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Buying Guide for Ethernet Cables
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Why buy an ethernet cable?
An ethernet connection is almost always faster and more stable than Wi-Fi, making it a great option for home offices and video game consoles. Ethernet cables are also the most effective way to connect ethernet devices, such as POE switches and wireless gateways. In short, if you want a robust home network or a reliable internet connection, you’ll likely need at least a few quality ethernet cables to get the job done.
What should you look for in an ethernet cable?
- Speed: In terms of speed, not all ethernet cables are created equally. For instance, antiquated Cat5 ethernet cables only get to speeds of 10 to 100Mbps, so they’re a bit slow for most people in the age of ultra-high-speed internet. On the other hand, modern Cat7A ethernet cables can have much faster 10Gbps data transfer speeds and improved bandwidth. Be sure to choose an ethernet cable that’s suitable for the application that you have in mind.
- Length: Naturally, selecting an ethernet cable that is too short will force you to either find a new product or reorganize your setup. For this reason, taking measurements ahead of time can be a wise idea, especially if you’re unsure what cable length you need. However, don’t forget that longer cables will see diminishing returns regarding speed, especially for cables that are 30 meters or longer.
- Reliability: Your new ethernet cable should be durable enough for years of reliable service. It should also be flexible enough for the given application. Ethernet cables tend to vary wildly in terms of sturdiness and reliability, so do some research before deciding on a specific cable.
What other factors should be considered when shopping for an ethernet cable?
While it might not seem important, you should at least consider an ethernet cable’s color. Most people prefer a color that blends in well, especially if the cable is used in a living area. However, if you are using the cables for a POE switch with a whole mess of other ethernet cables, color-coding your setup can be a way to simplify your cable management. Also, if you’ll be running the cable along walls or molding, you may consider a flat ethernet cable since these are easy to manipulate and maneuver while remaining inconspicuous.
Our Picks for the Best Ethernet Cables
Pros: For anyone using an old ethernet cable for gaming or other data-intensive tasks, upgrading to this Cat6 cable from Amazon Basics should provide an instant upgrade in terms of speed and performance. Despite its affordable price, this ethernet cable reliably delivers up to gigabit speeds and is sturdily constructed to last. It also scores points for its quality gold-plated connectors, which gives the impression that Amazon didn’t cut corners with this budget-friendly cable.
Cons: Some may find this cable’s boot is too chunky for some switches with minimal clearance between ethernet ports. Also, as a Cat6 cable, this product will be a huge upgrade for many people. However, its transfer speeds of up to 1 Gbps are unlikely to hold well with the data speed demands of the next decade.</…….
Source: https://www.lifesavvy.com/reviews/the-best-ethernet-cables/