Outdoor cables are equipped to handle such situations, with operating and installation temperature ranges of -40 to 75°C (-40 to 167°F) and -20 to 60°C (-4 to 140°F) respectively. These specifications meet market standards and ensure the cables can effectively manage extreme temperature fluctuations, safeguarding your equipment to operate normally even in adverse conditions.

	Operating Temperature	Installation Temperature
Indoor Bulk Ethernet Cable	-20 to 75°C (-4 to 167°F)	-10 to 50°C (-14 to 122°F)
Outdoor Bulk Ethernet Cable	-40 to 75°C (-40 to 167°F)	-20 to 60°C (-4 to 140°F)

Using Tips for Indoor and Outdoor Ethernet Cables

Even if the cable is installed in conduit, you should always use an outdoor-rated version of bulk cable whenever it will be exposed to one or more of the following:

• Sunlight

• Humidity

• Moisture

• Risk of Lightning

• Unregulated temperatures

This is the simplest and most effective method to determine whether to use indoor or outdoor cables. Although in most cases, indoor environments typically use indoor cables and outdoor environments use outdoor cables, there are always exceptions.

For example, if the cable is protected from rain and wind but has to withstand high humidity levels or temperature fluctuations, does this situation require an indoor or outdoor cable? Opt for outdoor cables. The fact that the location is shielded from wind and moisture doesn't guarantee that the cable can withstand high humidity or significant temperature changes. Knowing this trick can help you determine when to choose indoor cables and when to choose outdoor cables.

How FS's Indoor and Outdoor Ethernet Cables Benefit Our Customers?

Have you ever been frustrated by not finding the Ethernet cable you need on the market? Have you ever purchased a network cable that failed to meet quality standards? Are you worried that your network signal might be significantly compromised due to the poor quality of the Ethernet cable you bought? Choosing FS indoor and outdoor Ethernet cables will dispel all your concerns from the following aspects:

Diverse Bulk Ethernet Cable Options to Meet All Your Needs

FS offers a comprehensive selection of indoor and outdoor Ethernet cables, catering to various needs and environments. Whether you need Cat5e, Cat6, or direct burial cables, FS has got you covered. This variety allows you to find the exact type of cable required for your specific installation, all in one place, making the purchasing process more convenient and efficient. The following images detail the bulk cable options offered by FS.

Strict Quality Certification for Assured Reliability

Using inferior network cables can lead to slow internet speeds, intermittent web page access, and frequent authentication issues. The quality of the network cable directly affects the quality of network access, which in turn has a direct impact on the user's internet experience and poses certain safety risks.

FS's indoor and outdoor bulk Ethernet cables have undergone rigorous quality testing , offering high levels of safety and performance assurance. FS's cables ensure that customers will not encounter poor internet experiences due to the quality issues inherent in the cables themselves.

• Quality Certifications of FS Indoor Bulk Ethernet Cable:

• Quality Certifications of FS Outdoor Bulk Ethernet Cable:

Simplified Cabling and Reduced Wiring Costs

FS's bulk Ethernet cable, whether indoor or outdoor, supports PoE (Power over Ethernet) applications, enabling it to transmit data and power devices simultaneously. This capability can reduce the costs associated with separate wiring for power supply, thereby saving on the overall cost of network deployment.

FS Indoor and Outdoor Ethernet Cables Specifications

We have discussed a lot about outdoor Ethernet cables, but it's important to clarify that this doesn't imply outdoor Ethernet cables are entirely superior to indoor Ethernet cables. Each type has its pros and cons. The following table provides a comprehensive overview of the features of FS indoor and outdoor Ethernet cables, facilitating a better understanding of their distinctions.

	FS Indoor Ethernet Cables	FS Outdoor Ethernet Cables
Cable Jackets	PVC CM/CMR/CMP	PVC & LDPE
UV Resistance	Not UV-resistant	UV-resistant jackets
Moisture Resistance	Not waterproof	Waterproof
Installation Types	Typically run through ducts	Direct burial, overhead installations
Operation Temperature Range	-20 to 75°C (-4 to 167°F)	-40 to 75°C (-40 to 167°F)
Flexibility	Easy to bend	Poorer flexibility due to thicker outer jacket
Fire Rating	Can self-extinguish after being removed from the fire source	Will continue to burn after being removed from the fire source
Color Options	Multiple color options are available	Limited color options
Application Scenarios	Safe indoor environments (homes, offices)	Harsh outdoor environments (exposed to elements)
Power over Ethernet (PoE)	Support

 

Conclusion

In summary, choosing the right Ethernet cable for your network setup is pivotal for performance and longevity. The guide provided has underscored the importance of selecting between Indoor Ethernet cables and Outdoor Ethernet cables based on environmental needs. With FS's reliable and diverse product offerings, you can confidently make every penny count, ensuring a network that is both efficient and enduring.