Choosing the Right Ethernet Cable: A Guide for Gamers, Streamers, and Everyone In Between

Technology and the entertainment industry are growing hand in hand changing all the manual work to either fast software or online tools that help you create or provide ease of doing or get entertained. There are multiple platforms for streaming your favorite videos Netflix, Amazon Prime, and YouTube are some of the most popular channels for streaming videos, seasons, and web series. Likewise, gaming consoles from different companies are creating a space for entertainment for adults and teenagers. 

But one thing remains the constant “Ethernet Cables” to entertain, browse, or manage business operations. Wireless technology is taking part and it's possible that in the future we all are using WiFi for operating our daily needs. Similarly, recording studios are in high demand for networking cables due to running different sorts of online and offline software to record themes, songs, and other voiceovers to use in the movie. 

In this blog, let me guide you about some most famous types of ethernet cables that may help you in networking or connecting to your gaming or streaming devices for smooth working. Yes, it all started with the server speed specs. 

Types Of Ethernet Cables

If you consider the deceased class of ethernet cables — Cat 1 till Cat 5 they are the previous cables in the past that have changed the networking conditions. Similarly, in 2024 there are also some famous ethernet cables like Cat5e, Cat6, and Cat6a. The more advanced and expensive ethernet cables are Cat7 and Cat8 respectively. 

All these cables are observed to deliver gigabit speed over longer distances except Cat5e, the first-ever cable to be introduced with gigabit specs. Ethernet cables are the invention of Robert Metcalfe along with his fellows that has contributed positively to networking to run different devices. 

Here are some of the main types of ethernet cables that give some impression when it comes to running fast data transmission or networking for different sources. 

• Cat5e Ethernet Cable here “E” referred to as Enhanced

• Cat6 Ethernet Cable – Next addition after the successful experiment of Cat5e.

• Cat6a Ethernet Cable — Here “A” is for Augmented, the 10 Gbps speed ethernet cable.

All these three ethernet cables are more trendy to adopt for gaming, streaming, or high applications. All these have stringent properties and substantial speed specs and are ideal for running applications smoothly and without any lag. The ultimate high bandwidth and the internal structure of the cable make it possible to run this cable for multiple runs. 

Enhanced Category 5 Cable

The first ever ethernet cable to show fastest speed ratings after Cat5 vanished and this ethernet cable has taken over the entire industry after its development. The twisted pair design is responsible for 100 Mbps speed and also supports Gigabit speed or 1000 Mbps speed. 

The cat5e cable comes in bulk form of 1000ft with copper, and CCA conductor, well here we are talking about the performance so CCA conductors are not countable. But still, it's countable if performance is neglected. 

The bulk Cat5e cable seems to have the finest bandwidth of 350 MHz which is ideal for fast ethernet cables. 

Pro Tip: Copper conductors are a feasible source to get HD results for streaming videos and playing games.

Category 6 Ethernet Cable

The next advanced category cable is an improved version in the list of ethernet cables. The Cat6 1000ft cable with excellent twisted design obstructs EMI and RFI and also reduces signal attenuation. The cable has two speed variations and it also uses copper conductor and CCA as well. 

For the speed of the CAT6 ethernet cable, the cable delivers 1 Gbps and 10 Gbps over longer and shorter runs. Its 10 Gbit/s indicates that the cable can be used to cater to Fast Ethernet Applications. Just feasible for 2.5GHz and 5GHz partially at smaller cable lengths. 

You can use this bulk Cat6 ethernet cable for data centers, streaming videos, and multiple businesses for sending bulk files every day or in a single go. The cables come with tight twisted pairs as compared with its previous version (Cat5e Cable) which is supposed to restrict unwanted signals from coming in contact with the ethernet transmission signals. It shows more enhanced quality for streaming 4K videos, online gaming, and watching your favorite online show without any delay or lag. 

Augmented Category 6 Cable

The best ethernet cable that shows remarkable functionality when needed for optimum performance. The 10 Gbit/s speed ethernet cable is exceptional as it only uses a Copper conductor as a core. A 23 AWG wire with a high bandwidth of 750 MHz just increases the speed and your experience. 

This is not just the beginning in deciding the ethernet cables but still, there are some other features that you should need to understand while deciding the cable for streaming or playing video games. The shielded or unshielded nature of the cables. 

Pro Tip – Shielded cat6a cables are thicker and need the expertise to install in complex building structures having sharp bends. The bending radius for shielded cat6a cables is 4X the outer diameter of the cable.

Shielded And Unshielded Ethernet Cables

Those who are going to install ethernet cables within their house or office can easily go with the unshielded cables but the demand for shielded cables arises when considering installing cable in the already complex wiring structure of the buildings. Like studios, gaming studios, or near power lines of the house. It is considered that unshielded cables fail to function properly in strong fields. Whereas, shielded cables are considered the proper shield to put a barrier between the outer noises thus maintaining signal integrity. 

On the other hand, the unshielded cables are for stationary spaces of the building also known as general ethernet cables. With the increase in the category cable the specs of the cable start improving and therefore deciding the cables for your network structure is difficult but not impossible. 

For indoor installations of shielded or unshielded cables make sure to put away electrical appliances from the cables or make accurate measurements for cable installation. 

Does Shielded Cables Deliver Performance?

Shielded cables are high-class cables that have an additional insulation layer of foil and braid shielded — F/UTP or S/UTP to reduce signal attenuation or lag. If you are going to install shielded cables it is better to use shielded RJ45 connectors for better performance as it is obvious that the field is enriched with strong electromagnetic interference so a shielded RJ45 connector is worth installing with the cable.

For performance, shielded cables like Cat6 or Cat6a can be used for longer lengths and they are immune to EMI and RFI. But the situation changed when you needed to install the cable to an industrial setup where there is artificial interference generated by heavy machinery, then you need to maintain distance between the cables and the machinery.

Final Thought

Weekends are for entertainment watching movies, playing games, or streaming on YouTube (Podcasts and Music) for that the right type of wired connection is required. First, make sure which type of cable you want either for speed or cost-effective. CCA or Copper, Plenum or Riser, Shielded or Unshielded to get the right ideal speed for your servers. 

I hope this information regarding ethernet cables will help you in deciding the right type of cables according to your speed. If you are an online buyer read the comments or if you like shopping physically then ask the cable sellers for the right cable.