When we connect to the Internet through our local network, one of the most used ways is Wi-Fi. However, another very important one is the Ethernet network cable that uses the RJ-45 connector. Today in this article we are going to talk about the best network cables, depending on the use you give them, and the distance you have to cover. It is very important to look at the category of the cable, as it is a crucial factor.
A very important factor to take into account is that the best way to take advantage of the full potential of our Internet connection is through the use of a network cable. Frequently, WiFi networks do not offer us all the bandwidth that we have contracted. This may be because the router does not have enough capacity, the Wi-Fi device cannot support that speed, or because of interference with the WiFi networks of other neighbors.
However, if we opt for network cable, unless our PC or laptop is old, we will not have problems to take advantage of the maximum speed. The only thing we must bear in mind is that, if the cable is too long, we must purchase a suitable cable with additional protections so that the signal is perfect. Before recommending a series of network cables, we are going to talk briefly about the categories and the type of shielding.
Category and shielding of network cables
The best way to choose our network cables, depending on the use that we are going to give them, is by choosing the category that best suits our needs. In this table you have the most updated currently:
The least you should buy right now is Cat 5E cables that still ship free with some routers and network equipment. However, due to the small difference in price, in this article we recommend the use of category 6 network cables at a minimum . Another factor to take into account, in addition to the category, is the shielding, which is a shield that protects the cables under their plastic jacket. Its objective is to avoid electromagnetic interference with transformers, motors and electrical cables.
Depending on the shielding, we can classify network cables into the following classes:
- UTP cable : they have no shielding or shielding, it is the cheapest and most flexible of all.
- Shielded twisted pair cable (FTP): the pairs are not individually shielded, but have global protection that encompasses all of them.
- Single Shielded Twisted Pair (STP) cable : contains each of the cable’s twisted pairs covered by a protective jacket made of aluminum.
- S / FTP cable that have a double shield, on the one hand, each cable has its protective layer and then another additional layer is added that covers the entire set.
The choice of network cables depending on use and distance
Now we are going to see which network cables, depending on the use, we should buy. The choice of our network cable must be made according to its category and the shielding, if we need it. For example, one case where we need shielding is when we have electrical wiring nearby.
In that sense, when the distance is not great, the most recommended are Category 6 cables. They are generally UTP cables and therefore more flexible as well as easier to install. Regarding network cables depending on the use, Category 7 cables are the most recommended for larger distances, this is because they are shielded, and another thing to keep in mind is that they are more fragile as they are less flexible. Then also, in addition to the distance, in the future they will offer more speed than Cat 6. Currently, Cat 7 cables provide us with speeds of up to 10Gbps without problems, ideal in case you have a 10G network in your home, or you think ride one.
Know the category of my network cable and if I need to change it
The easiest way to find out the category and if it is shielded is by looking at the plastic jacket of the network cable. Here’s an example:
This network cable is Category 5 UTP (unshielded). If we are using it in an ADSL router or a device that is not Gigabit Ethernet, it may be enough. However, if not, the best thing to do is buy one of the best Cat 6 or Cat 7 network cables that we are going to propose.
Best Category 6 Network Cables
One of the best network cables depending on the use and the distance that we can buy are Category 6. Our current fiber optic connections at home range from 600 Mb to 100 Mb. If we take into account that the cables of Cat 6 offer speeds of up to 1Gbps, and can even reach speeds of 2.5Gbps with the new NBASE-T Multigigabit standard, we are sure that it will be enough in the vast majority of cases. This type of wiring is the one used in new construction of houses and flats, since it has a very good value for money. These are some examples of cables in this category.
AmazonBasics Cat 6 Network Cable, 0.9m
This is Category 6 cable ideal for home and office networks. In addition to being 0.9 meters long, we can buy it with a maximum size of up to 15.24 meters. It is a quality product offered by Amazon itself.
DIGITUS Professional Cat 6 FTP Cable 1 meter
This cable features a sheath with kink protection, cable ties, and strain relief. In addition, it has a connector with metallic shielding and an inner copper conductor. Regarding the length, we can find it in versions from 0.5 meters to 10 meters. It should also be noted that it allows you to choose it in a different range of colors such as yellow, red, blue, black, magenta, purple and more.
One thing to note is that it has FTP shielding, which, added to its sizes and colors, makes it a great option.
Link Cat 6A network cable of 0.5 meters
We find a 6A cable that works at 500 MHz and with a speed of 10,000 Mbit / s. Being a short cable, it is ideal to join an ONT with a router or communicate two network equipment that are very close. In this case it is only available in green, and in a single 0.5 meter version.
2 meter Cat 6 UTP Nanocable Cable
We find a cable with copper conductors with a purity of 99.9%. The product should be noted that it is 100% tested. We have it available in yellow, blue, white, black, red and green. It is sold in a single size of 2 meters.
KabelDirekt Cat 6 UTP cable of 15 meters
We find a Cat 6 UTP cable, that is, without shielding like most of those in this category. Also like the rest of cables, they are compatible with the previous categories such as 5, 5E etc. We find it available in blue and silver colors. Regarding the size, it offers great versatility, since it has sizes from 0.25 m to 25 meters.
Best Category 7 Network Cables
These types of cables are ideal for the future. An added advantage is that they are generally shielded, so we can obtain the best performance at longer distances, and without other signals interfering with the cable itself. Thanks to these cables, we can get 10 Gb / s with Cat 7 and up to 40 Gb / s with Cat 7A.
Primewire 1 meter Cat.7 U / FTP Network cable
It is a flat cable from the manufacturer Primewire. With it you can reach up to 10000Mbit / s and has an FTP shielding. We can buy it in two colors, black and white. It also offers multiple options in terms of size, since we can buy the smallest with 0.25m and the largest is 30 meters.
Ugreen cable with two 1 or 2 meter Ca7 FTP units
In this case we find a batch of two category 7 cables. In addition, it should be noted that it has FTP shielding, which is ideal to avoid interference with electrical cables and more. It works at 600 MHz and is only available in black. Regarding the size, we can buy it from 1 or 2 meters.
Cat 7A 3.5 meter Reulin cable
We are facing a Cat 7A cable that can reach a speed of 40 Gb / s, and works at a frequency of 1000 MHz. It is a high-performance cable for equipment that requires a high bandwidth. In this case, it is sold in a single color, white. Regarding the size, we have cables from 1 meter and with a maximum of 10 meters.
SEBSON 10 meter Flat Cat 7 FTP Ethernet Network Cable
SEBSON network cable is FTP screened to reduce interference with other cables. Its maximum transfer speed is 10,000Mbit / s. It is a flat cable and has an RJ45 connector with anti-kink protection. We have it in white and in sizes ranging from 1 meter to 30 meters.
Primewire Category 7 U-FTP Cable, 15 meters
With this Primewire cable we can reach speeds of up to 10 Gb / s thanks to its high quality copper connectors. In addition, it has FTP shielding and we have them available in black and white. In terms of size, it offers many options with sizes from 0.25m to 30 meters.
As you have seen, we have a large number of Cat 6 and Cat 7 cables, in addition, we can directly buy cable reels if you are going to make your own network cabling.