Picking out an internet provider for your work and personal needs can be challenging, especially when you&#;re unfamiliar with the different wired connection types. The most common are digital subscriber line (DSL), cable and fiber-optic. Each connection differs in download and upload speeds, price, availability, and bandwidth. So, how do you choose between the three to get internet access at home? We compare DSL, cable and fiber internet to help you decide which one is right for your household.

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Comparing DSL vs. Cable vs. Fiber Internet

What&#;s Wired Internet?

Wired internet connections use physical cables to deliver internet services directly to homes and businesses. Established through infrastructure that includes various types of cabling, these connections provide a stable and consistent connection. Wired internet typically offers higher speeds and greater reliability, as it&#;s less susceptible to environmental interference. The infrastructure, however, requires significant investment in physical installation and maintenance, making it more prevalent in urban and suburban areas with established networks.

While wired internet is one type of internet connection, the other is wireless. A wireless internet connection transmits data through the air, using radio waves or satellite signals to connect users to the internet. These connections are generally easier and quicker to deploy, as they do not require extensive cabling. However, physical obstructions, weather conditions and network congestion can affect wireless connections. Such issues may potentially lead to variability in speed and reliability compared to wired connections.

How Does DSL Internet Work?

DSL transmits digital data over traditional copper lines already installed in homes and businesses. Unlike dial-up connections, DSL can provide internet access without disrupting regular service, as it uses higher frequency bands for data transmission.

A DSL modem connects to the line and communicates with a DSLAM (Digital Subscriber Line Access Multiplexer) at the service provider&#;s facility, which aggregates connections and provides access to the broader internet. The quality and speed of a DSL connection can vary based on the distance from your home to the DSLAM, with closer proximity generally resulting in better performance.

How Does Cable Internet Work?

Cable internet delivers data through the same coaxial cables that provide cable television service. A cable modem at your home connects to these coaxial cables and communicates with the Cable Modem Termination System (CMTS) at the internet service provider&#;s facility. This system aggregates internet traffic and provides access to the wider internet.

Cable internet can offer high-speed connectivity because coaxial cables have a large bandwidth capacity. However, many users in the same neighborhood often share the connection, causing the speed and performance to fluctuate during peak usage times when many people are online simultaneously.

How Does Fiber Internet Work?

Fiber internet transmits data as pulses of light through strands of glass or plastic fibers, which can carry significantly more data over longer distances without degradation compared to traditional copper cables. A fiber-optic modem, or Optical Network Terminal (ONT), converts these light signals into electrical signals usable by computers and other devices.

Fiber-optic cables&#; high capacity and speed enable incredibly fast internet connections, often reaching gigabit speeds. Because the data is transmitted as light, fiber internet is less susceptible to electromagnetic interference and can maintain consistent performance regardless of distance from the service provider, making it the most reliable and fastest type of internet connection available.

DSL vs. Cable vs. Fiber Internet

One key difference between DSL, cable and fiber internet is speed. Review the table below to see which download and upload speeds each type of wired connection offers.

Connection type Download speed range Upload speed range DSL 5 to 120 Mbps 1 to 20 Mbps Cable 10 Mbps to 1 Gbps 5 to 50 Mbps Fiber 200 Mbps to 20 Gbps 200 Mbps to 20 Gbps

DSL is the slowest of the three, while the newest technology &#; fiber &#; races ahead. Cable sits comfortably in the middle but has shown that it can compete with fiber internet to deliver gigabit speeds. As you consider these speeds, figuring out what sort of online activities will require slower or faster speeds can help you achieve optimal performance.

DSL Internet

Pros

• Widespread coverage
• Affordable
• Consistent speeds due to having your own dedicated connection

Cons

• Slower speeds
• Limited bandwidth
• Unreliable connection the farther away you are from the provider

While DSL internet may feature slower speeds than cable and fiber, the service is affordable, practical and commonly used in homes where high-speed internet options might not be available. DSL is also easy to set up and doesn&#;t require professional installation or fees.

Using DSL internet is a reliable and straightforward experience and is especially suitable for moderate internet users. It allows for consistent web browsing, checking emails and streaming standard-definition videos without significant interruptions. Because the connection remains dedicated and not shared with neighbors, users typically don&#;t experience slowdowns due to peak usage times. Activities requiring high bandwidth, such as HD video streaming, online gaming or simultaneous heavy usage by multiple devices might encounter slower speeds than cable or fiber.

