How to choose an Ethernet cable

How to choose an Ethernet cable

When selecting an Ethernet cable, it's crucial to consider factors such as cable category, shielding, and your specific internet speed needs. According to Google’s knowledge snippet, you should match the cable's capabilities with your network requirements to ensure optimal performance.

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Finding the right Ethernet cable requires more than just purchasing the latest version. You need to evaluate multiple Ethernet cable generations, as well as the type, shielding, and form-factor. In this guide, we'll compare the advantages and drawbacks of various Ethernet cables to help you choose the best one for your home or office.

Tracking Your Internet Speeds

The easiest way to select a cable is to pick one with the range and performance you need. While the latest generations of Cat 8 Ethernet cables will absolutely handle whatever you throw at them, they are typically much more expensive than older Ethernet cables, and their predecessors are often more than enough for what most people need. But what do you need?

Start with the speed of your home internet connection. If you have gigabit internet (1Gbps), an old Ethernet cord like a Cat 5 cable, will hold you back. If you have a slower connection — perhaps 10 or 20 megabits per second — you’re good with anything Cat 5 or newer. If you are not aware of your actual internet speed, connect your PC directly to the modem and use a speed test to gauge your requirements. Purchasing a 10Gbps Ethernet cable may be overkill if your subscription only supports 50Mbps downloads. Frequent data transfers or high-bandwidth streaming can benefit from better cables, but for general activities like gaming, streaming, and social media, a faster cable won't make much difference.

If you need a replacement cable, it's wise to opt for a recent version for better performance and future compatibility. Good cables provide improved shielding, which protects your data during transmission. In isolation, a fast Ethernet cable might not show a big difference, but combined with other high-tech network devices, it can ensure a robust network connection.

What Does Cat Mean?

When selecting Ethernet cables, you will notice they are labeled by "Cat" followed by a number, indicating the specification version of the cable. In general, higher numbers represent faster speeds and higher frequencies, measured in megahertz (MHz). As technology has developed, newer cables have supported higher bandwidths, increasing download speeds and connection stability. Advanced Cat numbers also imply better reliability and improved performance over distances, usually having two speed ratings: one at around 10 to 30 meters and one at 100 meters.

Ethernet Cable Types

Cat 1 through Cat 5

These older cables are generally obsolete, too slow to be usable, and haven't been official Ethernet standards for quite some time.

Cat 5e

The "e" in Cat 5e stands for "enhanced." Unlike Cat 5, these cables undergo stringent testing to reduce crosstalk. Cat 5e is currently popular in homes and offices due to its cost-efficiency and adequate speed for most tasks.

Cat 6

Supporting higher bandwidths than Cat 5 and 5e, Cat 6 Ethernet cables are often shielded to protect against crosstalk and noise interference. They can achieve speeds up to 10Gbps over 55 meters but are more expensive.

Cat 6a

The Cat 6a cable, with the "a" standing for "augmented," supports twice the bandwidth of Cat 6 and maintains higher speeds over longer distances. These cables are shielded and thicker, making them less flexible.

Cat 7 and Cat 7a

Cat 7 cables offer high bandwidth and speeds up to 100Gbps at 15 meters but suffer from compatibility issues due to the proprietary GG45 connector. Cat 7a, although offering improvements, lacks industry support and is better avoided in favor of Cat 8.

Cat 8

Cat 8 cables support frequencies up to 2000 MHz and speeds up to 40Gbps at 30 meters, always coming shielded. Despite the high cost, they are excellent for future-proofing and meet the latest IEEE standards.

Which Ethernet Cable is Best?

For most home users, Cat 6 cables are sufficient for high-speed networking and low-latency tasks. For longer distances and better shielding, Cat 6a is worth considering. If you're looking for the highest performance and future-proofing, opt for Cat 8. Avoid Cat 7 due to its compatibility issues.

About Ethernet Connectors

RJ45

Used in most Ethernet cables from Cat 1 to Cat 6 and Cat 8, the RJ45 connector features a standard 8P8C design that locks into place.

GG45

Used in Cat 7 cables, GG45 connectors add extra conductors but are largely deemed unnecessary, leading Cat 8 to continue using RJ45.

EtherCON RJ45

EtherCON is a ruggedized version of RJ45 for situations requiring durability, often used in professional A/V applications.

