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A.C.Ryan LAN.Ranger CAT6 Network Cable |
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Written by Mikhail Ivanenkov
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Wednesday, 20 June 2007 |
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Thanks to A.C.Ryan for the product sample.
There are plenty of computer parts most people never give a second thought. Ethernet cables are one such item. They're so common and so standardized that any ol' cable will work. In a sense this notion is true: you don't need a super shielded bling network cable, which is exactly what A.C.Ryan's LAN.Ranger is. However, the question of whether you should get one is another matter entirely. Let's see if the latest modded accessory is worth the investment.
In a nutshell, the LAN.Ranger is a CAT6 cable with silver EMI shielding beneath a clear shell. The cable also happens to be UV-reactive. For those unaware of CAT6, as the name implies it's the 6th generation of twisted pair Ethernet cables. CAT5 is still the predominant type and supports Fast Ethernet (100Mbps). Although it usually contains 4 pairs of twisted copper wire, only two are utilized. CAT5 enhanced (CAT5e) supports short range Gigabit Ethernet (1000Mbps) by using all 4 pairs of wires. CAT6 also supports Gigabit Ethernet like CAT5e, but it allows for communications at twice the speed.
Currently no software (or most hardware) can take advantage of the extra bandwidth, so investing in more expensive CAT6 is future-proofing at best. Furthermore, ISPs don't even come close to saturating 100Mbps lines so unless you're an avid LAN-goer or have a Gigabit home network, there's really no point in shelling out the extra cash. Finally, CAT5, CAT5e, and CAT6 cables are all limited to a maximum recommended run of 100 meters (328ft). CAT7 is still in development.
The LAN.Ranger comes in 3m (9.8ft), 5m (16.4ft), 10m (32.8ft), and 15m (49.2ft) lengths. We received the 5m version, which is plenty for most home networks within the same room. I already mentioned the silver EMI shielding; while nearly obsolete in home network environments, at massive LAN parties with hundreds of cables EMI can become an issue. Also, with a unique looking cable such as this you'll have no trouble identifying your own. The tips of the cables have blue LEDs that are powered by an attached pass-through USB connector.
This pass-through USB connector is attached to one of the cable tips. Unfortunately all it does is power the blue LEDs constantly; they don't flash when data is being sent or received. Another downside is the lack of any sort of sleeve or cover over the actual clips. You can't imagine how many I've broken off in the past and once they're gone, the cable won't stay put very well. Replacing them is pretty much impossible; you'll have to get a brand new cable. Speaking of which, it's fairly thick and very resistant to kinking.
The silvery anti-EMI shell is also mildly UV-reactive as seen in the above photograph. I can't imagine this being utilized in the least bit (no one really has UV lights outside their case), especially given the fact that beyond a couple inches a 12" UV cathode will have little to no effect on it. As for performance, I ran a few internet-based tests and compared the results to a standard CAT5 cable - there was no discernable difference, most likely because my internet connection never gets even close to Fast Ethernet speeds.
It the improvement department, I would strongly suggest some sort of protection for the clips which are extremely prone to breaking as well as some sort of LED implementation that doesn't require a USB port (though I'm not sure if this is possible given their power requirements). Other than that, the blue LED tips combined with a high quality EMI shielded, UV-reactive cable makes for a winning combination. The LAN.Ranger is definitely a step up from the norm.
Pros
- Looks good/unique
- High quality
- EMI shielding
- Thick (doesn't kink)
- UV reactive material
- Blue LEDs on the ends
- Relatively Inexpensive
Cons
- Connectors need protection for the clips
- USB-less LED implementation preferable
A.C.Ryan has yet to disappoint. They may be new to the scene, but they're doing things right. Their LAN.Ranger is definitely not for everyone, but hardcore enthusiasts with some extra cash on hand or even the average builder looking to future-proof a system will find this product to their linking. If you decide to get one, you can find a list of vendors here (go here if shopping in the U.S. or Canada).
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Last Updated ( Sunday, 01 July 2007 )
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