CenturyLink has a DSL plan with no data caps, which is always ideal to avoid overage fees. DSL is the better alternative for users who live in rural areas and don&#;t want to stick with satellite internet providers, which can be slower and have high latency.

Cable Internet

Pros

• Widespread availability
• Reliable performance
• Affordable TV and/or bundles
• Multiple speed and price ranges

Cons

• Higher costs for internet-only plans
• Slow speeds during peak use times
• May require professional installation and associated fees

Choosing cable internet is suitable for households looking to bundle their internet and cable services. Residential cable internet uses cable wires to provide a high-speed internet connection and TV service. With download speeds up to 1 Gbps and upload speeds up to 50 Mbps, cable internet can power a household with multiple devices.

Cable internet offers higher speeds and greater bandwidth than DSL, making it a good choice for tech-savvy families and those working from home or engaging in data-intensive tasks. It&#;s ideal for households with multiple users and devices, supporting activities such as streaming HD and 4K videos, online gaming, video conferencing, and downloading large files simultaneously. The widespread availability of cable infrastructure in urban and suburban areas also makes it accessible to many users.

Cable providers typically offer bundles that include TV, and internet services for a lower price than buying each service individually. Some cable providers, like Spectrum, have plans with speeds almost as fast as fiber internet. This is a good choice for people who want a consistent and reliable connection but don&#;t need lightning-fast internet.

Fiber Internet

Pros

• Available with major providers, such as Verizon Fios, Google Fiber and AT&T
• Gigabit speeds
• Reliable connection

Cons

• Very expensive
• Limited coverage
• Requires complex installation

The newest technology in the broadband market, fiber-optic residential internet utilizes expensive high-speed cables made of fibers and glass that reach residents&#; homes. Commonly used in major cities, fiber internet offers an exceptional internet experience due to its incredibly high speeds and reliability.

This type of wired internet is best for households with heavy internet usage, such as streaming 4K videos, online gaming, video conferencing and using multiple devices simultaneously. Fiber internet provides consistent and symmetrical upload and download speeds, which is beneficial for activities like uploading large files and live streaming. Fiber&#;s resilience to electromagnetic interference and severe weather conditions ensures a stable connection, making it ideal for remote work and other critical applications.

DSL vs. Cable

DSL uses lines and is the slowest option, whereas cable transmits data over copper TV lines, works faster and carries more bandwidth. DSL is widely available because almost every part of the country has access to service, so it&#;s a great option for people in rural areas who aren&#;t interested in satellite internet. Cable is ideal if you stream on multiple devices, hop on a lot of video calls or download large files. DSL is better if you only check your occasionally and casually surf the internet.

Cable vs. Fiber

Fiber internet provides a high-bandwidth connection and speeds up to 1 Gbps. While cable speeds can be as fast as fiber, they slow down during peak use times when all your neighbors get home from work and watch Netflix or a big game. That said, cable covers about 88 percent of the U.S. at an average speed of 10 Mbps to 1 Gbps. Fiber is great for competitive online gamers or if you want the fastest speed and live in larger cities where it&#;s available. If you want extremely fast internet, consider AT&T Fiber as a top contender.

Fiber vs. DSL

DSL and fiber are complete opposites in terms of speeds and coverage. Fiber is a newer wired internet form with less coverage than DSL. However, fiber expansion projects currently underway help ensure an increase in availability. DSL usually runs over preexisting lines, making setup easy, while fiber requires professional installation services to run the fiber-optic cables to your house. Internet providers such as CenturyLink offer both DSL and fiber plans.

How to Choose a Wired Internet Connection

Choosing the best wired internet connection depends on your household&#;s needs, location and budget. Consider factors such as the required internet speed, the number of devices connected and the type of online activities performed. For basic usage, such as checking emails and casual web browsing, DSL may be sufficient and widely available. Suppose, however, you&#;re a household with higher demands, such as streaming on multiple devices, frequent video calls or downloading large files. In that case, cable internet may be a more suitable choice, as it offers faster speeds and greater bandwidth.

Fiber internet is your best bet for fast and reliable internet, reaching speeds beyond 1 Gbps and enduring severe weather conditions, which helps minimize outages. Fiber can connect multiple tablets, laptops and phones at once with minimum lag, offering optimal performance for anything requiring fast and efficient internet. However, fiber isn&#;t the cheapest or most widely available option. It&#;s predominantly accessible in metropolitan areas, so if you&#;re living in a rural area, you might find it harder to obtain. Fiber is the best option if you can afford such plans and prioritize fast and reliable connections.

