Ethernet cables are the lifeblood of any home network, carrying data, such as text, pictures, and video between devices in the home. However, with so many options available on the market, it can be hard to choose one that will do its job well. Here's what you need to know when shopping for high-quality Ethernet Cables to ensure you get the right ones for your home network needs.
What Is An Ethernet Cable, And What Does It Do?
Ethernet cables are used to connect devices within a Local Area Network (LAN). They are commonly used in homes and small businesses to connect computers, printers, and other devices to the router or modem. Ethernet cables come in different grades, with each step having a different maximum speed and bandwidth. The most common types are Cat5e, Cat6, and Cat6a. In general, Cat5e will offer the fastest data transfer speeds and highest bandwidth at 1000Mbps over 100 meters of cable. However, CAT6 has been shown to perform faster than CAT5e, up to 55 meters in some cases. Additionally, cat6a is only rated up to 25 meters at 10Gbps but is still considered more robust than CAT6 due to its ability to withstand high-frequency noise, which can degrade signal quality.
What Type Of Ethernet Cable Do I Need For My Home Network?
There are three main types of Ethernet cables- Cat5e, Cat6, and Cat6a. Cat5e is the most common cable type and is suitable for most home networks. Cat6 Cable is faster than Cat5e and is a good choice if you have a lot of devices on your network or if you plan on using your network for 4K video streaming. Cat6a is the fastest type of Ethernet cable but is also the most expensive. The cost/benefit ratio of Cat6a ethernet cables may not be worth it unless you need blazing fast speeds.
How to Choose?
There are a few things you'll want to keep in mind when shopping for Ethernet cables:
You'll need to decide which type of cable you need. The most common types are Cat5e and Cat6 Ethernet cables.
You'll need to decide how long of a cable you need. Bulk Ethernet cables are typically available in lengths of 100ft, 1000ft, or even longer.
You'll want to consider the speed of your network.
Which Type Of Data Transfer Speed Should I Get?
If you're working from home, you need an ethernet cable that can handle high speeds and a lot of data. A Cat5e cable is an excellent option for most people. It can handle up to 1000 feet and has a data transfer speed of up to 100 Mbps. Ethernet cables are also great for gaming and streaming HD video. If you have a lot of devices that need to be connected to the internet, you may want to consider an Ethernet network cable. These cables are designed to handle multiple devices with a data transfer speed of up to 10 Gbps.
Start with the Cable Conductor
An essential factor in choosing an Ethernet cable is the conductor. It carries the electrical signal from one end of the line to the other. The most common type of conductor is copper, but some cables use aluminum or fiber optics. The size of the conductor is also important, as it determines how much the cable can carry data.
Shielded or Unshielded is required?
When it comes to ethernet cables, there are two main types: shielded and unshielded. Shielded cables are typically used in industrial settings where there is a lot of interference. Unshielded cables are more common and are typically used in homes. The main difference between the two is that shielded cables have an extra layer of protection against interference.
Conclusion
Choosing the right Ethernet cables for your home network isn't always as easy as it seems. With so many different kinds of cables on the market, you need to know a little about them before picking the one that will work best for you. We hope the information in this blog was helpful and that you now feel more comfortable about choosing the suitable Ethernet cable for your home network. If you need more information about Ethernet cables, please call our Ethernet cable experts at (347) 781 4942.