It may be confusing to understand which type of Ethernet cable is right for your network out of the dozens of available options but we have designed this guide to make it as easy as possible to choose the optimal patch internet cable. If you need additional help in figuring out how to determine the best cable for your needs, we will be available to answer them so contact us via the phone number 1-800-273-9556. We are also willing and able to create a customizable cable suited for your specific needs. To learn more about our custom Ethernet products, click here.
CAT 5 vs CAT 6 vs CAT 7: Are all Ethernet cables the same?
Some of the most important components of networking cables are found in their generations since they reflect the speed at which the cable transfers data. Cables for Less carries the most popular generations of CAT cable: Category 5e Cable (CAT 5e Ethernet cable), Category 6 Cable (CAT 6 Ethernet cable), and Category 7 Cable (CAT 7 Ethernet cable). For additional reading on the technical differences between these standards, click here.
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CAT5e Speed/ CAT 5e Speed: |
350MHz |
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CAT6 Speed/ CAT 6 Speed: |
550MHz |
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CAT7 Speed/ CAT 7 Speed: |
10 Gigabit |
When asking yourself, “What type of Ethernet cable do I need?”, the CAT5 or CAT6 cable speed is considered more than sufficient for average use. Of the current choices CablesForLess offers, our CAT5 wires come at the most affordable price. If you are relying on patch cables for a standard internet network, CAT LAN networks, and other such basics, then any one of our CAT5 solutions would likely be a perfect fit for your systems. If you have more specialized needs but still want to minimize your spending, you can practically add features to standard CAT5 cords by picking one of our unique versions of the cable discussed below such as the plenum or shielded cables.
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For the average consumer who wants to increase their network connections, it is recommended to invest in CAT6 or CAT6A cables. When comparing CAT 6 vs CAT 6A, CAT 6A cables are more expensive because they are made out of better materials, but this allows them to reach higher speeds at greater distances. However, to take advantage of this greater performance, all components in a network will need to be CAT6A compatible. When comparing CAT 6A vs CAT 7, the increased performance offered by CAT7 is small yet noticeable. Generally, CAT6A cables are the most expensive Ethernet cords that the average user will need.
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However, some people who want to maximize their network speeds might consider our Ethernet cable CAT 7 products. When comparing CAT 7 vs CAT 6, RJ45 patch CAT7 cables are the among the best CAT Ethernet cords for high-speed PC networks including those found in professional businesses and competitive gaming setups. While there are network cables faster than CAT7 in the form of CAT8, the high current price of CAT8 Ethernet patch cables is generally not worth the small performance increase. If you must have cables faster than an Ethernet CAT7 cable, we would instead recommend investing in a fiber network.
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UTP Cable vs STP Cable
Another way to categorize Ethernet cable types is by whether they are an unshielded twisted pair (UTP) or shielded twisted pair (STP) cable. When properly installed, STP cables reduce crosstalk and other forms of electronic interferences. However, they are more expensive, less flexible, heavier, and harder to install than UTP cables. Therefore, UTP cables are generally suitable for average uses but STP might be preferable where shielded cables are needed such as ceiling installations near fluorescent lighting or other electrical interferences.
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Crossover Cable
We offer a line of CAT5e crossover cables. Whereas the average Ethernet wire is used to connect one kind of a device such as a computer to a different kind of device such as a switch, crossover cables are a specialized kind of Ethernet wires which are used for directly connecting two of the same kind of device. This allows users to directly share information between two computers or other identical devices, but these cables do not work as standard Ethernet cables so they should not be used as such.
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Solid vs Stranded
Many of our Ethernet cords have stranded cores with multiple copper wires within them which makes them more flexible but also more expensive when compared to a solid core. Single solid copper cores, on the other hand, maintain their signal strength over longer distances. Due to the inability to bend cables with a solid core, stranded cables are generally recommended for individual home solutions.
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Plenum
We offer a variety of plenum rated cables. These are cords that have been tested and proven to meet the legal standards set by the National Fire Protection Association. If you are going to install cables in a plenum rated space such as vents or air conditioners you must use plenum rated cable. Some companies offer riser rated cables which are somewhat flame retardant but these products do not meet the NFPA’s safety standards and are not authorized for use in plenum rated spaces.
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Crimped/No Boot vs Snagless
Many Ethernet wires come with boots around the Ethernet connector in order to protect it. We offer snagless boots which minimize the chance of the connector being damaged. This snagless option is therefore most useful when used in a place where it may be unplugged frequently. We also offer bootless crimped cables which are a great option for those who want a cheap Ethernet cable. Due to the lack of a boot, there is a greater risk of the cable being damaged when compared to an equivalent cable with a snagless boot. However, these bootless cables are crimped which means the area between the connector and the cable has been tightened in order to minimize the risk that oxygen or water will reach and damage the connector’s internal components.
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Outdoor and Direct Burial
Our outdoor cables are made to be placed above ground and outside of buildings thanks to their strong UV rated jacket which allows them to endure various elements. Our direct burial cables have a similar UV rated jacket which means that they can also be used for above ground purposes but unlike those outdoor cables these direct burial cables can also work effectively while underground.
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Keystone Jacks and other Network Accessories
We also offer multiple complimenting products to enhance your network's capabilities such as our keystone jacks which serve as plug ins for certain network cables as well as bags of washers, screws, and nuts which can be used to assemble shelving units or wall mounts in order to make your system more efficient.
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