Choosing the right Ethernet cable for residential, commercial, or industrial use relies on knowing what requirements need to be fulfilled. Here are 7 things you need to consider when buying Ethernet cable.

 

Which CAT.

CAT 5 cables are suitable for low-level application and any connections requiring standard Internet speeds. Comparatively, CAT 6 Ethernet cables operate at more than double the frequency than CAT 5 and passes high-data transfer speeds. Above CAT 6 cables, you’ll find even higher speeds on your Internet connection.

 

Size of the conductor.

Conductors are what determines the data speed over long distances. Ethernet conductors are divided between 26 and 24 AWG. Conductors of larger sizes are recommended for long distances. If you choose to use 22 AWG Ethernet cables or similarly alternative conductor sizes, please note you will need corrective RJ45 conductors to compensate.

 

Shielded Ethernet cables v. unshielded.

Unshielded Ethernet cables are used for most general work environments. Shielded cables are made from foil or braid to protect the signal, commonly used in noisy environments. In any case, prioritizing durability and noise protection ensures a high quality Ethernet fix.

 

Cable selection.

If it’s an industrial environment, a high level of security standards are expected. For construction or chemical environments, it’s important for cables to be safe to use. Polyurethane is an ideal material as it has mineral oil resistance and are halogen-free. The type of conductors also matters as solids are great for industry use and standard conductors are flexible enough for static applications.

 

Packet stability.

Data packet drops cause losses of data, money, and energy. When packets don’t reach their destination, this is what a ‘packet drop’ is. When your network has a deterministic Ethernet system, this is the best way to protect packet transfers. High quality Internet services can also be used to prioritize sensitive traffic, ensuring no packet drops occur over your system.

 

Knowing the environment.

Environment factors which could influence what Ethernet cable you choose includes humidity, vibrations, dust, and more. Any of these can disrupt signal transmission through damaging switches or hardware. Overall network performance can also be affected, if you haven’t purchased Ethernet cable to combat the natural environment which surrounds it.

 

Knowing the requirements.

Based on what your requirements are, oftentimes this will be what decides the type of cable to purchase. The right type of cables differs according to industry requirements. A vital part of any network’s success, the wrong Ethernet cable can really mess up a connection.

Shop your favourite network Ethernet cables at PrimeCables. Choose from Cat5e, Cat5, Cat6a, Cat7, fiber optic cables, bulk network cables, and more!