Does the quality of the Ethernet cable matter? The simple answer is a resounding YES; the ethernet cable's quality is critical.
Ethernet cable quality can be determined by categorizing them (Cat5, Cat5e, Cat6, Cat6a) or by their use (in plenum, riser, or outdoor spaces).
Before we go any farther, let's review the fundamentals of these wires.
Ethernet cables connect equipment such as routers, computers, laptops, and network switches. Almost all ethernet connections appear to be the same, so learning how to tell one from the other is essential. When you're out shopping for ethernet cables, this knowledge will come in handy.
The quality of data transfer speed and bandwidth improves dramatically as you progress from Cat5 to Cat6a. Cat6a cable takes data transfer speeds to a new level of 10Gbps, whilst Cat5 can only give up to 100Mbps. Cat5 has a medium bandwidth capacity of up to 100 Mhz, while Cat6 can deliver the same at 500 Mhz, with some varieties even exceeding 750 Mhz.
The protection against crosstalk and electromagnetic interference is the second most important feature to consider when evaluating the quality of an ethernet cable (EMIs).
The most recent cable versions have the highest-quality jacket materials. The better the material, the better the fire resistance and the lower the crosstalk and EMIs.
It's not only about security from the outside. STP - shielded twisted pairs - refers to several ethernet cable versions, such as Cat6 and Cat6a. The cables with the STP logo have an extra layer of protection. The shielding or wrapping material for each of the four twisted pairs inside such cables is either a copper braid jacket or foil wrapping. Such wrappings offer the highest level of EMI and crosstalk shielding available. The quality of four twisted pairs can be determined by whether or not they are made of pure copper. These four twisted pairs should also be covered in high-density polyethene (HDPE). When both of these parameters are combined, the signal strength is significantly increased.
The location of use is another aspect that affects the quality of the ethernet cable. You are only allowed to utilize plenum-rated wires in plenum spaces. These cables include a PVC jacket that is of the highest quality, making them perfect for use in plenum environments. Outer coats with plenum ratings are usually fire-resistant. Because of their extra safety measures, these ethernet cables will inhibit fire progression in the event of a fire. It is for this reason that plenum-rated cable can be used in riser areas.
Cables with riser-rated jackets are approved for use in riser areas and outdoor environments. Despite the fact that their jacket material is of the highest grade, it falls short of that of plenum spaces. As a result, riser-rated jackets cannot be used as a substitute for plenum-rated cables. Then there are the PVC-rated coats. These cables' jacket material makes them ideal for use in outdoor environments. PVC-rated cables, on the other hand, are not suitable for plenum and riser space installations.
Another element that impacts the cable's quality is whether or not the cable is constructed of pure copper.
Pure copper cables provide far superior performance and do not suffer from attenuation issues. Pure copper wires, on the other hand, will not only pass building standards but will also provide superior signal strength and have a longer lifespan. Copper Clad Aluminium (CCA) ethernet cables, on the other hand, have a far higher dc resistance than cat6 pure copper cables. CCA cables are very brittle and readily break. Because CCA cables have low tensile strength, pulling or shearing them might cause them to break.
We can safely say that ethernet cable quality matters when all of these factors are taken into account. You should use a high-quality cable if you want faster data transmission speeds with less crosstalk and EMIs. These cables are normally more expensive, but they provide the best results.