How to Choose an Ethernet Cable

In most cases, choosing an Ethernet cable is relatively straightforward. However, if you want to get the most out of your Internet and local network connections, there are a few things to keep in mind.

Not all Ethernet cables are created equal

Wired networks are generally very simple to use. Most of the time, you plug the cable into an Ethernet port or adapter on your computer and you're good to go. Buying an Ethernet cable can seem a lot more complicated, with many different standards, speeds, and specifications to consider.

Network cables are divided into different categories, the basic standard is Cat-5. Just like different Wi-Fi standards, different Ethernet cable categories have different speeds. The different categories available are:

• Cat-5, with a top speed of 100Mbps, usually unshielded.
• Cat-5e has a maximum speed of 1Gbps and is available in both shielded and unshielded.
• Cat-6 has a maximum speed of 10Gbps, can operate below 55 meters (about 180 feet), and is available in both shielded and unshielded.
• Cat-6a, up to 10Gbps, shielded.
• Cat-7 uses a proprietary GG45 connector instead of the standard RJ-45 connector seen on other cables to achieve 10Gbps shielded speeds.
• Cat-8 has a maximum speed of 25Gbps (Cat-8.1) or 40Gbps (Cat-8.2) at a distance of about 30 meters (about 100 feet), shielded.

Unless otherwise stated, these standards are typically rated for operation at their quoted speeds of approximately 100 meters (approximately 330 feet) and use standard RJ-45 Ethernet connectors. Each generation of cable is designed to be compatible with its predecessors, so it is possible (for example) to use Cat-6a cables with routers that only support 1Gbps speeds.

Match your cables to your network and usage

Let's say you wish to install a simple wired network setup in your study, a room where you already have a router and computer. You do this because you want the fastest, most efficient network to cover a small distance. You don't use network drives or copy large files between other machines over the network.

The first thing to check is the speed of your internet connection, as well as the router you have and what speed it supports. If your router's maximum speed is capped at 1Gbps, there's no point in Cat-6 or faster cables, since Cat-5e matches your router's maximum throughput.

However, if you have a router that supports 10Gbps networking and you are lucky enough to have an internet connection over 1Gbps, then you will want to buy a Cat-6 or better router to get the most out of your hardware and connection. You should have some idea of ​​the theoretical maximum internet speed offered by your ISP, and your router may have its maximum ethernet throughput written on the box or the back of the device.

In another situation, you might be wiring an entire apartment and want to connect multiple computers and media devices. You are interested in streaming high-bandwidth video locally over the network, accessing large project files from a central network drive, or other network-intensive tasks. In addition to investing in a heavy duty router that can handle a 10Gbps (or better) network, consider Cat-6a or even Cat-8 cables.

If you want to prevent problems before they happen and upgrade your network equipment at a later date, you may want to run the fastest network cable you can afford (or justify) at the time, as replacing the cable at a later date may cost More.

To block or not to block?

Depending on the standard you choose, you may not be able to choose between shielded and unshielded cables. Most Category 5e cables are available in both shielded and unshielded varieties, each with advantages and disadvantages.

Shielded cables are often referred to as shielded twisted pair (STP). These cables are designed for environments with a lot of electromagnetic interference, such as power lines, wireless networks, or environments where radio waves are more common, such as universities or TV studios.

These cables are stronger, thicker, and need to be grounded because the cables are tied so tightly. It's also more expensive due to the extra materials and workmanship.

Unshielded cable or Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP) cable is better for environments with less crosstalk or noise. This includes most homes and small businesses. These cables are more flexible, easier to use, smaller and less expensive to purchase and manufacture.

The grade of cable you buy will also vary. Higher-grade cables run at faster speeds and at higher frequencies (Cat-5e runs at 100MHz, and Cat-6a runs at 500MHz) more susceptible to interference. This is one of the reasons faster cables are more expensive.

Copper Purity and Signal Loss

Ethernet cables transmit network signals using copper, a highly conductive and common material that has been used in telecommunications since the earliest telephone lines. The quality of the copper used usually indicates signal quality, which is reflected in the price.

Cheaper cables may only use copper-clad aluminum and may suffer higher rates of signal loss over time as aluminum expands and contracts as it heats up and cools. Pure copper is more stable, durable, and more conductive, but there are some considerations here.

Oxygen-free copper wire is made from copper that is over 99.95% pure, with less impurities such as oxygen and iron than standard pure copper wire that may be "only" 99.5% pure. How much of an impact this will have in the real world is hotly debated, especially when speaker wires are discussed among audiophiles. While having a purer copper backbone means fewer "barriers" for the signal to get through, having a pure copper wire in the first place is arguably the most important goal.

Gold plated and RJ-45 connectors

Gold is often used in connectors for all kinds of connections, from 3.5mm stereo jacks to HDMI cables. Gold has one distinct advantage over other metals: a low oxidation rate. While silver may be more conductive, gold oxidizes at a slower rate, which means longer life. This is why most RJ-45 connectors use gold plating.

Something to be aware of is the thickness of the gold used on the connector ends, especially if you are removing and reconnecting cables on a regular basis. Higher quality cables will use thicker gold plating, which will wear out at a slower rate.

This coating is measured in microns, with 50 microns being the optimum thickness. Ideally, you should look for this number on the box or item description to ensure your cable is of high quality.

Consider using your own network cable

If you're the DIY type, you might be interested in making your own network cable. Having the tools and parts to do this ensures you can repair damaged connectors, trim frayed ends, and create the exact cable you need. This will cost more than a standard cable, but may be cheaper over time.

To do this, you'll need any type of network cable (such as Cat-6), modular connectors (RJ-45), and crimping tools for cutting and trimming cables. These are usually provided in crimp tool kits without cables (such as this one). You may also want to use a cable tester to make sure every cable you roll is configured correctly.

Don't Forget Wi-Fi

While wired networking is the most reliable and easiest way to connect many devices to the internet, modern smartphones and tablets that have taken over many of our daily tasks rely heavily on Wi-Fi.

Make sure your wireless network is up to the job, and use a high-quality wireless router to cover all the underlying networks.