Sometimes, even with high-quality broadband, paired with high-end routers and optical modems, the network is still unstable, or the speed can’t be increased. At this point, you may need to consider if there’s a problem with the network cable. The quality of the network cable is crucial to the quality of the network, but it’s often overlooked.
Network cables are mainly divided into coaxial cables, twisted pair cables, and optical fibers (optical cables). The network cables we commonly refer to in our daily life specifically refer to the twisted pair cables among the network cables. This article mainly introduces the related knowledge of network cables (specifically referring to twisted pair cables) and some purchase suggestions (scroll to the end).
Network Cable Classification
Shielding Layer Based on whether there is a shielding layer, network cables (twisted pair) are divided into Shielded Twisted Pair (STP) and Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP).
Frequency and Signal-to-Noise Ratio Currently on the market, the main types of network cables used in home broadband are Cate 5 and above. The previous Cate 1, 2, 3, and 4 cables have been completely phased out.
Cate 5 and Super Cate 5 Network Cables Cate 5 network cables have been phased out in recent years and were the most widely used in the past. They are suitable for 100 Mbps networks and are used in some surveillance camera devices. In fact, most people still use Super Cate 5 network cables for home renovation. Super Cate 5 network cables can actually run Gigabit networks in home use.
Cate 6 Network Cable (Best Recommendation) This is currently the most recommended. It can be better suited for Gigabit network environments. The current mainstream network environment is sufficient for use, and it can be kept from being obsolete in the future for ordinary families.
Cate 7 Network Cable 10 Gbps network environment, commonly used in computer rooms/offices/internet cafes, or multi-user high-speed networks, professional-level e-sports game needs, high-speed NAS needs.
Cate 8 Network Cable Supports 40 Gbps and above network environments, commonly used for short-distance data center servers, switches, patch panels and other device connections; or ultra-high-speed NAS needs.