If fiber isn&#;t in your budget, cable is a solid alternative with speeds that can also reach up to 1 Gbps. Ultimately, your best choice will always be the one that aligns with your specific needs and budget.

Frequently Asked Questions About Wired Internet Connections

Is DSL obsolete?

DSL is not entirely obsolete, but its relevance is diminishing due to the rise of faster and more reliable internet options, like cable and fiber. While DSL remains a viable option in rural and remote areas where other broadband services are unavailable, its slower speeds and limitations make it less attractive in regions with access to modern infrastructure.

Is there a downside to fiber internet?

The main downsides to fiber internet are its limited availability and higher cost. Fiber infrastructure is expensive to install and maintain, restricting its presence primarily to metropolitan and urban areas, leaving rural regions less likely to have access. Additionally, fiber internet plans are more costly than DSL and cable.

Does weather affect fiber internet?

Weather generally does not affect fiber internet because the connection uses light signals transmitted through glass or plastic fibers. These signals are immune to electromagnetic interference and weather conditions such as rain, wind and electrical storms. This resilience to adverse weather conditions ensures a stable and reliable internet connection, unlike traditional copper-based systems that can suffer from signal degradation and outages during severe weather.

Is DSL good enough for Netflix?

DSL can be good enough for streaming Netflix, particularly if the DSL connection offers speeds of at least 3 to 5 Mbps, which is sufficient for standard-definition streaming. For HD streaming, Netflix recommends a minimum speed of 5 Mbps, while 4K Ultra HD streaming requires at least 25 Mbps. If a DSL service can consistently provide these speeds, it can support Netflix streaming. However, if your home uses multiple devices or has higher bandwidth needs, you may experience buffering or reduced quality.

How do I know if my internet is DSL or cable?

Check the type of modem and the cables connecting to it. A DSL modem connects to a standard jack using a line with an RJ11 connector, typically through a splitter that separates and internet signals. A cable modem connects to a coaxial cable, which is the same type used for cable television, featuring a round connector with a single copper wire in the middle (F-connector). You can also review your internet service bill or contact your internet service provider (ISP) to confirm the type of internet connection you have.

Ethernet Cables Explained

Choosing the right Ethernet cable category for your network

In , Xerox PARC researcher Bob Metcalfe invented a high-speed networking system called Ethernet to allow computer workstations, servers and printers to share data and resources. Today, Ethernet connects hundreds of millions of devices in homes and businesses. In this article, we explain the Ethernet cable types that form the basis of many wired networks.

Buying Ethernet Cable for your Network

If you are buying Ethernet cable for the first time, focus on these four features and you'll make a good decision. Other factors are worth considering in certain circumstances so if in doubt, read on.

1. Speed (Data Rate): the speed of a cable refers to the amount of data it can transmit per second. 100 Mbps means the cable can transmit 100 million bits of data a second. In a commercial network, speed is usually dictated by the equipment you are connecting (for example, a network switch with Gigabit Ethernet ports). In the home, choose a cable that can support the speed of your Internet connection, plus some room for speed upgrades in the future. A cable's Category designation (e.g. Cat5e, Cat6, etc.) is an easy way to identify the speed of a cable. See Table 1: Category Cable Summary for more information.
2. Shielding: some Ethernet cables are shielded to protect the cable's conductors from electromagnetic interference (EMI) caused by power lines, large machinery and flourescent lighting. Shielding also prevents parallel conductors inside the cable jacket from interacting with one another. See Ethernet Cable Shielding for more information.
3. Cable Length: The maximum length of an Ethernet cable is about 295 feet (90 meters). Good quality cables with shielding and thicker conductors can reach further but some trial and error will be required. Keep in mind that cable runs are rarely straight so plan on extra cable for some twists and turns. See Ethernet Cable Length for more information.
4. Installation Location: cable jackets are rated for fire safety. If you plan on running cable through walls or between floors, choose rise-rated (CMR) or plenum-rated (CMP) cable. See Jacket Ratings for more information.

Why Buy from Eaton?

