Depending on the quality and type, network cables are classified into categories that help us know the characteristics of them.

The categories of network cables most commonly used are:

- Category 5
- Category 5e
- Category 6
- Category 6
- Category 7

As can be seen, category 5e (enhanced or improved) and category 6A (Augmented), are an improvement of categories 5and 6, respectively, which it has improved the top speed and bandwidth.

The higher the category, the higher the speed of maximum data, the maximum 100 meters distance as its standard.

You can see a table which shows the 5 categories, where V is the maximum velocity, D is the maximum and MHz frequency which can work away.

When we talk about RJ45 ("Registered Jack" 45) we refer to a telecommunications network interface for wired connection of voice and data equipment.

This connector has 8 pins or connections and may have a specific category depending on the data transfer speed and bandwidth (category 5e, 6, etc.)

The common application is their use in Ethernet network cables under TIA/EIA-568-B standard that defines the arrangement of pins (pinout), but can also be used for other applications.

- Direct pin diagram:

EIA-568A
Pin No.1: WHITE-GREEN
Pin No.2: GREEN
Pin No.3: WHITE-ORANGE
Pin No.4: BLUE
Pin No.5: WHITE-BLUE
Pin No.6: ORANGE
Pin No.7: WHITE-BROWN
Pin No.8: BROWN

EIA-568B
Pin No.1: WHITE-ORANGE
Pin No.2: ORANGE
Pin No.3: WHITE-GREEN
Pin No.4: BLUE
Pin No.5: WHITE-BLUE
Pin No.6: GREEN
Pin No.7: WHITE-BROWN
Pin No.8: BROWN

- Schematic of crossed pins:

The crossover cable has one end with EIA-568A scheme and the other one with EIA-568B.

hen we talk about IP code (International Protection) we talk about an international standard (IEC 60529) which classifies the protection against external factors, solid or liquid, that has a component or electronic device; LED strips, controllers, meters, security cameras, etc.

This alpha-numerically standard has been designed to sort different levels of protection. Nomenclature starts with IP followed by two numeric values.

- Example IP68:

The first value ranges from 0 to 6 and indicates the protection against solid agents. In this case, strong protection against dust.

The second value is between 0 and 8 and indicates the protection against liquid agents. In this case the complete and prolonged immersion during the time specified by the manufacturer.

We could say that the larger the number is greater IP protection has a device.

In below table, we can see different IP protections levels available.

IPXX	First digit (IPxx)	Second digit (IPxx)
0	Unprotected.	Unprotected.
1	Protection against objects of> 50 mm diameter.	Protection against vertically dripping water.
2	Protection against objects of> 12.5 mm diameter.	Protection against inclined drip water up to 15°.
3	Protection against objects of> 2 mm in diameter.	Protection against water projected from any direction, up to 60°.
4	Protection against objects of> 1 mm in diameter.	Protection against splashing water any direction.
5	Ingress of dust is not entirely revented, but it must not enter in sufficient quantity to interfere with the satisfactory operation of the equipment .	Protection against water jets.
6	Dust tight.	Protection against strong jets of water.
7		Protection against complete immersion up to 1 meter for 30 minutes.
8		Protection against complete and prolonged immersion.