Collection: Network Cables

Which network cable do you actually need?

Most PC builders spend hours agonising over RAM kits and then plug in whatever grey lead was in the drawer. Fair enough, but the cable sets a hard ceiling on what your network card and router can do. Among network cables, the tiers are separated by shielding, conductor quality and the signalling frequency they're rated for, not by speed branding.

Cat5e is the entry tier. It's rated to 100MHz, runs gigabit comfortably to 100 metres, and usually copes with 2.5GbE over typical home distances. Cat6 is the sweet spot. It's rated to 250MHz, with tighter pair twisting and often an internal spline that cuts crosstalk between pairs. It can hold 10GbE to roughly 55 metres, which covers most houses. Cat6a doubles the rating to 500MHz and holds 10GbE across the full 100 metres, but it's thicker, stiffer and usually shielded. Cat8 is rated to 2000MHz and is built for 25/40GbE, but only to about 30 metres. It's a data centre product.

Diminishing returns hit early. A cable doesn't reduce latency in any meaningful way, since signal travel time is a few nanoseconds per metre. A better cable just keeps the link stable, with fewer retransmits and no renegotiating down to a slower speed. Unless you have a 10GbE NIC and a real reason for it, Cat6 or Cat6a is the right call, and Cat8 buys you nothing at home.

Upgrading and technical nuances

Current Motherboards on AM5 and LGA1851 mostly ship with 2.5GbE as standard, while some higher-end boards add 5GbE or 10GbE. A 2.5G port doesn't need anything fancier than decent Cat5e, so don't overbuy for it. If you're planning a 10GbE upgrade, match it end to end: NIC, switch, and cable. Check the Networking range for switches with 2.5G or 10G ports, and have a look at TP-Link for affordable multi-gig gear and Wi-Fi 7 access points that benefit from a 2.5G uplink.

The first big trap is "Cat7". It isn't recognised under the common TIA standards, and the genuine version uses non-RJ45 connectors. Most cheap RJ45 Cat7 leads are Cat6a with a bigger number on the jacket. The second trap is copper-clad aluminium (CCA). It's cheaper, more brittle and has higher resistance, which causes drop-outs on long runs and heating on PoE devices such as access points and cameras. Look for "pure" or "bare" copper conductors.

Solid versus stranded matters too. Solid-core cable, typically 23AWG, is for fixed in-wall runs and holds signal better over distance, but it snaps if flexed repeatedly. Stranded cable, typically 24 to 28AWG, is for patch leads between your PC, wall plate and switch. Shielded (FTP/STP) cable only helps if the jacks and patch panel are properly grounded. Otherwise you've paid more for a stiffer cable with no real gain, and UTP is usually fine in homes.

For product families, look at Ugreen, Cable Matters, StarTech and Belkin for pre-made Cat6 and Cat6a patch leads. For bulk in-wall runs, look for Belden, Prysmian or Panduit pure-copper cable. Ubiquiti's UniFi patch cables and TP-Link's own leads are sensible if you're building around that gear. The wider Cables & Connectors range is worth browsing for adapters and extension options.

Practical things to check before buying

Measure the actual route, not the straight-line distance, then add about 20 percent for slack and bends. Buying a lead that's too short and stressing the plug is a classic way to get an intermittent link.

Cat6a and Cat8 are thick, with outer diameters often around 7 to 8mm. Behind a wall-mounted TV, in tight furniture, or in a small-form-factor build near the rear I/O, that stiffness can make bending awkward. Check how your Computer Cases sit on the desk and leave room for the plug and boot. Flat cables are tempting for sneaking under doors and carpet edges, but they usually have weaker crosstalk performance, so keep them to short runs.

Snagless boots are handy, but make sure the latch clip stays intact, because a broken latch is a common reason for flaky links. Keep network cable away from mains wiring and avoid running it parallel to power leads for long distances. Unshielded cable picks up interference more easily, which matters if you're also routing a Power Supplies cable bundle nearby. For PoE devices, don't tightly bundle many cables together, because heat builds up and increases resistance.

For in-wall runs, particularly in older homes, I'd get a registered cabler to do the job, and ask them to test and label everything. If you're after a ready-to-go setup instead, a pre-built from Computers takes the guesswork out of the machine itself, but you'll still need to sort the cabling.

Brands and local warranty

For patch leads and accessories, reputable names include TP-Link, Ubiquiti, Belkin, StarTech, Ugreen and Cable Matters. For switches and routers, TP-Link, Netgear, D-Link and Linksys are the usual suspects. Cables rarely fail, but when a lead is mislabelled or dies early, a local supplier means you deal with someone here instead of chasing an overseas marketplace seller.

Australian Consumer Law gives you guarantees on products that must be of acceptable quality and match their description. That helps with the dodgy "Cat8 for ten bucks" listings, which are often CCA with a false rating. Buy from a local retailer that stocks recognised brands and can back up the specs. The warranty matters more for the active gear at each end of the cable, such as switches, routers and access points, so keep your receipt and register the product.

Frequently asked questions

Is Cat6 good enough for gaming?

Yes. Gaming traffic uses very little bandwidth, and cable category doesn't change latency in any noticeable way. What matters is a stable link, so use a proper wired connection and avoid damaged or CCA cable.

Do I need Cat6a for 10GbE?

Not always. Good Cat6 handles 10GbE for about 55 metres, which suits most homes. Cat6a is the safer pick for longer in-wall runs, noisy environments, or if you want headroom.

Will Cat8 make my internet faster?

No. Your speed is limited by your NBN plan, router and NIC. Cat8 is built for short, high-speed links in server racks, and a typical home setup will never use that bandwidth.

Can I use a long Ethernet cable without losing speed?

Up to 100 metres is the standard limit for twisted-pair Ethernet. Quality copper cable at that length should hold full speed. Beyond that, add a switch or use fibre.

What's the difference between solid and stranded cable?

Solid cable suits permanent wall runs and has better performance over distance. Stranded cable is more flexible and suits patch leads. Using solid cable as a patch lead can break the conductors over time.