What is the difference between CMR and CMP cable?

CMR is riser-rated, for vertical runs between floors. CMP is plenum-rated, for air-handling spaces such as the void above a suspended ceiling, and uses a jacket that produces less smoke when it burns. Local code decides which you need; plenum can always replace riser, never the other way round. Filter by jacket rating in the cable finder to see only the parts that carry the rating you need.

Do I need shielded or unshielded network cable?

Unshielded (UTP) is standard for most installs and is easier to terminate. Shielded (STP or F/UTP) is for runs alongside mains power, in industrial environments, or where the run is long and interference is likely. Shielded cable only works when the shield is bonded to ground at the panel, so it needs shielded jacks and patch panels too.

What is TAA compliance and do I need it?

The Trade Agreements Act restricts what US federal agencies can buy to goods made in the United States or in a designated country. If you are supplying a federal contract, the cable usually has to be TAA compliant. Tick TAA compliant only in the cable finder to filter to the parts that qualify.

What cable length should I order?

Measure the run, then add slack for dressing at both ends and for service loops. For patch leads a foot or two of extra length is normal; for a long in-wall run, order to the next standard length up rather than pulling a cable tight. Category cable is limited to 328 ft (100 m) per channel including patch leads at both ends.

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Two ways in. Network cable is answered by category, shielding, length and jacket rating; everything else is answered by what is on each end. Pick a door and the filters narrow each other — every count is live and every result is a real part number with its own price and page. 3,200 cables and connectivity parts: 2,201 network, 999 signal, power and adapters, across 103 connector types and 103 lengths. Ends match in either direction — you do not have to know which one the manufacturer called Connector 1.

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