What's the Best Ethernet Cable?

Ethernet cables come in a variety of speeds. Cat6 cables are the industry standard, but Cat7 and Cat8 cables are the latest ethernet cables. Which cable is right for you?

Ethernet cables have advanced rapidly in speed and bandwidth since the release of Cat 1, an unshielded twisted-pair cable introduced in 1985 with a data rate of 1 Mbps. Though not considered adequate enough for data transmission at the time, they were nonetheless the start of ethernet networks as we know them. How far has ethernet technology come since then, and where will it go next?

Cat6 network patch cables are among the most commonly used and discussed, but they aren't the be-all-end-all of ethernet cables. In this post we'll discuss the option to "future proof" your network with Cables.com's Category7 and Category8 cables. Far superior in terms of speed and protection of your data, you'll want to consider these ethernet cords when you're serious about making sure your network is functioning at its absolute best. But there are a number of factors that will determine what ethernet cable is best for you. 

Cat5e Ethernet Cables

What are the pros and cons of these different types of cables? To start with, the most noteworthy is cost. Here on Cables.com, 1 ft of Category 5e Bootless Ethernet Cable will cost $1.25. 1ft of Cat6 Bootless Ethernet Cable, in contrast, will cost $1.50. It isn't a significant price difference, maybe, but when you're looking at more cable for a more complex network, the difference begins to add up. 

Category 5e ethernet cables are an updated version of the Cat 5 cables that revolutionized networking in the 1990s. The difference is that Cat5e cable can handle speeds of up to 350 MBPS, whereas the regular Cat 5 cables can only handle speeds up to 100 MBPs. Cat5e cables are reliable at high speeds, and are considered the best alternative to Cat6 or Cat7 cables when you need high speed data and gigabit ethernet for your organization's network on a budget.

Cat6 and Cat6A Ethernet Cables

Category 6 cables, commonly known as Cat 6, are a significant step up from their predecessors in terms of network performance and data transmission speeds. They are well-suited for modern networking requirements.

Category 6A ethernet cables are currently the industry standard for data network installations. The "A" stands for "Augmented," referring to the cable's enhanced performance speeds in comparison to standard Category6 ethernet cables. Cat6A cables combine affordability with connection quality, and when you're purchasing from Cables.com, you can be sure you're getting the best cable for your money. Rated for up to 500 Mhz, Cat6A cables can offer up to twice the speed of Category 6 cables and are gigabit rated, which makes them suitable for POE (Power Over Ethernet) devices - no additional cables needed! Our Datacomm Cat6A cables offer a reliable and secure connection between your devices and your home or office network.

Cat7 Ethernet Cables

Did you know that Cat7 ethernet patch cables are up to ten times faster than Cat6 cables? Cables.com's Category 7 network cables are capable of delivering up to 10 gigabit per second data transfer. This includes data with frequencies of up to 600MHz compared to Cat6's 250MHz. The Datacomm cables available here on Cables.com feature shielded connectors with 50 micron gold plated pins on both ends and consist of four individually shielded pairs inside an overall braided shielded jacket. The connectors are the same you'd find in Cat5e or Cat6 cables, with the key difference being their power and their ability to protect against signal noise and ensure a smooth signal transfer. These cords are available in a variety of lengths between one and one hundred feet and several colors, and you should also remember that you have the option of working with us to order custom cables for your home or business network if you don't see just what you're looking for in our online catalog!

Cat8 Ethernet Cables

What should you buy when you want to future-proof your ethernet connection? Let's take a look at our Cat8 ethernet patch cables next. These network patch cords are capable of achieving the same speeds you might expect from fiber optic cables. In terms of construction, they're made up of a thick 24awg jacket with each pair foil shielded and an overall braid shield, which provides exceptional signal transfer. You're guaranteed to receive 100% copper cable, available at competitive pricing and shipped fast right to your door. It's also worth noting that our cables come with a lifetime warranty - if they wear out or get damaged over time, Cables.com is ready with the support you'll need to keep your data center operating efficiently. 

Shop Cables.com

What should you do if you're having a hard time figuring out exactly which cables are the best ones for your network? With so many options available on Cables.com, it might be difficult to decide. Luckily our Quick Patch Finder for Network Cables and Cords is free and easy to use. Use the drop down menus to identify your particular cable needs, and the tool will point you in the right direction. 

If you still have questions, remember that Cables.com is always here to help. Please feel free to reach out to us directly with our Contact form, or give us a call toll-free at 1-800-372-3725. 

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