How to Choose an Ethernet Cable

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

Not All Ethernet Cables Are Created the Same

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

Network cables come in different categories, with the basic standard being Cat-5. Just like the different Wi-Fi standards, different Ethernet cable categories have different speeds. The different categories available are:

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

Unless otherwise specified, these standards are generally rated for runs of about 100 meters (about 330 feet) at their quoted speeds 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 a Cat-6a cable with a router that only supports 1Gbps speeds.

Match your cable to your network and your application

Let's say you want to install a simple wired network setup in your study, a room where you already have a router and a computer. You do this because you want the fastest, most efficient network possible to cover a short 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 the speeds it supports. If your router's maximum speed is capped at 1Gbps, then Cat-6 or faster cables don't make sense, as 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, you will want to invest in a Cat-6 or better router to take full advantage of your hardware and connection. You should have an idea of ​​the theoretical maximum internet speeds offered by your ISP, and your router will likely have its maximum Ethernet throughput written on the box or back of the device.

In another scenario, you might be wiring your entire apartment, hoping to connect multiple computers and media devices. You're 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 10Gbps (or better) networks, consider Cat-6a or even Cat-8 cabling.

If you want to be prepared and upgrade your network equipment later, you may want to lay 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 come in both shielded and unshielded varieties, each with their own advantages and disadvantages.

Shielded cables are often called 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.

Because the cables are tied very tightly, this type of cable is stronger, thicker, and requires grounding. It is also more expensive due to the additional materials and workmanship.

Unshielded cables, or unshielded twisted pair (UTP) cables, are better suited for environments with less crosstalk or noise. This includes most homes and small businesses. These cables are more flexible, easier to work with, smaller, and cheaper to purchase and manufacture.

The grade of cable you buy will also make a difference. Higher grade cables, which run at faster speeds and higher frequencies (Cat-5e runs at 100MHz, while Cat-6a runs at 500MHz), are more susceptible to interference. This is one reason why 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 is often indicative of signal quality, which is reflected in the price.

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

Oxygen-free copper wire is made from copper that is over 99.95% pure, and has fewer impurities like oxygen and iron than standard pure copper wire, which might be "only" 99.5% pure. How much of a difference this makes in the real world is hotly debated, especially when discussing speaker wire among audiophiles. While having a purer copper backbone means there are fewer "obstacles" for the signal to pass through, having 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 a variety 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 will oxidize at a slower rate, which means a longer lifespan. That's why most RJ-45 connectors are plated with gold.

Something to watch out for is the thickness of the gold used on the ends of the connectors, especially if you're going to be removing and reconnecting the cable regularly. Higher quality cables will use a 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 in the product 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 that you can repair damaged connectors, trim frayed ends, and create the exact cable you need. This will cost more than a standard cable, but will likely be cheaper over time.

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

Don’t Forget Wi-Fi

Although wired networks are 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 that you use a high-quality wireless router that covers all the bases.