Quick Summary
You’ve been selecting network cables incorrectly—here’s how to get it right!
At Oyanet, we are committed to providing high-quality networking equipment from a wide range of suppliers. Whether you need Ubiquiti, DrayTek, Netgear, or Smart Home technology, our goal is to offer the best solutions for every budget and application. This commitment covers every aspect of a network installation— including one crucial component you might be overlooking!
In a blog post a few weeks ago, we highlighted a crucial yet often-overlooked aspect of network installations that can significantly impact your project’s performance—network cabling. With so much focus on modems, routers, switches, firewalls, and other networking equipment, cables can easily become an afterthought. They’re often the least expensive part of an installation, and their specifications can seem unnecessarily complex. You might assume that all cables are essentially the same and that they won’t make much of a difference to your project.
Think again!
Network cable specifications aren’t as complicated as they seem. Distinguishing between a Cat5e 26AWG PVC cable and a Cat6 24AWG LSOH cable is easier than it appears—and making the right choice can have a lasting impact on your network’s performance.
In our previous blog, we broke down network cable naming conventions and key factors to consider when selecting one for your needs. Today, we’ll take a look at the cables currently available at Oyanet and help you determine which one is the best fit for you!
What Do We Mean by Network Cables?
Before we get started, let’s take a moment to clarify these terms. We covered this topic in greater detail in our previous post, but when selecting network cables, it’s important to ensure everyone is on the same page.
| Category | A cable’s ability to handle data speeds and resist interference largely depends on the number of twists per centimeter in the internal copper wires. More twists result in better performance and a higher cable category. |
| Conductor | The internal copper wires responsible for signal transmission. These can be solid copper, multiple copper strands woven together, or aluminum conductors with a thin copper coating. |
| Shielding | A protective layer made of copper or aluminum that minimizes electrical interference. This shielding can surround individual conductors, the entire cable, or both. |
| Gauge | Indicates the cable’s thickness. A lower AWG number means a thicker wire, which improves performance by increasing the surface area for electrical transfer and reducing the risk of overheating. |
| Sheath | The material used for the cable’s outer casing. While it doesn’t impact performance, it plays a crucial role in factors like waterproofing and fire resistance. |
Which Cables Does Oyanet Supply?
At Oyanet, we offer a diverse selection of high-quality network cables to suit every need and budget. Whether you need a single Ethernet cable for a wired laptop connection or a bulk supply of high-performance solid copper cables for large-scale industrial installations in a variety of colors—we’ve got you covered!
Cat5e
As the most budget-friendly cable category, our Cat5e cables come in a wide range of colors, making it easy to organize and differentiate connections, even in complex setups.
Oyanet’s Cat5e cables are 26AWG, striking a balance between flexibility and durability. They are thin enough for efficient performance over short to medium distances while remaining robust enough for everyday use—ideal for setups that require frequent movement, such as desktops. To keep them affordable and well-suited for most applications, these cables feature unshielded CCA (Copper-Clad Aluminum) conductors with a PVC sheath. This design makes them tough, flexible, and easy to install, though they don’t offer specialized protections against water, fire, or signal interference.
While Cat5e CCA cables may not perform as well as Cat6 or Cat6a over long distances and are more susceptible to interference, the difference is minimal for shorter connections. This makes Cat5e an excellent choice for home networks and small office setups, whether for connecting PCs, laptops, or gaming consoles directly to a router, or powering PoE (Power over Ethernet) devices like VoIP phones and access points.
If you need a reliable, high-speed wired connection for your laptop or want to eliminate lag on your gaming console due to a weak WiFi signal, a Cat5e cable is likely all you need. However, if you require a more specialized solution, keep reading!
Cat6
cables strike a balance between budget-friendly Cat5e options and the more advanced Cat6A solutions. With Cat6, you’re entering pro-sumer and industrial-level networking, where a higher investment in cabling starts to deliver noticeable performance benefits.
To qualify as Cat6, cables must meet stricter standards for crosstalk reduction and overall performance, operating at frequencies of up to 250MHz, compared to 100MHz for Cat5e. This allows for higher data transmission rates and improved reliability over longer distances, reducing signal drops and ensuring a more stable connection.
Oyanet’s Cat6 cables are 24AWG, making them thicker than Cat5e. This increased thickness provides a larger surface area for better data transfer rates and reduces the risk of overheating. Unlike Cat5e cables, which use copper-clad aluminum (CCA) conductors, our Cat6 cables feature pure stranded copper conductors. This enhances both flexibility and performance, making them a versatile, high-speed choice suitable for both permanent installations and everyday home use.
Unlike Cat5e cables, which use standard PVC sheathing, Oyanet’s Cat6 cables feature LSOH sheaths. Also known as LSZH or LS0H (Low Smoke, Zero Halogen), this material significantly improves safety in case of fire. LSOH cables produce minimal smoke and release no halogenated gases, making them a safer option—especially in poorly ventilated environments. Some installation sites even require LSOH cabling, so if you’re an installer, it’s always a good idea to check whether this is a customer requirement.
Conclusion
There is no single “best” network cable—the right choice depends on your specific needs. By considering key factors, you can select the ideal cabling to optimize your network’s performance.
When choosing a cable, consider the following:
- Budget
- Cable length required
- Target connection speed
- Installation environment
While premium cabling may seem like the safest option, it’s not always necessary—or even advisable—to install Cat6A cables in every project. Conversely, if you need long-distance connectivity but are still relying on Cat5e cables, your network performance will suffer. By carefully assessing your requirements and selecting the right cables, you can ensure your network remains fast, reliable, and secure!
