How to choose the Ethernet cable

In today’s world, having an internet connection is essential to everyday life. Internet connection via Wi-Fi is widespread, but many users still prefer Ethernet cable connection because of its superior reliability and data transfer speed. When choosing an Ethernet cable, it is essential to consider its cost and quality. Choosing a high-quality cable ensures a stable connection and reduces the need to replace it frequently due to possible malfunctions. Thus, it is essential to take the time to select the best Ethernet cable to ensure an efficient and long-lasting network connection.

Ethernet cable categories

Regardless of their category, Ethernet cables share a similar structure comprising eight wires plus a shield. In Category 8 cables, the entire cable is shielded, and each pair of wires is also individually shielded. The categorization of Ethernet cables is determined by their data transmission speeds and operational frequencies. All higher-standard cables are backward compatible with lower standards.

The primary categories are as follows:

• Cat 5: This older standard supports speeds up to 100 Mbps and operates at frequencies up to 100 MHz.
• Cat 5e (Enhanced Category 5): An advancement over Cat 5, this type reduces interference and can handle speeds up to 1 Gbps at frequencies up to 100 MHz.
• Cat 6: Suitable for higher-performance networks, this category can transmit data at speeds up to 10 Gbps for distances up to 55 meters, operating at frequencies up to 250 MHz.
• Cat 6a (Augmented Category 6): Cat 6’s extension supports 10 Gbps over 100 meters and operates at frequencies up to 500 MHz.
• Cat 7: Capable of 10 Gbps speeds over 100 meters and operating at frequencies up to 600 MHz, this category features shielding for all cable pairs.
• Cat 7a (Augmented Category 7): An improved version of Cat 7, supporting speeds up to 40 Gbps over 50 meters and up to 100 Gbps over 15 meters, with an operational frequency of up to 1000 MHz.
• Cat 8: The latest standard for ultra-high-speed networks, it supports 25-40 Gbps speeds over 30 meters and operates at frequencies up to 2000 MHz.

Cables supporting speeds up to 1 Gbit are commonly used in domestic settings. In contrast, cables capable of transmitting 10 Gbit and above are typically used in industrial environments, such as data centers, for connecting various network devices.

Technical differences between Ethernet cables by category

The design differences among Ethernet cable categories, such as Cat 5, Cat 5e, Cat 6, Cat 6a, Cat 7, Cat 7a, and Cat 8, are primarily centered around shielding, wire twisting, and overall build quality. These design variations directly impact the cable’s performance in speed, bandwidth, and resistance to interference.

1. Shielding:

• Cat 5/5e: Typically unshielded (UTP), offering essential protection against interference and crosstalk.
• Cat 6: May come in unshielded (UTP) or shielded (STP) varieties. Shielded Cat 6 cables provide better protection against crosstalk and electromagnetic interference (EMI).
• Cat 6a: Often shielded (STP), providing enhanced protection against EMI and allowing for higher data transmission rates over longer distances than Cat 6.
• Cat 7/7a: Feature robust shielding; each pair of wires is individually shielded (foil shielding), and there’s additional shielding around the entire set of wires (braid shielding). This dual shielding minimizes EMI and maintains signal quality over longer distances.
• Cat 8: Similar to Cat 7 in terms of shielding, with each pair individually shielded and an overall shield. However, the shielding is more robust to support higher frequencies and speeds.

1. Twisting of Wires: The twisting of the wires in Ethernet cables helps to reduce crosstalk and maintain signal integrity. As you move up the categories, the precision and tightness of this twisting generally improve, offering better performance, particularly for Cat 6 and above.
2. Build Quality and Durability: Higher-category cables, such as Cat 7 and Cat 8, are often built with higher-quality materials. This supports higher performance and contributes to better durability and longevity of the cable.
3. Connector Differences: While most categories use the standard RJ45 connector, Cat 7 and Cat 7a often use a modified GigaGate45 (GG45) connector or TERA connectors, providing better performance but requiring compatible hardware.
4. Cable Thickness: Due to additional shielding and higher-quality materials, higher-category cables (like Cat 6a, Cat 7, Cat 7a, and Cat 8) tend to be thicker and less flexible than lower-category cables.
5. Crosstalk Protection: Enhanced protection against crosstalk is a critical feature in higher categories. Cat 6 and above have better internal structures to combat near-end crosstalk (NEXT) and alien crosstalk (AXT).

These design differences result in varying levels of performance, suitability for different environments (like industrial, commercial, or residential), and cost. The choice of category should align with the network’s specific needs, considering factors such as required data speed, distance, and the level of electromagnetic interference in the environment.

How do I know which Ethernet cable to buy?

When selecting an Ethernet cable, it’s essential to be practical and aware of potential misleading marketing:

1. Avoid Overpaying for High Categories: There’s no need to go for the highest categories like Cat 7 or Cat 8, especially when you see meager prices—a genuine Cat 7 or higher cable costs significantly more than $50. If you see a Cat 8 cable advertised for as low as $5.99, it must be more authentic.
2. Appropriate for Home Use: A Cat 5e or Cat 6 cable is more than sufficient for most home internet setups. Opting for an actual Cat 6 cable is a wise choice as it supports speeds up to 10 Gbit/s, which is ample for virtually any home device.
3. Consider Your Devices: It’s unlikely that typical home devices require a 10 Gbit/s connection. The most advanced equipment you might have is a router with a 10 Gigabit Ethernet (10GE) switch, which a Cat 6 cable can easily accommodate.

In summary, a genuine Cat 6 cable is a cost-effective and efficient choice for home internet usage, providing adequate speed and reliability without the unnecessary expense of higher-category cables often falsely advertised at lower prices.

Is it worth upgrading from Cat5 to Cat6?

When considering upgrading from Cat5 to Cat6 Ethernet cables, the decision should be driven by the specific requirements of your network setup and the capabilities of your connected devices.

For example, if you have a Smart TV at home connected to the internet via an Ethernet cable but equipped with a network card that only supports up to 100Mbit speeds, upgrading to a Cat6 cable won’t inherently boost your TV’s network performance. In this case, the limiting factor is the TV’s network card capacity, not the cable’s capability. Since Cat5 cables can comfortably handle speeds up to 100 Mbps, a Cat6 cable, which supports up to 10 Gbps, would be an unnecessary upgrade for this particular device.

On the other hand, if you’re revamping your home network and introducing routers capable of 1 Gb speeds or even higher, upgrading to Cat6 cables becomes a logical step. Cat6 cables are specifically designed to handle higher bandwidths and offer enhanced performance, including better handling of crosstalk and system noise. This is crucial for maintaining the integrity of higher-speed data transmission. They can support speeds up to 10 Gbps and are more efficient for networks with high data transfer rates.

It’s also important to consider the future-proofing aspect. If you anticipate upgrading your devices or expanding your network shortly, investing in Cat6 cables might be a wise decision. This ensures that your network infrastructure won’t become a bottleneck as you add faster devices or if your internet service provider increases your internet speed.
Ultimately, the decision to upgrade should be based on a thorough evaluation of your current and future network needs, the capabilities of your existing devices, and the potential for network expansion. It’s about finding the right balance between current requirements, potential future needs, and cost-effectiveness.