Your internet’s speed and reliability depend on the network cable you choose. Many people think all networking cables are the same, but this costly mistake will get you slow connections and poor performance.
Internet cables come in different speeds, distance capability and price points. Basic browsing will work fine with Cat5e, while Cat6 will do better with gaming and streaming. Fiber optic cables are the fastest speeds for demanding applications.
Before buying, smart buyers take speed requirements, installation distance, budget, and environment into account.
This guide will explain key factors to consider when choosing the perfect network cable for your needs without overpaying or underperforming.
Types of Network Cables
There are different network cable types for different purposes. However, there are basically two main categories of these:
Ethernet Cables (Most Common)
Networking cables are most popular in ethernet cables. Copper wires are used to carry electrical signals. These cables are used in most homes and offices.
Cat5e Cables
- Speed: Up to 1 Gigabit per second
- Distance: Up to 100 meters
- Best for: Basic internet browsing and light usage
Cat6 Cables
- Speed: Up to 10 Gigabits per second (short distances)
- Distance: Up to 100 meters for 1 Gigabit
- Best for: Gaming, streaming, and business use
Cat6a Cables
- Speed: Up to 10 Gigabits per second
- Distance: Up to 100 meters for 10 Gigabit
- Best for: High-performance networks
Cat7 and Cat8 Cables
- Speed: Up to 40 Gigabits per second
- Distance: Shorter than other categories
- Best for: Data centers and future-proofing
Fiber Optic Cables
Light is used instead of electricity in fiber optic internet cables. Copper cables are slower and do not work over long distances.
Single-Mode Fiber
- Distance: Up to 40 kilometers
- Speed: Very high speeds
- Best for: Long-distance connections
Multi-Mode Fiber
- Distance: Up to 2 kilometers
- Speed: High speeds
- Best for: Building-to-building connections
Key Factors to Consider while choosing Network Cables
Below is a list of leading factors to consider while buying a network cables:
Speed Requirements
How fast you need to be depends on what you do online. Different bandwidths are required for different activities.
Basic Internet Use
- Web browsing: 1-5 Mbps
- Email: 1 Mbps
- Social media: 1-5 Mbps
Streaming and Entertainment
- HD video streaming: 25 Mbps
- 4K video streaming: 100 Mbps
- Online gaming: 25-50 Mbps
Professional Use
- Video conferencing: 10-25 Mbps
- Large file transfers: 100+ Mbps
- Multiple users: 500+ Mbps
Pick networking cables capable of supporting more speed than you are currently using. This leaves you room to grow and avoids having to upgrade in the future.
Distance Requirements
Over long distances, network cable performance decreases. Maximum distance limits exist for each cable type.
Short Distances (Under 30 feet)
- All cable types work well
- Focus on speed and cost
- Cat5e often sufficient
Medium Distances (30-150 feet)
- Cat6 recommended
- Consider signal loss
- May need signal boosters
Long Distances (150+ feet)
- Cat6a or higher required
- Consider fiber optic cables
- Professional installation recommended
Budget Considerations
The price of Internet cables is hugely variable. The higher categories cost more, but perform better.
Budget Options
- Cat5e cables: $0.20-$0.50 per foot
- Good for basic needs
- Widely available
Mid-Range Options
- Cat6 cables: $0.30-$0.80 per foot
- Best value for most users
- Good future-proofing
Premium Options
- Cat6a and higher: $0.50-$2.00 per foot
- Maximum performance
- Professional-grade quality
Environment and Installation
The type of network cable you buy depends on where you’ll install the network cable.
Indoor Installation
- Standard PVC jackets work fine
- Focus on flexibility and cost
- Consider plenum-rated cables for air ducts
Outdoor Installation
- Need UV-resistant jackets
- Waterproof options available
- Direct burial cables for underground
Industrial Environments
- Shielded cables reduce interference
- Heavy-duty jackets resist damage
- Higher temperature ratings needed
Shielded vs Unshielded Cables
There are two types of networking cables, shielded and unshielded. Each has its advantages and disadvantages.
Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP)
Most common type of network cable:
- Lower cost
- Easier to install
- Good for most home and office use
- More flexible
Shielded Twisted Pair (STP)
Better protection against interference:
- Higher cost
- Harder to install
- Better for industrial environments
- Less flexible but more durable
Cable Construction Quality
Not all internet cables are made equally. Quality differences affect performance and lifespan.
Conductor Material
Solid Copper Conductors
- Best electrical properties
- Lower resistance
- Higher cost
- Recommended for permanent installations
Copper-Clad Aluminum (CCA)
- Lower cost
- Higher resistance
- Adequate for short runs
- Not recommended for PoE applications
Jacket Materials
PVC Jackets
- Standard for most applications
- Good flexibility
- Moderate cost
LSZH (Low Smoke Zero Halogen)
- Safer in fires
- Required in some buildings
- Higher cost
Plenum-Rated
- Fire-resistant
- Required in air handling spaces
- Highest cost
Connector Types and Quality
The connectors on your networking cables matter as much as the cable itself.
RJ45 Connectors
Standard connector for Ethernet cables:
- Gold-plated contacts resist corrosion
- Proper crimping ensures good connection
- Quality varies between manufacturers
Connector Boots
Protective covers for connectors:
- Prevent damage from bending
- Reduce strain on connection
- Available in different colors for organization
Testing and Certification
Quality network cable manufacturers test their products and provide certifications.
Important Certifications
ETL/UL Listed
- Safety standards compliance
- Fire resistance testing
- Required for many installations
Category Compliance
- Performance standards met
- Speed and frequency ratings verified
- Ensures advertised performance
RoHS Compliance
- Environmental safety standards
- Limits hazardous materials
- Required for many applications
Common Buying Mistakes
When purchasing internet cables, avoid the following common mistakes:
Choosing Wrong Category
If the cables can’t keep up with your speed, don’t buy them. Also, don’t overbuy expensive cables for basic applications.
Ignoring Distance Limits
If you are running long cable runs, you need higher category cables or signal boosters. Carefully plan your installation.
Buying Cheap Knockoffs
Connection problems and poor safety standards are caused by cables of poor quality. Only stick with reputable brands.
Wrong Environment Rating
The outdoor life in indoor cables is short. Outdoor cables are more expensive but are required where you are installing it outside.
Installation Tips
Proper installation gets the best performance from your networking cables:
Planning Your Route
- Avoid electrical interference sources
- Plan for future expansion
- Consider cable management
- Measure distances accurately
Professional vs DIY
DIY Installation
- Suitable for simple home networks
- Pre-made cables often better than homemade
- Test connections after installation
Professional Installation
- Required for complex networks
- Ensures proper termination
- Includes testing and certification
Future-Proofing Your Investment
Things change rapidly with technology. When you purchase network cable, think of the future.
Bandwidth Growth
The internet speeds get faster and faster. Buy cables that exceed your current need.
New Applications
More bandwidth is needed to stream 4K, create virtual reality and make smart home devices more efficient. Think about these technologies.
Lifespan Considerations
The good thing is that good networking cables last about 10 to 15 years. It’s often more expensive upfront but cheaper long term.
Conclusion
In selecting the right network cable, you need to consider a balancing act of speed, distance, cost, and environment. With knowledge of these key considerations, you can make informed decisions to improve your network performance.
Begin by evaluating what your current and future needs will be. Think about your budget and your installation environment. Pick good cables from good manufacturers. Also, do not forget the process of proper installation and testing.
A good, fast network lays on the right networking cables. You will have years of better internet performance by taking time to choose wisely. Whatever the purpose, whether you need basic internet cables for home use or high performance solutions for business, these factors will make sure you get the best value for your business.
