Tips for Choosing the Cat 6 Ethernet Cables
Cat 6 Ethernet Cable is an advanced type in the cabling system. These cables will provide you 10Gbps up to 55 meters transmission speed. The selection of good quality cable means a lot for network establishment.
So it would help if you considered many essential factors to buy a good quality cable. These factors include cable type, length, color, shielding type, flame retardant class, and many more. Here we have a list of high-quality, cost-effective Cables.
Factors to consider before buying Cat 6 Ethernet cable
- Shielded v/s unshielded Cat6 Cable
Based on the environment and application, you can choose the type of Cat 6 cables. These cables provide excellent resistance for EMI/RFI than unshielded cables. Shielded cables are kept in mesh/foil shield, making them thicker, stiffer, difficult to install, and expensive.
Shielded Cat6 cable has fewer data errors and faster transmission speed, making them ideal for high-speed networks. On the other hand, Unshielded cables are a more appropriate option for homes & small businesses. These cables are inexpensive, easy to install & less resistant for EMI/RFI.
The color of the cable is important if you have many lines in your network. Cat6 cables are available in different colors: gray, white, red, blue-green, etc. Dissimilar colors can discriminate against various applications, but the final decision depends on your preference. Make sure to buy a color that I different from the existing colors.
The cable length needs to be considered while choosing Cat6 cables for your system. Cat6 lines are accessible in short lengths from 0.15m to 61m. Besides, custom lengths are offered.
The cable length is based on the distance between network devices and extra capacity for future expansion. Make sure to take measurements of how much cable length you need properly.
Benefits of Cat 6 Ethernet Cable
Compared with other Ethernet cables like Cat5e, Cat6 lines have better performance and high data transfer speed at a more considerable distance. Cat6 cables reduce more interior/exterior interference. These cables are best for industrial networking, where many other devices can cause interference.
Cat6 bandwidth is greater than Cat5. These cables can hold up to 1000 Mbps speed with greater resistance. This is more than enough speed for your large industrial networking. Cat 6 cables cab fit in any device because of their connector type.
Frequently Ask Questions (FAQs)
Are all Cat 6 Ethernet cables the same?
Cat 6 Ethernet cables are backward compatible. These cables are designed to increase the speed of communication in modern devices. Cat 6 is divided into different types based on the features, but the key function and connector type is the same. So, you can connect Cat 6 cable into a device that was created for Cat 5 cables.
What is the maximum distance for a Cat6 Ethernet cable?
Maximum 100-meter length is allowed when used for 10/100/1000BASE-T. However, when used for 10GBASE-T, the distance drops to 55 meters maximum run length.
Conclusion
From so many options, it's almost impossible to find the best Cat 6 Ethernet cable for you, except that you'll do it properly for this task. To save your time and minimize your difficulty, here we provide you with a complete list of tested and analyzed Ethernet Cat 6 cables. Make sure to read the complete list and buying guide to select the best product for you.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Which is better Cat6 or Cat7 Ethernet cable?
Cat7 Ethernet cables offer higher bandwidths and faster transmission speeds compared to Cat6 cables. They can reach up to 100 Gbps at a range of 15 meters. However, Cat7 cables are more expensive. If you prioritize performance and are willing to pay extra, Cat7 is worth considering.
2. Does Cat6 Ethernet make a difference?
Cat6 Ethernet cables have stricter performance specifications and higher data transfer speeds compared to Cat5/5e cables. They are more tightly wound and have thicker conductors and cable sheaths. This allows for significantly faster data transfer at greater distances.
3. Is Cat6 the best Ethernet cable?
Cat6 is a good choice if you want faster internet speeds and reduced signal disruptions. It offers higher performance compared to Cat5 cables. However, if you are satisfied with your current internet speeds and want a more affordable option, Cat5 cables may suffice.
4. Is Cat6 better than Wi-Fi?
For local network file transfers and consistent high-speed connections, a direct Cat6 or Cat6A Ethernet connection outperforms Wi-Fi. Cat6 can provide a solid 1 Gbps connection or even 10 Gbps under 160 ft. However, if you prioritize convenience and mobility over raw speed, Wi-Fi may be more suitable.
5. Does it matter what Cat6 cable I use?
The choice of Cat6 cable depends on your internet plan and desired bandwidth. If your plan is less than 1,000 Mbps and you want higher bandwidth, Cat6 is a good choice. If your plan supports speeds up to 10,000 Mbps, consider a Cat6a cable for increased speed and bandwidth.
6. Is Cat7 overkill for home use?
Cat7 cables offer excellent performance, but they may be overkill for most home networks. While they provide superior speeds and reduced attenuation and crosstalk, the extra capabilities might not be necessary for typical home use. However, if you want to future-proof your network, Cat7 can be a good choice.
7. Is Cat 8 cable better than Cat 6?
Cat8 Ethernet cable offers faster data transfer speeds of up to 40 Gbps, which is four times faster than Cat6a. It also supports bandwidth up to 2 GHz, four times more than Cat6a. Cat8 is the superior choice if you require the highest performance and bandwidth for your network.
8. What are the disadvantages of Cat6?
Some disadvantages of Cat6 cables include higher cost compared to previous generations and the requirement for every network component to operate at gigabit speed to achieve gigabit network performance.
9. Is Cat 8 overkill?
For most home network equipment, Cat8 cable is overkill. The majority of devices and network components cannot operate at Cat8 speeds, making it unnecessary for typical home use.
10. Is Cat 8 better than Cat6?
Cat8 Ethernet cable is the fastest option available, with data transfer speeds up to 40 Gbps, four times faster than Cat6a. It also supports bandwidth up to 2 GHz, reducing latency for superior signal quality. If you require the highest speed and performance, Cat8 is the superior choice.
Editor's Notes
During our cat 6 ethernet cable research, we found 26 cat 6 ethernet cable products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 1,033,332 customer reviews through our big data system to write the cat 6 ethernet cables list. We found that most customers choose cat 6 ethernet cables with an average price of $14.43.
The cat 6 ethernet cables are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of cat 6 ethernet cables, including Jadaol, Cable Matters, CableGeeker, Ultra Clarity Cables, GearIT. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 1,040 consumers with an average rating of 4.9.
Mike Davis is a professionally trained electrician with six years of working experience in the electronics industry. He has written an array of web and mobile-based articles for e-magazines and blogs. He loves trying out some novel and popular gadgets and his expertise is in the areas of electronics and computers which is built over many years of working and personal experiences.
