Ethernet Cable Crash Course: What "Cat" Means, and How to Pick The Right Cable For Your Home or Office

It would be difficult to find a modern workplace that doesn’t rely on an internet connection. More often than not, you must be connected online to complete tasks and assignments to perform all the functions a business needs. Therefore, it is essential to maintain a strong and stable connection. This includes both wireless and wired connection. While wireless is more common, a wired connection typically provides faster speeds and stronger performance. 

In this article, we will explain everything you need to know about ethernet cables. We will also provide tips to purchase the right cable for your workspace.

Everything You Need to Know about Ethernet Cables

There is plenty to know about ethernet cables. To start, they are the building blocks of a wired internet connection. Unlike standard wireless connection that can be interrupted easier, ethernet connection typically provides faster speeds with greater stability.  

Are there different types of ethernet cables? Yes, there are several variations, ranging from Cat1 to Cat8. For modern networking and speed, it is best to purchase Cat5e and newer as these will meet current internet connection standards.

The standard ethernet cable variation is the Cat6. It supports speeds up to 10GB, which is the fastest for home and consumer networking. A standard Cat6 cable can reach up to 55ft and is generally affordable. 

For faster connection, the Cat6a cable may be more suitable as it features a maximum bandwidth of 500 MHz, twice the capability of a standard Cat6.

While the Cat6 model is best for home and local business use, the Cat7 offers nearly 6x the connectivity range. In addition, these cables are shielded, offering additional protection against EMI (electromagnetic interference). Typically, a Cat7 is best utilized for industrial settings with rougher grounds.

For maximum speed and connectivity, Cat8 is the way-to-go. This is the latest ethernet cable model with supported transfer speed and bandwidth up to 40GB and 2GHz respectively. 

Finally, there are two types of ethernet cable wiring: unshielded and shielded. As the name implies, shielded cables have an additional protective layer, preventing EMI and general wear-and-tear. 

How to Find the Right Ethernet Cable

With several models and variations, which is the right ethernet cable for your needs?

To start, it is best to consider your usage requirements. For in-home use with less devices, a Cat6 cable is most compatible. 10GBs of supported transfer is plentiful for desktops and gaming consoles.

Alternatively, for larger offices with dozens of connected devices, a Cat8 cable can be helpful. Specifically, a maximum cable length of 100ft allows for easier connectivity and less plug-and-unplug.

Another aspect to consider is the makeup of your ethernet cable. Aluminum cables, composed of copper coated aluminum, are cheaper but less durable. On the other hand, 100% copper ethernet cables are more resilient and feature less latency. 

Depending on your workplace needs, opting for a stronger cable may be worthwhile. 

Price is another important factor as you should stay within your budget. Understandably, Cat7 and Cat8 cables are more expensive, due to their increased durability and greater connection speeds. By understanding your usage requirements and environment, you can purchase an ethernet cable that meets your needs and falls in reasonable price ranges.

Learn More with Rackfinity

At Rackfinity, it is our mission to furnish workplaces with fast and powerful IT equipment. We believe that investing in your workspace is a key step to long-term growth and success. Rackfinity offers an excellent selection of items such as desktops, technical furniture, and networking accessories.

We also provide custom design and installation services. All you need to do is provide a preferred appointment time.

For more information, please contact us at 1-800-944-0338. We look forward to hearing from you.