We know you have many brands to choose from. On the surface, they may all seem alike. It's what you don't see that makes the difference. With Eaton, you get solid engineering, proven reliability and exceptional customer service. All our products undergo rigorous quality control before they are offered for sale, and independent testing agencies verify our products meet or exceed the latest safety and performance standards. Our commitment to quality allows us to back our products with industry-leading warranties and responsive customer service. It's the Eaton difference.

Ethernet Cable Categories

The "Cat" in Cat5e, Cat6, etc. is short for "Category." Network cables are divided into categories based mainly on bandwidth (measured in MHz), maximum data rate (measured in megabits per second) and shielding.

Cat1

For a time, this unshielded twisted pair (UTP) cable was the most common form of wiring for voice systems in homes and offices. It consisted of two insulated copper wires twisted around each other and was designed for analog voice communications.

Cat2

Category 2 cabling was capable of voice and data communications and was primarily used during the s for IBM Token Ring networks. It supported a data transmission rate of 4 Mbps.

Cat3

Introduced in the early s, Category 3 cabling had four twisted pairs and was the first to support 10BaseT Ethernet networks as well as digital voice communications. It is still found in older buildings but its 10 Mbps data rate is considered too slow for modern networking.

Bandwidth vs. Data Rate
Bandwidth or frequency is a property of a cable and measures the rate at which a signal will cycle each second. 1 MHz is equal to 1 million cycles per second. Cat5 can handle up to 100 million signals a second (or 100 MHz). The cable category with the highest bandwidth is currently Cat8 with 2 billion (2 GHz) signals per second, 20 times as many as Cat5.

Data Rate and Bandwidth are related terms but they are not the same. Higher frequencies carry more 1s and 0s, allowing more bits of data to be transmitted per second. Cat5 cables have a one-to-one relationship between bandwidth and data rate: 100 MHz cable can transmit 100 Mb per second. Higher Category cables such as Cat8 encode the data so more bits can be transmitted in the same amount of time.

Frequency (and therefore data rate) can be increased by increasing the gauge of the conductor wires, adding more twists to the conductors, or adding shielding to each pair of conductors.

Cat4

Like Cat3, Category 4 cable is typically found in older buildings where the cost of complete replacement is prohibitive. It had a data rate of 16 Mbps and was primarily used for IBM Token Ring networks.

Cat5

Introduced in , Category 5 cable has a data rate of up to 100 Mbps. It is used for standard 10BaseT and 100BaseT (Fast Ethernet) networks, and can distribute data, video and signals at distances up to 100 meters (328 ft.). Cat5e is not an official designation but is used by manufacturers to describe an enhanced Cat5 cable that is capable of speeds up to 1 Gbps. Its higher data rate is achieved by increasing the number of twists, making it more resistant to crosstalk. Cat5e is recommended for new sub-Gigabit network installations.

Cat6

In comparison to Cat5e, Cat6 cable provides greater bandwidth and data transfer rates up to 1 Gbps over 100 m, the same as Cat5e. However, at shorter distances of up to 37 m (121 ft.), Cat6 is able to achieve 10 Gbps speeds thanks to its improved shielding and higher bandwidth. Cat6 includes a physical separator called a "spline" between the four pairs to reduce crosstalk and foil shielding to reduce electromagnetic interference. Cat6 cabling is backward compatible with the Cat5/5e standard. Introduced in , Cat6a is an "augmented" Category 6 cable with a bandwidth of up to 500MHz.

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Cat7

The Cat7 specification is a proprietary standard developed by a consortium of companies and is not endorsed by IEEE or TIA/EIA. While substantially similar to the performance characteristics of Cat6a, Cat7 cables features proprietary GG45 connectors and robust shielding. Cat7a (Category 7 Augmented) is a further refinement of Cat7, capable of 40 Gigabit speeds over 50 meters and 100 Gbps up to 15 meters. The proprietary nature of the Cat7 and Cat7a standards and lack of support from IEEE and EIA has resulted in a relatively small installed based for Cat7/Cat7a.

Cat8

With a bandwidth of up to 2 GHz ( MHz) over 30 meters and a data rate of up to 40Gbs, Cat8 cable is ideal for switch-to-switch communications in a 25GBase T or 40GBase T network. Its conductors are wrapped in foil to virtually eliminate crosstalk and enable higher data rates. The result is a heavier gauge cable that is quite rigid and can be difficult to install in tight spaces. It still uses RJ45 connectors and is backwards compatible with previous standards.

