I assumed Ethernet cables have been all the identical. I used to be so, so unsuitable

In case you’ve been shopping Ethernet cables on-line you could have seen that they arrive with names like CAT 5, CAT 6, CAT 7, and CAT 8. And no, we’re not speaking in regards to the feline type of CAT…meow!

So, what does all that imply, and is there any distinction between these various Ethernet cables?

Defining CAT in Ethernet cables

The CAT label in Ethernet cables stands for “class,” which denotes its normal and specification. You possibly can inform which class the cables belong to by the quantity suffix each has.

The principle distinction between the completely different classes is the rated efficiency of every. Additionally they have completely different wire configurations and different variations in how they’re made, like how tightly they’re wound, and a few have interior plastic tubing.

Similar to USB cables, Ethernet cables get sooner and extra environment friendly with every successive era launched. That’s nice information for players in search of sooner and extra dependable cables for lag-free community gaming.

CAT and information switch speeds

CAT 5 and CAT 5e cables are an early era of Ethernet cable relationship again to the early noughties. CAT 5 cables present information transmission speeds as much as 100Mbps at 100MHz whereas CAT 5e cables are barely superior offering speeds as much as 1,000Mbps at 100MHz. Which means CAT 5e cables are typically somewhat extra steady and fewer vulnerable to lag than CAT 5 cables.

Each CAT 5 and CAT 5e cable sorts are fast sufficient for many family or work-related community wants, whether or not that be to hook up a number of PCs or exterior units like printers. They’re extensively utilized by small places of work, colleges ,and faculties for issues like Hubs, switches, and routers.

That stated, for the reason that newer CAT 6 cables have come out, players and customers needing greater information switch speeds have homed in on these as a substitute. That’s as a result of CAT 6 cables are 10 occasions faster. They supply information switch speeds as much as 10Gbps and at frequencies as much as 250Hz.

These cables even have higher shielding to forestall electromagnetic interference, so they’re much less prone to cross speak and noise. That makes them much more steady and really appropriate for customers that do loads of video conferencing or that work within the cloud — in order that they’re ideally suited for skilled workplaces and academic services like hospitals or authorities companies.

Additional studying: The very best USB-C cables

Within the CAT 6 class, there’s additionally CAT 6e cables, that are a step up once more in performance. CAT 6e cables are able to transferring information on the similar 10Gbps as their CAT 6 counterparts, however they help greater frequencies nonetheless (as much as 500MHz) — so in the event you’re seeking to construct a really steady 10Gbps community these cables will present much more surety in opposition to interference and lag throughout heavy information masses.

After CAT 6e comes CAT 7 cables. These Ethernet cables once more present fast switch speeds of as much as 10Gbps however they help even sooner frequencies as much as 600MHz.

The issue with CAT 7 cables, nevertheless, is that they have been initially made to help GG45 or TERA connectors as a substitute of the extra frequent RJ45 connectors (utilized in CAT 5, CAT 6, and CAT 6e cables). GG45 and TERA requirements have been by no means extensively adopted by {hardware} producers.

CAT 7 cables can be used with RJ45 connectors, however doing so relegates their bandwidth again to that of a CAT 6 or CAT 6e cable, so that you gained’t get the additional bandwidth profit.

In case you have been questioning, there are additionally CAT 8 Ethernet cables, that are the quickest Ethernet cables obtainable at present. These cables break the 10Gbps information switch restrict of earlier generations by utilizing a 2GHz sign to maneuver information as much as 20Gbps or 40Gbps.

Due to their very excessive information switch speeds and bandwidth, these cables are continuously put in by huge companies like information facilities, monetary establishments, analysis establishments, and broadcasting studios that require the very quickest Ethernet connections obtainable.

That stated, I’ve additionally discovered a couple of operators providing set up purely for players, so their use in gaming is rising in popularity.

What Ethernet cable is finest for PC gaming?

The theoretical reply to that query is after all, a CAT 8 cable. Then once more, utilizing a CAT 8 cable isn’t essentially a sensible choice for many players. It’s velocity and bandwidth overkill. You possibly can have a superbly lag-free gaming expertise with an Ethernet cable from a earlier era.

Most players gained’t be capable of make the most of the short speeds of a CAT 8 cable due to limiting components, just like the velocity of their major router or modem. The principle cause to get one, although, is if you wish to future-proof your Ethernet efficiency. These cables was once very costly, however they’re much more inexpensive now, so getting one gained’t break the price range.

That stated, players can get away with a CAT 6 or CAT 6e cable simply wonderful, for the reason that quickest PC desktop Ethernet playing cards solely at present help as much as a most 10Gbps switch velocity (playing cards just like the Asus XG-C100C). In actual fact, even 1Gbps switch speeds are fast sufficient for gaming. CAT 6 and CAT 6e cables are quick sufficient and supply a superb stability between efficiency, reliability, and value.

I hope that clears up any confusion across the several types of Ethernet cables. Additionally remember to determine on the size of the cable you want before you purchase, as a result of the completely different CAT requirements have their very own most cable lengths. Blissful cable searching!

Additional studying: Shopping for a USB-C cable? Beware these 6 essential gotchas