I'm looking for a specific kind of Ethernet 8-conductor data cable. I am having trouble finding them online (at CDW, Newegg) because I can't always come up with the right search terms.
A search for "Flat Ethernet cable" usually gives me a bunch of nice looking "premium" and expensive cables which are targeted towards the home user/audiophiles, etc.
These cables are typically used with a serial console. In a typical use, one of the RJ-45 jacks will connect to a RJ45-to-DB9 adapter, which then plugs into the serial port on the back of a machine. On older hardware, this may be a RJ45-DB25 adapter, etc.
What are these called? Do these cables have a common name?
Here's a description of the cable:
- Sysadmins usually assemble these on their own, but I'm looking to save time and buy them.
- RJ-45 connectors on each end.
- Color is usually light-grey.
- Flat (not round). No shielding, no twisted-pair, etc. These are NOT cat5e cables. These are intended for low data rates (9600 bps – 115200 bps ).
- These are low profile, very flexible and don't take up much room in the cable management system. This is important when dealing with 42 servers and potentially 150+ cables in a rack.
- Sysadmins often use Ethernet cable instead of this cable, because Ethernet cables are available everywhere.
- These are similar to Cisco's light-blue rollover cables with a DB9 connector on one end. But I need some without the DB9 adapter.
Best Answer
They are commonly known as "console cables" or Rollover cables. They are NOT Ethernet! They are often flat CAT3, or just 8 conductor ribbon cable. All console cables are null modem cables, it is just the pin out that is sometimes different.