Network Cables

Network cables are used for Internet connection with a modem or router, as well as within a local network. There are several types of network cables on the market—the most common are CAT5E and CAT6. There are also network cables with or without terminal connectors (bulk). Although wireless connection is quickly gaining popularity, there are still many cases when it is better to use a Wi-Fi network cable due to its better connection stability and speed—for example, when streaming 4K video from your NAS to Smart TV. Read on to learn more about what cables there are and how to choose them.

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Network Cables With or Without Terminal Connectors

The most common network cable connector is RJ-45. Network cables are broadly divided into types with this connector and without it:

Patch cables have RJ45 terminal connectors on both sides and are suitable for connecting 2 devices, such as a router and a computer network card.
Network cables without terminal connectors are usually sold in bulk (crimpable). This means you can choose exactly the length you need and snap on the connector with a crimping tool. This type is suitable for connecting large local networks.

Network cables are used not only to connect to the Internet, but also to the local network. They can also be used, for example, to connect the printer to a router or other network elements.

Basic Network Cable Classification

The RJ-45 is the most widely used network connector these days, and it has pushed most of the competition out of the market. The RJ-45 is highly versatile and is mainly used for Ethernet cables capable of transmitting high bitrates.

CAT5

A historic category of network cables (standard from 1995) with 100BASE-T protocol support. Since then it has been replaced by CAT5E. The maximum transfer speed is 100 Mbps.

Old technology.

CAT5E

The CAT5E network cable is the most popular type in households and offers the best price/performance ratio. It offers a speed of up to 1 Gbps and supports 1000BASE-T protocols and lower in the 100 MHz bandwidth. However, it is perfectly sufficient for standard home use.

Fast data transfer.
Wide compatibility.

Old technology.

You need the full bandwidth if you want to reach a 1 Gbps speed, i.e. 100 MHz. An overcrowded channel with a slight interference causes a decrease in Internet speeds. CAT6 cables and higher have an advantage in this respect, as it has larger bandwidth.

CAT6

CAT6 network cables with support for 1000BASE-T and lower, with speeds of up to 1 Gbps and 250 MHz bandwidth. You can get full speeds even with a slight interference.

More modern technology.
More bandwidth.

Higher price.

CAT6A

CAT6A network cables support 10GBASE-T or lower. This type offers speeds of up to 10 Gbps with a 500 MHz bandwidth. The advantage of the 10GBASE-T protocol is its high resistance to interference from nearby cables.

Speeds up to 10 Gbps.
High bandwidth.

High price.

CAT7

The advantage of the CAT7 network cable with 10GBASE-T support and lower is a transfer speed of up to 10 Gbps with a 600 MHz bandwidth. This type of cable is the most resistant to the nearby interference compared to the previous types.