How to Choose the Right Ethernet Cable

Choosing the right Ethernet cable may seem like a small decision, but it can have a big impact on your network speed, stability, and future upgrade potential. Whether you're wiring a home, office, or industrial setup, understanding how Ethernet cables are categorized and used will help you make the right investment.

Below, we walk you through the three key factors that matter most when selecting the right Ethernet cable for your needs.

1. Understand Ethernet Cable Categories

To begin with, you’ll want to focus on the cable category, often referred to as Cat5e, Cat6, Cat6A, or Cat8. Each type offers different data speed and bandwidth capabilities.

• Cat5e is suitable for basic home or small office networks with speeds up to 1 Gbps.

• Cat6 supports speeds up to 10 Gbps over short distances (up to 55 meters) and is ideal for most modern installations.

• Cat6A is better for long cable runs, offering full 10 Gbps support up to 100 meters.

• Cat8 is used for high-speed data center environments, supporting up to 40 Gbps over shorter distances.

If you're setting up a new network or planning for future upgrades, Cat6A Ethernet cable is a safe and future-proof choice.

2. Choose the Right Jacket Type for Your Environment

Once you’ve decided on the cable category, the next factor is the jacket composition. This determines how well the cable will perform in different environments.

•  Riser-rated cables (CMR) are designed for vertical spaces like wall shafts and between floors. They're a common choice for indoor wiring.

• Plenum-rated cables (CMP) meet higher fire safety standards and are used in air ducts or drop ceilings.

• Outdoor Ethernet cables typically have a UV-resistant, waterproof jacket, suitable for open-air installations.

• For underground wiring, use Direct Burial Ethernet cables with gel filling for moisture protection.

Always match the cable jacket to the installation location. For example, never use indoor-rated cables in outdoor or high-heat areas, as this may cause performance issues or safety risks.

3. Know When Shielded Cables Are Necessary

In environments with strong electromagnetic interference (EMI), such as near heavy machinery or power lines, shielding becomes essential. Shielded Ethernet cables (STP or FTP) include extra layers of foil or braid to block interference and improve signal integrity.

However, for standard residential or low-interference office setups, unshielded Ethernet cables (UTP) are usually sufficient and easier to install.

Shielded cables are also useful for outdoor and aerial installations, where static buildup is a concern. Just remember that proper grounding is necessary when using shielded Ethernet cables.

4. Match the Cable to Your Application

Let’s apply what we’ve learned to some common use cases:

• Home network: Cat5e or Cat6, UTP, Riser jacket

• Office building: Cat6A, UTP or STP depending on EMI, Riser or Plenum jacket

• Data center: Cat6A or Cat8, Shielded cable, Plenum jacket

• Industrial environment: Cat6A STP, Outdoor or Direct Burial jacket

• Outdoor setups: UV-rated Outdoor Cat6 with optional gel-filling for moisture

This scenario-based approach will help you balance cost, performance, and installation safety.

5. Read Product Labels Carefully

Ethernet cable labels typically contain all the key specs. For example:

“Cat6 Plenum Ethernet Cable | Shielded STP”

•  Cat6 → performance category

• Plenum → jacket type (safe for ceilings or ducts)

• Shielded STP → protects against interference

Understanding these terms ensures you're not just buying a cable, but buying the right cable for your needs.

6. Avoid Common Mistakes

When selecting Ethernet cables, it’s easy to overlook critical details. Here are a few tips to avoid common issues:

•  Don’t use indoor cables outdoors—they degrade quickly.

• Avoid unnecessary shielding in low-EMI areas—it adds cost and installation complexity.

• Plan for the future—Cat6A offers the best balance between cost and long-term capability.

Thinking ahead will save time and money later, especially for business or commercial installations.

Conclusion: Choose Smarter, Connect Better

Selecting the right Ethernet cable isn't just about picking the cheapest option. It's about understanding your current needs, planning for future demands, and matching the cable's category, jacket, and shielding to your specific application.

If you're unsure which cable is right for you, contact our team for expert advice or request a custom cable recommendation today.

FAQs

1. What is the difference between riser and plenum Ethernet cable?

Plenum cables have higher fire-resistance and produce less smoke, making them suitable for air ducts. Riser cables are for vertical spaces like between floors.

2. Do I need shielded Ethernet cable for home use?

Not usually. For most home applications, unshielded cables (UTP) work perfectly unless there is strong electrical interference.

3. Can outdoor Ethernet cables be used indoors?

Outdoor cables can be used indoors, but it’s not recommended due to their stiff and non-fire-rated jackets.

4. What Ethernet cable do I need for 10 Gbps?

Cat6A is the best choice for stable 10 Gbps connections over long distances.

5. How do I know if I need Cat6 or Cat6A?

Use Cat6 for short runs and general use. Use Cat6A for long distances or high-performance networks.