Shielding and Foil Wrapping

Ethernet cables can be affected by electromagnetic interference, which is mitigated by different shielding methods. U/UTP indicates no shielding, while "F" means a foil shield. Braided screens (S) are more durable but provide less coverage. Some cables combine multiple shielding methods for added protection.

Ethernet Cable Styles

Slim and Ultra-Slim

Compact cables useful in data centers for enhanced airflow and easier installation.

Flat

Flat Ethernet cables are easier to run under carpets, baseboards, and doorways, posing less of a tripping hazard.

Solid Core

These cables have solid copper wires, preserving signals for longer distances and reducing signal loss.

Armored

Thick outer layers provide added protection, suitable for outdoor installations with higher risk of corrosion or damage.

Braided

Features an external nylon braid for added casing protection and durability against frequent flexing or other damage causes.

Ethernet Cable Colors

Cable color does not impact performance but is often used to improve organization and identification in complex setups.

Ethernet Cabling Alternatives

Powerline Adapters

Combines Ethernet and electrical wiring to run internet through power outlets, requiring special adapters.

PoLRE

Power over Long Reach Ethernet is used for long cable runs in large buildings for phone and internet connections.

Ethernet over COAX/MoCA

Uses adapters to send data through coaxial cables, often for media players and home theaters.

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Ethernet Cables 101: The Basics of Network Cabling

Ethernet has been indispensable in our daily life for decades since it was first introduced by Bob Metcalfe in 1973. Ethernet allows your devices to communicate and connect with people in different places. Ethernet cables are commonly used in LAN networks, but do you really know knowledge about Ethernet cables? This article explains everything that you want to know about Ethernet cables.

What is Ethernet Cable?

Though WiFi has become ubiquitous nowadays, many individuals still prefer wired networks for their consistent and reliable speeds. The proper implementation of network cabling is crucial in maintaining a high-speed and stable network. Poorly planned network and poor-quality Ethernet cable can affect the success of network cabling. Ethernet cable is the backbone of the network cabling, connecting various devices such as computers, routers, TVs, tablets, or even PlayStations.

Take a look at your router and you’ll find Ethernet ports for RJ45 plugs. RJ45 plugs are usually terminated at the end of Ethernet cables and all network data is transmitted through the Ethernet cable.

Ethernet Cables Structure

You may be familiar with the outer appearance of Ethernet cables, but do you know the inner structure of Ethernet cables? Ethernet cables come in different lengths, types, and categories, and the structure can differ. But all of them feature eight wires twisted into four pairs and a rip cord. A twisted pair can reduce crosstalk from the neighboring pairs to be more resistant to electromagnetic interference (EMI). A rip cord is usually designed to cut the cable jacket for convenience.

Shielded Ethernet cables typically contains a drain wire along with braid or foiled shielding. Have you ever been confused about the purpose of the drain wire and wonder its distinction from the ground wire? You’ll get it in the following explanation.

About Drain Wire

A drain wire is usually contained in a shielded cable to allow for a continuous connection with the cable’s metal shielding to offer an excellent grounding. Be careful not to cut off the drain wire in the network installation. Beyong its ground function, the drain wire also contributes to minimizing electrical noise. Notably, either drain wire or braid shielding can be used as an effective ground wire.

Ethernet Cable Types

Ethernet cables have been continuously updated to meet different needs for the network. Ethernet cables can be classified into different types according to different shielding types, categories, and styles.

Ethernet Cable Categories

When you look for the specific Ethernet cable on the market, you’ll notice that Ethernet cables labeled with different “Cat” designations. Do you know the meaning of “Cat”? “Cat” stands for Category, often followed by a number. In general, a higher number indicates better performance for the Ethernet cable. We list the following common Categories:

• CAT3: CAT3 is the third category of Ethernet cable, composed of 3 twisted pairs of copper wires. CAT3 cables were used in the computer network in the 1990s, supporting 10-BaseT Ethernet. The maximum bandwidth of the CAT3 cable is 16 MHz, and it is compatible with RJ11 or RJ12 connectors.

• CAT4: CAT4 cable is also named as Category 4 cable, which consists of 8 copper wires twisted into four pairs. CAT4 cable was the first Ethernet cable to use the RJ45 connector. The frequency of the CAT4 cable is up to 20 MHz.

