Your Guide to Buying the Right Ethernet Cable

Ethernet cables, commonly known as network cables, are copper wires covered in a plastic coating. These cables are used in offices and homes to connect devices to each other using plug-and-socket connections. 

Ethernet cables are usually thicker as compared to other cables, including phone lines or coaxial cables. In offices and homes, people use these cables to connect computers, printers, and other devices. 

Things to Consider While Buying Ethernet Cables

1. Cable Category

There are several classifications for Ethernet cables, and each offers a different level of performance. Cat 5e, Cat 6, Cat 6a, and Cat 7 are the most common categories. It is essential to understand the basics to choose the best cable for your requirements:

• Cat5e (Category 5 Enhanced): This is a better cable version than the original Cat5 model. It is appropriate for small office and residential networking configurations and supports speeds of up to 1 Gbps. Even though Cat5e is sufficient for a wide range of applications, rising network needs are making it relatively outdated.
• Cat6a (Category 6 Augmented): Operating at frequencies up to 500 MHz, Cat6a cables provide speeds up to 10 Gbps over shorter distances (up to 100 meters), making them an improvement over Cat6. Due to their increased efficiency in handling larger data rates, they are perfect for environments with heavy network traffic and future-proofing. 
• Cat7 (Category 7): With frequencies up to 600 MHz and speeds up to 10 Gbps, Cat7 cables are intended for high-speed networking. They are appropriate for areas with high electromagnetic interference (EMI) because they provide improved shielding to lessen crosstalk and interference. A variety of these categories are available from Monk Cables, so you can pick the ideal cable for your particular network configuration and performance needs.

2. Speed and Bandwidth Requirements

When choosing an Ethernet connection, the speed and bandwidth requirements of your network must be taken into consideration. Broadband connections with higher speeds and bigger bandwidths are ideal for higher-speed networks and data-intensive applications. A summary of things to think about is as follows: 

• High-Speed Applications: Cat6a connections are recommended for tasks requiring faster speeds, such as 4K video streaming, online gaming, and file transfers of significant size. They can manage larger data loads and provide higher speeds. 
• Standard Internet Use: Cat5e or Cat6 connections are normally sufficient for basic browsing and streaming. Ordinary residential networks offer sufficient performance and speed. 
• Future-Proofing: Investing in Cat6a or Cat7 cables is a smart move if you want to make sure that your network can withstand updates in the future. These cables let you keep ahead of changing network demands by offering faster speeds and improved performance. The Cat6a and Cat7 cables offered by Monk Cables are great choices for high-speed and future-proof networking requirements, guaranteeing that your system can accommodate both present and future demands.

 3. Length of the Cable

The signal quality may be impacted by the length of the Ethernet cable you select. Distortion in signals is more common with longer cables, which can lead to decreased performance. Here are some things to remember: 

• Shorter Cables: A shorter cable is perfect for short connections between devices, like joining a router and switch. Monk Cables makes sure you have the appropriate cable for your needs by providing a range of lengths to accommodate various setups.
• Longer Cables: Select a cable that preserves signal integrity over the necessary distance for longer runs, such as connecting devices across big rooms or numerous rooms. Ethernet connections can typically travel up to 100 meters without experiencing appreciable signal loss, but if possible, it’s best to stay away from long ones. 

4. Shielding

In areas where electromagnetic interference (EMI) is prevalent, like offices with lots of electrical equipment or industrial settings, shielding is essential. Shielded cables support dependable performance by shielding the signal from outside interference. 

• Unshielded Twisted Pair: These cables are widely used and best suited for low-interference settings. They function well for the majority of homes and small offices.
• STP and FTP: Cables labeled as FTP (Foiled Twisted Pair) and STP (Shielded Twisted Pair) offer extra EMI protection. While FTP cables have shielding around the entire bundle, STP cables have shielding around each pair of wires. These types work best in environments where there is more interruption. With the shielded alternatives that Monk Cables offers, you can be sure that the cable you select will offer the required protection for your surroundings.

5. Build Quality

An Ethernet cable’s endurance and performance are influenced by its construction quality. Strong materials and careful construction characterize high-quality cables, guaranteeing their long-term dependability. When assessing build quality, consider:

• Materials: Premium materials are used in high-quality Ethernet cable insulation and wires. To get the best performance, look for cables with solid copper conductors rather than those with copper-clad aluminum (CCA) conductors.
• Construction: The durability and signal quality of a cable are influenced by its construction, which includes the thickness of the insulation and the quality of the connectors. Monk Cables is renowned for its reliable and long-lasting products and for its high standards in cable building.

 6. Cost

Although cost is a significant factor, selecting a cable only based on price can result in poor performance. Purchasing from a reputable company like Monk Cables guarantees that the item you receive strikes a balance between price, performance, and quality. Better materials, design, and guarantee options are common in higher-quality cables, making them an excellent investment.

7. Cable Craftsmanship

Craftsmanship of the cable is also an essential factor that can affect the working of the cable. While buying the cable, you must keep in mind that both copper-clad aluminum and copper conductors are available on the market. Pure copper wires are better than copper-clad aluminum wires as they provide a more stable network.

8. Cable Connectors

Ethernet cable connectors, also known by the name Rj45 connectors, are attached to both ends of the Ethernet cables. As you know, silver has better conductivity as compared to copper and gold. It is why these connectors should be gold-plated for a better and more reliable network connection.

Benefits of Using Ethernet Cables

There are numerous benefits to Ethernet cables. Let us look at some of these benefits one by one.

Improved Speed

Ethernet cables provide fast internet speeds as compared to Wi-Fi. This is why these cables are an efficient option for applications that need high bandwidth.

Reliable Connection

The presence of walls and furniture can degrade the Wi-Fi signal strength. However, walls and furniture don’t cause any hindrance to the working of Ethernet cables. It is the reason why using Ethernet cables can be an efficient choice.

Better Security

A wired connection is better than a wireless connection because it is secure. The reason is that the interception of the data being transferred through an Ethernet cable is difficult. 

Cost Saving

Ethernet cables are less expensive as compared to Wi-Fi equipment and are much easier to install.

Flexible

You can find Ethernet cables in different lengths, which means that connecting devices away from the router without compromising the internet is very easy.

Bottom Line

Ethernet cables ensure a smooth network connection but you must have proper knowledge about them before making a purchase decision. When you make informed decisions, you have proper knowledge that the cables you are buying will get you the best results. 

If you are looking for reliable Ethernet cables, you can go to Monk Cables. We have been your trusted partners, providing reliable Ethernet cables for over a decade.