Ethernet Cables
To Wire Or Not To Wire
Ethernet cables can provide a faster internet connection and longer distances than a WiFi connection. That’s because a WiFi connection transmits data via wireless signals, while an Ethernet connection transmits data over cable.
Although a number of variables determine the actual speed of a WiFi connection, an Ethernet connection is always faster. It’s that simple.
When approaching home networking in today’s environment, what you don’t want to do is skim on the Ethernet cables. Especially if you are working from home. While some Ethernet cables are great for connectivity today, it’s best to think about future-proofing your cabling. If you are going to do it.
At the most basic level, getting the most speed out of wired home network relies on three things: the router’s speed, the capabilities of the device that is using the data and, of course, the cable’s data-carrying capacity.
But not all cables are equal. In fact, the type of Ethernet cable you use can have an impact on your internet connection and speeds.
Types Of Ethernet Cables
Ethernet Cabling
Choosing The Right One
To the casual observer, Ethernet cabling differences can be invisible. Although the differences may seem subtle, each new generation introduces more bandwidth and speed capability. Knowing the differences of each category can help you understand why adding it or upgrading it is so important.
- Cat 5: outdated
- max data transmission speed 10/100 Mbps, max bandwidth 100 MHz
- This type of Ethernet cable outdated and should be replaced
- Cat 5e: the current standard
- Max data transmission speed 1000 Mbps, max bandwidth 100MHz (Gigabit Ethernet)
- Supports Gigabit speeds at a cost effective price
- Cat 6: higher bandwidth
- Max data transmission speed 1000 Mbps, max bandwidth 250MHz
- When transmitting at 10 Gbps speeds, CAT6 only supports a maximum distance of 37 meters
- Cat 6a: 10x the speeds & double the bandwidth
- max data transmission speed 10,000 Mbps, max bandwidth 500 MHz
- Cat 6a wiring supports 10 Gigabit Ethernet at 100 meters
- Eliminates Alien Crosstalk (AXT)
- Improves signal-to-noise ratio (SNR)
- Cat 7: a little higher bandwidth than Cat 6a
- max data transmission speed 10,000 Mbps, max bandwidth 600 MHz
- Cat 7a: the best you can get
- max data transmission speed 10,000 Mbps, max bandwidth 1,000 MHz