• CAT5: As the fifth category of Ethernet cable, CAT5 cable also features four twisted pairs of copper wires. Most CAT5 cables are unshielded on the market. CAT5 cables were once widely used in the home network, but it has been gradually replaced by CAT5E cables.

• CAT5E: The CAT5E cable is an augmented version of the CAT5 cable. Invented in 2001, the CAT5E cable was the first Ethernet cable to reach 1000BASE-T (Gigabit Ethernet) speeds. CAT5E cables also use RJ45 connectors, and they have been prevalent in the past years.

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• CAT6: Category 6 cable
  
  CAT6 stands out as the most prevalent cable category in most modern houses and offices for its versatility and cost-effectiveness.

• CAT6A: CAT6A cable was introduced in 2008, which is an augmented standard of CAT6 cable. The maximum bandwidth of CAT6A cable can reach 500 MHz, and the maximum data rate is up to 10 Gbps. CAT6A cables are generally used for large business networks or data centers.

• CAT7: CAT7 is not recognized by TIA or ANSI and is a specification defined by ISO/IEC. The CAT7 cable was designed to be compatible with ARJ45 and GG45, but it can also be used with RJ45 connectors.CAT7 Ethernet cables are used primarily in data centers.

The data rate of an Ethernet cable is intricately linked to the size of its electrical conductor. The larger conductor contributes to lower resistance and signal loss. The conductor size is quantified by the American Wire Gauge (AWG) standard. It should be noted that the larger the AWG gauge, the smaller the conductor diameter.

Ethernet Cable Shielding

Cable Shielding Types

Shielding Types

Abbreviated Form

Conductor Shielding

Overall Shielding

Unshielded Twisted Pairs

U/UTP

None

None

Foiled With Unshielded Twisted Pairs

F/UTP

None

Foil

Unshielded With Foiled Twisted Pairs

U/FTP

Foil

None

Shielded With Unshielded Twisted Pairs

S/UTP

None

Braiding

Shielded and Foiled With Unshielded Twisted Pairs

SF/UTP

None

Braiding&Foil

Foiled With Foiled Twisted Pairs

F/FTP

Foil

Foil

Shielded With Foiled Twisted Pairs

S/FTP

Foil

Braiding

Shielded and Foiled With Foiled Twisted Pairs

SF/FTP

Foil

Braiding&Foil

Ethernet Cable Styles

Ethernet cables come in different styles according to various applications and different performances. These cables vary in length, enabling you to either select a pre-terminated size or customize by cutting to the desired length. They also come in various colors and they all perform the same. Besides the standard Ethernet cables, a lot of Ethernet cable styles are available to cater to specific needs. Here are some examples.

Slim Ethernet Cable

Slim Ethernet cables are generally thinner than standard cables and are very suitable for homes, offices, and data centers where the place is very tight. Slim Ethernet cables can also offer a larger area for other devices.

Flat Ethernet Cable

In addition to round Ethernet cables, there are also flat Ethernet cables on the market. Flat Ethernet cables are very popular for their convenience and thanks to their flat shape, they can be used under the carpet or door.

Stranded Ethernet Cable

Ethernet cables are available in two main wire configurations: solid and stranded. Most Ethernet cables on the market use solid wires but some Ethernet patch cables may utilize stranded wires for short-distance applications. It’s worth noting that stranded wires are more flexible than solid wires.

Ethernet Cable Wiring

It is known to all that there are two common wiring standards used by RJ45 connectors: T568A and T568B (also known as TIA/EIA568A and TIA/EIA568B). The main difference between T568A and T568B is the color order of green and orange pairs.

Ethernet cables also come in two forms according to different wiring standards. Crossover cable has T568A at one end and T568B at the other end, while straight-through cable has a single wiring standard with T568A or T568B on both ends.

Ethernet Cable Jacket Ratings

An Ethernet cable features an outer protection that is called a cable jacket. The cable jacket comes in different ratings according to various applications, including CMP, CMR, CATVP, CL3R, CMX, etc. We’ll briefly introduce CM/CMG, CMR, CMP, and CMX.

• CM/CMG: The full name of CM is Communications Multipurpose. CM is the basic rating of the Ethernet jacket. CM jacket is often made of PVC and has no fire protection. If this cable jacket is burned, it will cause toxic smoke. CM