Too Many Network Cables? Here’s How to Find the Right One

Typical price i
9.– to 31.–

Utilizes electrical signals to transmit data, commonly available as Ethernet cables (e.g., Cat5e, Cat6).

Ideal for most home and office networks, providing reliable performance for speeds up to 10 Gbps over short distances.

Typical price i
20.– to 68.–

Transmits data as light signals, enabling higher speeds and longer distances without loss of quality.

Best suited for high-demand environments such as data centers and enterprises, offering superior bandwidth and low latency.

Typical price i
9.– to 29.–

Supports data transfer speeds up to 1 Gbps over distances of 100 meters.

Ideal for home networking and small business applications, providing reliable performance for streaming and gaming.

Typical price i
11.– to 29.–

Enhances CAT6 capabilities by supporting speeds up to 10 Gbps and improved shielding.

Recommended for high-performance networks, such as data centers, where reduced crosstalk and increased bandwidth are essential.

Typical price i
14.– to 43.–

Features enhanced shielding and supports data rates up to 10 Gbps over distances of 100 meters.

Perfect for future-proofing networks, especially in environments requiring high-speed connections and minimal interference.

Typical price i
14.– to 43.–

Supports data rates up to 25-40 Gbps, designed for data center applications with short distances of up to 30 meters.

Ideal for high-speed applications such as cloud computing and server communications, ensuring maximum performance and efficiency.

Typical price i
9.– to 27.–

Ideal for short distances, like connecting a computer to a router on the same desk or in close proximity.

Perfect for maintaining a tidy workspace by reducing cable clutter and ensuring efficient data transfer in small setups.

Typical price i
14.– to 35.–

Suitable for moderate distances, such as connecting devices in different rooms or across a small office space.

Offers flexibility for home or office networking setups, allowing for organized placements without compromising signal strength.

Typical price i
23.– to 54.–

Designed for longer connections, such as linking devices in larger rooms or between floors in a building.

Ensures reliable connectivity for devices far apart, making it ideal for extensive networks or setups that require more distance.

S/FTP (Shielded Foiled Twisted Pair) cables feature individual shielding for each pair of wires as well as an overall shield.

This design provides maximum protection against interference, making it ideal for high-speed data transmission in environments with significant electromagnetic noise, such as data centers.

U/FTP (Unshielded Foiled Twisted Pair) cables have an overall foil shield but do not shield each individual pair of wires.

This option offers a balance between cost and performance, suitable for residential or small office setups where interference is minimal.

UTP (Unshielded Twisted Pair) cables are the most common type of network cable, featuring no additional shielding.

They are cost-effective and suitable for typical home or office environments, but may be less effective in areas with high EMI.

Utilizes a single light path, allowing for higher bandwidth and longer distances, typically up to 40 kilometers.

Ideal for large-scale networks and long-distance communication, such as connecting buildings or data centers.

Uses multiple light paths, which can limit distance but allows for easier installation and lower costs over shorter runs, typically up to 300 meters.

Best suited for local area networks (LANs) or within a single building, providing sufficient speed for most office applications.