How to choose the Best Ethernet Cable?

With the rapid development of technology, the question of how to choose the best Ethernet cable has become prominent. There is an increasing variety of Ethernet cables available in the market, such as Cat 5e, Cat 6, Cat 7, and more, which can be confusing as to which one to choose. In this article, we will analyze from various perspectives to assist you in making an informed decision when selecting the best Lan cable that suits your needs.

What is Ethernet Cable

Before delving into how to choose the best Ethernet cable for your needs, it is essential to understand what Ethernet cable is. Ethernet cable is a type of cable used for computer network connections. It facilitates the transmission of data signals to enable communication between devices. It converts digital signals into electrical signals and transmits them through the copper conductors within the cable. Ethernet cables typically consist of multiple insulated wires, with each wire individually insulated. Common types of Ethernet cables include Cat5e, Cat6, Cat7, and more, each offering different performance and transmission speeds.

How to Distinguish the Best Ethernet Cable?

After introducing what Ethernet cable is, it is important to understand how to choose the best Ethernet cable. Several factors need to be considered to determine whether an Ethernet cable is good or not:

Jacket Material

Ethernet cables commonly come with PVC, LSZH, TPE, PE, etc., among which PVC and LSZH are the most common jacket materials. PVC is widely used due to its good wear resistance, durability, and low cost. On the other hand, LSZH, although slightly more expensive than PVC, is a flame-retardant material. It is often used in environments that require higher safety and fire performance.

Conductor Material

Ethernet cables usually have copper conductors, aluminum conductors, silver conductors, and alloy conductors. Copper conductors are considered the best in terms of performance and cost-effectiveness. They have excellent conductivity, signal transmission characteristics, low resistance, and provide stable signal transmission with minimal signal loss. Aluminum conductors are relatively lightweight and suitable for specific applications but have poorer conductivity, resulting in higher resistance and signal loss. Silver conductors, although excellent in conductivity and the second best after copper, are more expensive and usually limited to special applications such as high-performance audio and video. Alloy conductors are composed of a mixture of metals, and their performance varies depending on the specific alloy composition and ratio.

Cable Connectors

Ethernet cable connectors come in various materials such as gold-plated, silver-plated, nickel-plated, crystal, and alloy connectors. The most common ones are nickel-plated and crystal connectors. Nickel-plated connectors offer good corrosion resistance and conductivity at a lower cost, making them suitable for mass production. Crystal connectors provide good signal transmission, stability, easy maintenance, and multiple insertions with good durability and wear resistance. Crystal connectors have better signal transmission and longer lifespan compared to nickel-plated connectors, while nickel-plated connectors have better corrosion resistance and lower prices.

Industry-Authorized Test Reports

It is well-known that Fluke produces widely-used equipment for testing the performance of Ethernet cables and network connections. Through various network tests, including connectivity, speed, and signal quality, Fluke test reports can provide a substantial indication of whether an Ethernet cable is excellent and reliable. Having a Fluke test report is desirable for the best Internet cable.

How to Choose the Suitable Ethernet Cable

When purchasing the best network cable, there are several aspects to consider in order to choose the right product for your needs. Here are the factors you should take into account:

Shielding Type

Shielded (STP) or unshielded (UPT) is an important consideration when buying an Ethernet cable. Unshielded cables, also known as UTP (Unshielded Twisted Pair), consist of multiple twisted pairs of copper wires, each pair insulated but lacking an external shielding layer. UTP cables rely on the twisted pair configuration to reduce electromagnetic interference, providing basic signal transmission and anti-interference capabilities suitable for general home, office, and commercial network applications. Shielded cables, on the other hand, also known as STP (Shielded Twisted Pair), have an additional external metal shielding layer that effectively blocks electromagnetic interference and signal leakage, offering higher anti-interference properties and more reliable signal transmission. Shielded cables are commonly used in environments that require higher interference resistance, such as industrial control systems, medical equipment, or locations with nearby sources of interference.

Speed

Ethernet cables come in various categories that correspond to different speeds. Cat5e is suitable for 10/100/1000BASE-T, while Cat6 supports 1000BASE-T and 10G-T. Cat6a and Cat7 are designed for 10G-T, and Cat8 is used for 25/40G-T. When selecting an Ethernet cable, you need to choose the one that matches your network speed requirements.

Length

Consider the distance between devices when purchasing an Ethernet cable. If the chosen length is too short, the devices won't be able to connect. If it's too long, cable management can become cumbersome. It's important to note that according to Ethernet standards, the maximum length for an Ethernet cable is 100 meters (328 feet). Within this range, signal transmission loss can be controlled within the standard range. Going beyond 100 meters may result in signal attenuation and performance degradation.

Application Environment

When choosing the best Ethernet cable you also should consider the application environment. Different environments require different types of Ethernet cables. For outdoor use, you'll need cables with enhanced durability and interference resistance. For home or office networks, a standard Ethernet cable would typically suffice.

After considering the above points, you can choose the best network cable according to your actual needs to provide a reliable and efficient network connection.

Ethernet Cable from QSFPTEK

Conclusion

By reading this article, we believe you have gained a good understanding of how to choose the best Ethernet cable. Confirm the quality of the product by considering the outer jacket material, conductor type, cable connectors, and authoritative test reports mentioned in the article. Based on your specific needs, select the best Lan cable that suits you. If you have any other questions, please feel free to contact QSFPTEK's CCIE/HCIE engineers at [email protected].