Broadband speed is crucial
What is the speed of your broadband? When considering which ethernet cable to choose, keep broadband speed in mind. It is the speed of the broadband that determines how much the ethernet cable should handle, that is, whether you should have a CAT 5 or CAT 6 cable.
Roughly, you could say that if your broadband only reaches the maximum speed of 1 Gbps, you won’t need an ethernet cable that can handle more than that. However, you should keep in mind that if you get faster broadband in the future, you will need a better ethernet cable. If you are planning to have permanent installations that will last a long time, it may be good to invest in a faster cable than the one you need at present.
Shielded or unshielded ethernet cable?
Network cables can either be shielded or unshielded. A shielded cable (FTP) has foil around the internal cables to prevent outside interference. An unshielded cable (UTP) does not have this foil. If the cable will be placed near electromagnetic fields or together with high-current power lines, an FTP cable is a good option. But for ordinary purposes, a UTP cable is sufficient.
Frequently asked questions about Network cables
What is a network cable?
A network cable is a cable used to connect computers, routers, and other devices to each other on a computer network.
What cable length should I get?
An ethernet cable can be up to 100 metres long and still maintain its properties.
What is the difference between CAT 5 and CAT 6 cables?
The main difference between CAT 5 and CAT 6 Network cables is in their performance and speed. CAT 6 cables are designed for higher speeds and have better protection against cross-talk and interference than CAT 5 cables. CAT 6 cables can support transfer speeds up to 10 Gbps at shorter distances, while CAT 5 is usually limited to 1 Gbps.