Category Max. Data Rate Bandwidth Max. Distance Usage Category 1 1 Mbps 0.4 MHz   and modem lines Category 2 4 Mbps 4 MHz   LocalTalk & Category 3 10 Mbps 16 MHz 100 m (328 ft.) 10BaseT Ethernet Category 4 16 Mbps 20 MHz 100 m (328 ft.) Token Ring Category 5 100 Mbps 100 MHz 100 m (328 ft.) 100BaseT Ethernet Category 5e 1 Gbps 100 MHz 100 m (328 ft.) 100BaseT Ethernet, residential homes Category 6 1 Gbps 250 MHz 100 m (328 ft.)
10Gb at 37 m (121 ft.) Gigabit Ethernet, commercial buildings Category 6a 10 Gbps 500 MHz 100 m (328 ft.) Gigabit Ethernet in data centers and commercial buildings Category 7 10 Gbps 600 MHz 100 m (328 ft.) 10 Gbps Core Infrastructure Category 7a 10 Gbps MHz 100 m (328 ft.)
40Gb at 50 m (164 ft.) 10 Gbps Core Infrastructure Category 8 25 Gbps (Cat8.1)
40 Gbps (Cat8.2) MHz 30 m (98 ft.) 25 Gbps/40 Gbps Core Infrastructure

What type of Ethernet cable should I buy for my home network?
Even with a speedy WiFi6 router, your connection to the Internet is usually the bandwidth bottleneck. Currently, the fastest Internet plans available from the major carriers offer download speeds of 1 gigabit per second (1,000 Mbps). If you already have the fastest Internet access available from your provider, use Cat6a cable. This will give you some headroom for future speed increases. For Internet download speeds up to a gigabit, Cat5e is a good choice. You'll save a little money over Cat6a and the thinner cable will be easier to install.

Ethernet Cable Length

The further a signal has to travel along a cable, the more it will degrade (a process known as attenuation) until it reaches the point where it can no longer be detected, or is too distorted to be interpreted by the receiving device. Attenuation can also be caused by noise due to electrical currents and radio frequencies. Cables with shielding to minimize noise will work reliably over greater distances.

The maximum length of a Cat5e or Cat6 Ethernet cable is about 295 ft. (90 m), plus up to 16 ft. (5 m) of patch cable on either end, for a total of 328 feet or 100 meters. Beyond this, the signal begins to degrade, reducing the speed and reliability of the connection. Good quality cable can support runs in excess of 100 meters but data transmission speed may be reduced. Higher data rates can also be achieved over shorter distances.

Ethernet Cable Shielding

Cable shielding is a layer of material that is wrapped around the wires inside a cable to reduce interference and improve signal quality. The shielding helps to prevent external electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radio frequency interference (RFI) from affecting the data transmission over the cable.

Shielded Ethernet cables can employ two types of shielding:

• Conductor Shielding protects each twisted pair using aluminum foil or braided wire strands
• Cable Shielding wraps all twisted pairs in aluminum foil or braided wire strands

Cable Shielding Types

ISO/IEC Designation Industry Abbreviation Conductor Shielding Cable Shielding U/UTP UTP or TPP None None F/UTP FTP or STP Foil None S/UTP STP Braiding None SF/UTP SFTP or STP Braiding & Foil None U/FTP STP None Foil F/FTP FFTP Foil Foil S/FTP SFTP Braiding Foil SF/FTP SFTP or SSTP Braiding & Foil Foil S/STP SSTP Braiding Braiding

Ethernet Patch Cords and Connector Styles

Termination

Ethernet cables made from four twisted pairs are terminated using an 8-pin RJ45 connector. Older cable based on two twisted pairs typically use RJ11 connectors.

The terms 8p8c (Eight Position, Eight Contact) and RJ45 are often used interchangeably but 8p8c actually refers to a category of connectors of which RJ45 is one. The modern RJ45 Ethernet connector is the most common example of an 8p8c connector.

GG45 (GigaGate 45) or ARJ45 (Augmented RJ45) is a connector originally developed by French cable company Nexans for use with Cat7 cable. GG45 connectors have 12 pins in total, 8 providing backwards compatibility with Cat6, and an additional 4 pins providing support for frequencies of up to 600MHz.

M12 coded connectors are found on Ethernet cords designed for industrial applications. These cables are often exposed to vibration, extreme temperatures and moisture. The threaded connectors are designed to provide a waterproof and secure connection.

