Today, the technological era is booming and thanks to this, communications have changed significantly and, in addition, have accustomed us to instantaneousness . Therefore, it is now possible to obtain the information or communicate with other people immediately even if they are far away. But, to enjoy such instantaneousness, it is necessary to take into account certain aspects .
In that sense, one of the most important aspects is based on the way in which you connect to the Internet to get the most out of your network connection.
Although you can make this connection wirelessly, there are still many users who prefer to make it through a network or Ethernet cable . Why we want to let you know everything you need to keep in mind to choose the best possible network cable for your Internet connection.
Index:
What is the network cable and how much it influences the quality of Internet connection?
Basically, the network cable or connection cable also known as “Ethernet” is defined as a physical element that has the ability to connect, to each other, to several computers and others IT sections . You can even link two devices directly and also make the connection between a router or switch and a device.
Thus, these are cables made to transmit data and thanks to this kindness, they are used to interconnect a network device to another. In addition to this, network cables are responsible for enabling high-speed transfers between different components of the network. Taking into account that, different cables will be used depending on the class of network or, based on the type of said network, its size or the use protocols .
For its part, with regard to its influence on the quality of the network connection, it is worth noting that these cables are much faster , compared to wireless or WiFi connections . Thus, the Ethernet can offer around 10 Gb / s without problems with standard use; so that it intervenes in network performance in an optimal way.
Additionally, not being affected by obstacles, agents or other external factors, offer very stable performance . Even a network cable with Cat.8 protocol has been implemented which, although it is extremely expensive, provides the highest Internet speeds, since they reach up to 40 Gbps ; contributing, to a large extent, regarding the quality of the network connection of its users .
How are the types of network cables classified and how they differ ?
Although there are many types of connection cables, are usually grouped into three categories and these are:
Coaxial Cable
They are characterized by being very easy to handle cables , thanks to the fact that they are extremely flexible and lightweight, as well as being very economical. Which, are covered by an insulator, a braided copper or metal and an outer shell and apart from that, they are composed of copper wires that make up its core.
For its part, these types of cables can be divided into two groups, which are: Thinnet and Thicknet . With respect to the former, they are based on thin, manageable and easy-to-use cables . On the other hand, those of type Thicknet are thick cables that, therefore, are more rigid and also their core has more depth than those of type Thinnet. It should be noted that, between both kinds of coaxial cables, the Thicknet is more optimal for transferring data over greater distances.
In general, any kind of coaxial cable is ideal for transmitting data, videos or voice files and additionally, they are preferred by most users due to their economy and security .
Fiber optic cable
They stand out for transporting digital signals through modulated pulses of light. In this sense, when directing non-electrical impulses, they have the ability to send data in a more secure way because they have no place to be stolen, since they cannot be punctured. In addition to this, they are distinguished from the rest by the possibility they have to transmit data with great capacity, in a very short time and at remarkable distances .
It should be noted that, its core is covered by a glass lining and on it, there is a rubber or plastic lining. Thus, in view of the fact that the glass wires are only capable of transmitting the signals in one direction, each of the cables has two of these wires with different sheathing . Then, while one of those cables receives the signals, the other is responsible for transmitting them.
Twisted pair cables
They consist of cables composed of two insulated and interlaced copper wires at the same time, which are divided into two groups with certain differences to be taken into account. These groups are the STP or screened and the UTP or unshielded .
In this sense, with respect to the UTP segments, we note that they show a length that does not exceed 100 meters and generally, they are composed of two copper wires that are always isolated. In contrast, shielded or STP cables have a braided copper cover that exhibits better quality and protection, compared to unshielded cables.
For your part, keep in mind that, regardless of the type of twisted pair cable, each pair of wire is protected from sheets and thanks to that, it will be possible to transport a larger number of data and with great protection . Among the most prominent uses of this kind of cables, we find that they are used for simple connections and for LAN with limited budgets.
Main differences
Next, the main distinctions that exist between these three types of cables detailed above:
- With respect to its bandwidth and distance , the coaxial and twisted pair cables are a bit similar, since both can transmit telephone, data and television with electrical signals.
- However, between them two, the twisted pair cable is better. But, compared to the fiber optic cable, it has greater capacity to deliver the same types of signals as the previous ones, but with a wider bandwidth and higher frequencies .
- Among all these, the coaxial cable is the most expensive , while the fiber optic cable is the most economical .
- Generally, coaxial cables exhibit more applications than others . Taking into account that, even in terms of uses, fiber optic cables remain the most optimal because of their ability to transmit large volumes of data.
- With respect to their installation, coaxial cables reveal true degree of difficulty, due to its dielectric insulator around the copper core . However, greater care and installation time is required if the use of a fiber optic cable is preferred.
What aspects should you consider before making the purchase of my cable Ethernet?
On the other hand, you will wonder what things you should take into account when choosing an Ethernet cable that is truly optimal for your Internet connection.
Well, in order to answer that question, here we indicate what are the most important aspects to verify when you are going to buy a network cable :
Check the speed of your Internet connection span >
One of the most important parameters to consider when shopping for an Ethernet cable, is the connection speed . Since, if you have gigabit Internet, the use of a network cable will not be sufficient and manifests as obsolete.
On the other hand, if you have a slightly slow Internet connection , you will need to use an Ethernet cable. Now the question is, what kind of network cable? Well, in this case, if the connection fluctuates between 10 or 20 megabits per second (which is considered slow), it will be effective to use a Cat 5 or newer (5e, 6, 6a, 7, 7a and 8). Which refers to a category or type of a twisted pair cable .
