Home / Glossary
Cable terms explained
Understand USB PD, e-marker, Ethernet categories, fibre and cable terminology.
A
active cable
An active cable contains electronic components that help transmit a signal over a particular distance or connection type. Its exact capabilities depend on the product’s stated specifications.
Learn moreAOC
AOC means active optical cable: a factory-terminated cable assembly that uses optical fibre and built-in electronics to carry data between compatible ports.
Learn moreAWG
AWG means American Wire Gauge, a standard for describing conductor size. In AWG, a lower number generally means a larger conductor.
Learn moreC
Cat6
Cat6 is an Ethernet cable category for structured cabling, with defined performance requirements for data transmission. The label identifies the category, not the cable’s construction, quality, or every supported network speed.
Learn moreCat6a
Cat6a is a category of Ethernet cabling used for network connections. It identifies the cable’s performance class, but not its construction, quality, or suitability for every installation.
Learn moreCat7
Cat7 is a shielded twisted-pair cabling category, also known as ISO/IEC Class F, designed for high-frequency Ethernet and data transmission. The label describes a cable standard, not a guaranteed speed or overall quality rating.
Learn moreCat8
Cat8 is a high-performance Ethernet cable category intended for high-bandwidth wired networking. The label identifies a cable standard, not a guarantee of build quality or compatibility with every network setup.
Learn morecharging vs data
“Charging vs data” describes whether a cable is intended only to deliver power or can also carry information between connected devices. A charging label does not by itself indicate charging speed or cable quality.
Learn moreD
DAC
DAC usually means Direct Attach Cable: a pre-terminated copper cable assembly for connecting compatible network ports over a short link. The label alone does not confirm exact compatibility or performance.
Learn moreDisplayPort
DisplayPort is a digital video and audio connection standard used to link compatible computers, docks, monitors, and other displays. Product listings may also identify a supported DisplayPort version.
Learn moreE
H
HDMI 2.0
HDMI 2.0 is an HDMI specification that supports higher data rates than earlier HDMI versions, including common 4K video use cases. The label describes a capability level, not overall product quality.
Learn moreHDMI 2.1
HDMI 2.1 is a newer HDMI specification supporting higher bandwidth and features such as 4K at high refresh rates. On a cable listing, the label alone does not confirm every HDMI 2.1 feature.
Learn moreL
M
O
OM3
OM3 is a 50/125 µm multimode fibre category used in fibre optic cabling. It identifies the fibre type, not the connector, cable length, or overall product quality.
Learn moreOM4
OM4 is a multimode fibre type used for high-speed, short-reach optical networking. On CableFit, it identifies the fibre category, not the connector, cable length, or overall product quality.
Learn moreOS2
OS2 is a single-mode fibre optic category used for network links where single-mode transmission is required. The label identifies the fibre type, not the connector, cable length, or overall product quality.
Learn moreP
passive cable
A passive cable carries signals without powered electronics such as signal regenerators, equalizers, or amplifiers built into the cable. Its capabilities still depend on the interface, construction, length, and connected equipment.
Learn morePoE
PoE, or Power over Ethernet, carries electrical power and network data over the same Ethernet connection. A PoE label shows a product supports the capability, but not which PoE standards or power levels it handles.
Learn moreS
SC connector
An SC connector is a push-pull fibre-optic connector with a square-bodied housing, commonly used to join a fibre cable to an adapter or network device.
Learn moreS/FTP
S/FTP is a shielded twisted-pair cable design with an overall braided shield and separate foil shielding around each twisted pair. It is used to reduce electromagnetic interference and pair-to-pair crosstalk.
Learn moresingle-mode fiber
Single-mode fiber is optical fiber designed to carry light along one primary path. It is commonly used for longer-distance fiber links, but the label alone does not confirm compatibility or cable quality.
Learn moreT
U
Ultra High Speed HDMI
Ultra High Speed HDMI is a cable designation for higher-bandwidth HDMI signals, including demanding formats such as 4K at high frame rates. It describes cable capability, not the performance of every device.
Learn moreUSB4
USB4 is a high-speed USB standard used for data, display, and other functions over compatible connections. The USB4 label alone does not specify every supported speed, power feature, or device capability.
Learn moreUSB PD
USB Power Delivery (USB PD) is a charging protocol that lets compatible devices, chargers, and cables negotiate suitable power levels over USB.
Learn moreUTP
UTP means unshielded twisted pair: a cable with twisted conductor pairs and no metallic shield around the pairs or the cable as a whole.
Learn more