Wanting superfast internet speed at every corner of your home? You need a home networking job to be done at the earliest. Home networking needs strong Ethernet Cable wiring, unless the WIFI system, which could only give you limited internet speed and features compared to home networking.
If you are a first-time user of Ethernet wiring and home networking, then you must learn about it step by step. The process starts with selecting the right cables for the network. Also, before you install, you must realise your uses and requirements clearly so that you can choose the right wire.
There are different types of Ethernet wires available in the market. By identifying the compatibility, networking speed, and shielding you need, you can specifically look for a particular type of wire for your home networking. Here is a complete guide on different Computer Ethernet Cables for home networking.
What are the Different Types of Ethernet Cables Available?
The Ethernet cable was introduced in the market in the middle of 1973. It has gone through several technical upgrades since then, and currently, you can find 6 different types of Ethernet wires in the market.
Cat 5E
This kind of Ethernet Cable comes with a standard bandwidth of 100MHz. It can transfer data at a speed of up to 1 Gbps. Cat 5e cable is the most preferred cable because of its availability and price. It can seamlessly support basic networking uses, telephone signal transmission, and video streaming. This cable also performs great as a crosstalk-resistant cable.
Cat 6
The standard bandwidth of Cat 6 cables is 250MHz to up to 550MHz. The data transmission rate is also higher for Cat 6 cables, which is around 10 Gbps at shorter distances. However, when the distance increases further, the data transmission rate reduces to 1 Gbps. This cable has a good level of insulation compared to CAT 5 and even has reduced interference features. CAT 6 supports high-intensity internet uses like gaming, streaming, and other 4K quality internet uses.
Cat 6A
CAT 6A Ethernet Cable is the augmented version of CAT 6 cables. It has a minimum bandwidth of 500 MHz, and it can support a data transfer speed of 10 Gbps up to 100 meters. The wire has superior shielding that efficiently prevents crosstalk. Due to the great internet speed, you can use these wires if you need a higher data transmission rate.
Cat 7
CAT 7 wires have a standard bandwidth of 600MHz. It transmits data at a superior speed of 10 Gbps. The shielding quality exceeds the previously mentioned Ethernet wires. The cable performs best where there is so much network interference. This kind of cable is most suitable for technical-savvy environments where superior data transmission is required without any flaws.
Cat 7A
CAT 7A (Category 7 Augmented) is a further improved version of CAT 7 Computer Ethernet Cable. The features are almost the same as CAT 7. But it can give you data transmission speed of 40 Gbps for shorter distances of up to 50 meters. Also, the bandwidth of this cable is up to 1000MHz. It performs best in server setups, data banks, etc.
Cat 8
CAT 8 Ethernet cable has a standard bandwidth of 2000 MHz. The data transmission speed of this kind of cable is huge. It transmits data at a speed of 25 Gbps, which can expand up to 40 Gbps. CAT 8 cables can perform best when used in high tenacity networks like data centres, server setups, etc.
How to Determine the Perfect Ethernet Cable for Home Networking?
To determine the perfect Computer Ethernet Cable for your home, you have to first identify the network speed you require, the required cable length, and the type of interference and crosstalk you can experience. Also, you must consider whether there is any future room for expansion.
Internet Speed
While selecting the Ethernet wires for home networking, you have to check your internet usage and the speed you require. If your requirement is below or equal to 1Gbps, then CAT 5 or CAT 6 cables are sufficient for you. Usually, at home, you don’t need more than 1 Gbps speed. Still, if you need further speed and future proofing, you can go with CAT 6A cable.
Cable Length
The speed of Ethernet Cables drops when the length increases. This happens because when the length of the wire increases, this affects the signal. If your requirement is below or equal to 55 meters, CAT 6 will be sufficient. For requirements above 55 meters to up to 100 meters, CAT 6A or CAT 5E will be sufficient. If your requirement is above 100 meters, you can use a repeater to have stable connectivity.
Interference and Crosstalk
Depending on crosstalk and interference from nearby networking zones, you have to use UTP (Unshielded Twisted Pair) or STP (Shielded Twisted Pair) wires. Where there is less crosstalk and interference, UTP Ethernet wires will be suitable. If the internal crosstalk and interference are higher, you can go with STP wires. CAT 5E, CAT 6, and CAT 6A wires come with these two types of variations, UTP and STP. So, they will easily serve your requirements.
Future Upgrade
If you have any plans for future upgradation of your home networking, then you must go with CAT 6A wires that can give you speed extension facility and extended distance functionality. If there is no room for future expansion, then CAT 5E and CAT 6 wires will work just fine.
Cost
Computer Ethernet cables are costly. The home networking installation and wiring purchase requires a fair amount to be spending. Based on your budget, you can select a suitable Ethernet wire. CAT 5E is relatively affordable and also widely available. At the same time, other wires could be a bit costly.
Conclusion
It is quite evident that CAT 5E, CAT 6, and CAT 6E are the most suitable Ethernet cables for home networking. Other wires, such as CAT 7, CAT 7A, and CAT 8, are not suitable for household purposes and are used in facilities like data centers, server rooms, and other industrial and commercial sectors where high-frequency data transmission is required. Still, you can take advice from professionals to learn more about installing home networking and Ethernet wires that support the most.