Consider your router or router h3>
It should be noted that, cheap routers only support Ethernet of up to 100 megabits per second and therefore, if you use one of them, you will have to be convinced that a network cable that is older than Cat 5, it will cause you inconvenience and will not perform well . That is to say, you will have to use a network cable from Car 5 to Cat 8; for example.
On the other hand, if you use any of the best home routers, you should keep in mind that they support more than Gigabit Ethernet. Reason why, using a Cat 6a and Cat 7 type cable would be doubtful, in effect, would have to resort to a 7a or 8 .
Verify the network speed you need
If you are a common home user, this parameter will not be of much importance to you. On the other hand, if you are a user who needs to stream video content with absolutely high bandwidth or, you must move large files between computers constantly ; You will need to take this into account when choosing a type of network cable for your connection.
In that sense, the best of these could make a marked difference. Therefore, you would have to investigate a little, depending on your needs, what speeds and frequencies these activities require on the web , in order to select a coaxial, fiber optic or twisted pair cable, depending on its characteristics.
Check the type of shielding that protects it span >
Around twisted pair cables, it will be extremely important to verify the inscription shown printed on the outside of the cable, where the type of shielding is indicated. Those that are exposed by certain acronyms, of which, we have already announced some of them in the previous section. These are: UTP, STP and others like FTP and also a mixture of some of them, called SFTP .
Thus, it is worth taking into account its main features when selecting the network cable you are going to buy:
- UTP Type : It is a kind of twisted pair cable that is completely unshielded. Reason why, it is not the most suitable for use in built-in installations in which said cable shares conduits with other cables. However, it is the most usual for direct connections to the router over short distances .
- STP type : It consists of a shielded twisted pair cable consisting of of a metal sheath that has the function of covering each pair of braided wires. Thanks to this, it is considered a good solution to protect, intensely, the signal that is transmitted by each of the twisted pairs .
- FTP type : Basically, there are four pairs of braided cables that are kept covered by a sheet of metal, which acts as a screen in order to protect them from any external interference .
- SFTP Type : It is defined as a mixture of both shielding systems, that is, the STP and FTP. So that, each twisted pair is encapsulated within a protective sheet and introduces an extra coating that links the four twisted pairs.
Steps to choose the best possible network cable for your Internet connection
On the other hand, we want you to know what are the most important steps to follow when choosing the best network cable for your Internet connection, either ADSL or fiber optic. But first, it is important to narrow down the most relevant features in terms of the different categories that are and of course, the ones that are mostly used.
This, because, when selecting the best Ethernet cable for your network connection, you will also have to choose between several categories and, therefore, is that it is worth knowing their differences . Taking into account that, mainly, the category of a network connection cable allows you to specify the maximum speed you will get when you use it in distances less than 100 meters .
However, although we indicate that they exist from Cat 5 to Cat 8, the truth is that for several years only 5, 5e, 6 and 6a have been used in domestic environments especially Therefore, here are the most relevant distinctions between these categories:
On the other hand, the speed that network cables can guarantee, according to their category , are:
- From Cat. 5: 100 Mbps .
- From Cat. 5e: 1 Gbps .
- From Cat. 6: 1 Gbps .
- From Cat. 6a: 10 Gbps .
Now, let’s start with everything you need to consider when choosing the best option for your network connection, depending on what it is :
For ADSL
In the case of a ADSL connection that has a maximum speed of 20 to 30 Mbps , the use of any cable from category 5 to Category 6a, will be sufficient to obtain optimum performance.
Taking into account that, even if you use a Cat.5 cable you can lose a lot in the distance, but for its maximum speed of 100 Mbps, you make sure to specify the speed of 20 and 30 Mbps required by the ADSL connections and with it, it will be possible to enjoy all the speed that the ISP delivers.
However, the foregoing will only be effective if you use this network in the usual way and at the common domestic level. In contrast , if you need to use the local network to exchange files with other computers or for streaming , it is best to increase the cable category. That is, it would be best to use 5e , because it provides a better speed and thus guarantee the performance of the network in question.
In short, with that you use a category 5 or 5e cable for your ADSL connection, you will be making a good choice to specify the best performance of it .
For Optical Fiber
On the other hand, with the FTTH or fiber optic connections , the same is not the case with ADSLs. So, Cat. 5 cables will not be enough because, in general, this type of connection reveals more than 100 Mbps, that is, 200 or 300 Mbps. Reason why, just Category 5e and up cables may cover this requirement.
However, Cat. 5e will only be optimal over short distances within a floor . But, in conditions of long distances (greater than 50 meters) or external interference, its excellent performance is not guaranteed and therefore, the best thing you could do is opt for a Cat cable. 6 that allows you to ensure 100% use of your fiber optic connection and the local network.
In addition to this, it is also important that the router has a 10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet connection , just like your computer. This, in order to be able to connect at the indicated speeds so that it can work perfectly.
Can I get the ideal network cable for my ADSL or FT my mobile operator?
Among other things, many people have doubts regarding the feasibility, whether or not there is, of acquiring the ideal Internet connection cable for their ADSL or Fiber Optic with the mobile operator and in the face of such doubt, We clarify that if possible . Since, today, a large number of these mobile operators have activated that kind of service for their users , due to the remarkable need to install network cables, around the world.
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However, in certain cases, you will need to be very careful with the types of Ethernet cables that usually offer these operators with routers . Since, in addition, some companies have chosen to give such cables when their customers acquire a router along with the Internet service.
Then, being an additional feature, can exhibit poor quality; normally of 2 pairs only and category 5 . Which will only allow you to achieve a speed of 100 Mbps and with it, the performance and quality of the network will be minimized completely.