Why is an Ethernet cable connector called RJ45?
"RJ" stands for Registered Jack and refers to a standardized physical network interface. The "45" simply refers to the number of the interface in the standard specification.

Connector Styles

Molded connectors are permanently attached to a cable using a manufacturing process called over-molding. The connector and cable are covered with a thermoplastic or silicon material to form one solid piece called a boot, making the cable more durable and able to withstanding a high number of insertion cycles.

Snagless connectors have a modified boot that protects the connector's lock from being accidentally snapped off. Snagless cables are typically used in situations where the cable is frequently connected and disconnected, such as a laptop-to-wall network connection.

Cable Styles

Slim and Ultra-Slim Cables
Slim and Ultra-Slim cables have a diameter that's typically 30-50% less than that of a standard Cat6 cable. Manufactured from small gauge copper wire, the four-pair stranded cable increases airflow in crowded equipment racks, which helps keep components cool and functioning properly. The slim design also makes the cable lighter and easier to install in high-density racks, cable trays and ductwork.

Flat Cables
Although not a common choice, flat cables have some unique characteristics that make them beneficial in certain applications. Flat cables have good heat dissipation and more evenly distribute physical loads on the cable. They also bend only through the wide faces whereas a conventional round cable bends in all directions.

A flat cable is a good choice if you need to carry an Ethernet patch cable around in your laptop bag. It is strong, light and will not tangle easily. Its flat shape makes it ideal for cable runs under carpet and behind baseboard.

Solid Core Cables
Network cables are available in stranded and solid wire formats. As the name suggests, a solid core cable uses one solid copper wire for each conductor, so a 4-pair cable will have a total of 8 solid copper wires. Solid conductor cable is easy to punch down, making it ideal for structured wiring applications.

In situations where a cable is repeatedly flexed or connected and disconnected, choose a stranded cable. For horizontal cable runs not subject to repeated movement, or for Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) and outdoor applications, use solid core cable.

Armored Cable
The outer jacket of an armored cable is made from thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), a type of polyurethane known for its strength, flexibility (even in low temperatures) and cut/abrasion resistance. Armored cable is recommended for outdoor applications and any location where the cable could potentially be crushed or cut.

What is a Crossover Cable?
There are two wiring standards used by RJ45 connectors, referred to as T568A and T568B. The difference is the pin assignment for the green and orange pairs. T568A pin-outs are the most commonly used but either will work so long as both ends of the cable are similarly wired. The U.S. Government requires the use of the T568A standard for networks installed under a federal contract.

PIN SIGNAL T568A T568B 1 TX+ White/Green White/Orange 2 TX- Green Orange 3 RX+ White/Orange White/Green 4 TRD2+ Blue Blue 5 TRD2- White/Blue White/Blue 6 RX- Orange Green 7 TRS3+ White/Brown White/Brown 8 TRS3- Brown Brown

Cables with T568A wiring on one end and T568B on the other are known as "crossover" cables. You can identify a crossover cable by comparing the order of wires on each end. If the wires are the same on each end (regardless of which pin configuration is used), it is a "straight-through" cable. If they are different, it is a crossover cable.

Nowadays, most Ethernet switches and routers have a feature called auto-MDIX, which can detect which type of port or cable (crossover or straight-through) is connected and swap the transmit and receive pins accordingly, removing the need for crossover wiring.

Gauge

One of the factors limiting the length and data rate of Ethernet cable is the size of its conductors. Electrical current encounters greater resistance when transmitted over thinner wire. The larger the conductor, the easier it is for the electrons to pass through it resulting in lower resistance, lower signal loss and greater transmission distance.

The diameter or gauge of a cable's conductor is referred to using American Wire Gauge (AWG) standard sizes. For example, a 24 AWG solid conductor is 0. inches in diameter. A 28 AWG conductor is 0. inches in diameter, almost half the size. That's right, the smaller the AWG gauge, the bigger the conductor diameter.

Cable Type Typical Gauge Diameter (inches) Diameter (mm) Cat8 22 AWG 0. 0. Cat6/Cat6a 23 AWG 0. 0. Cat5e 24 AWG 0. 0. Slim Cat6 28 AWG 0. 0. Ultra Slim Cat6 32 AWG 0. 0.

Conductor gauge affects a cable's performance but is typically not the most important factor. Shielding and twist rate have more impact on signal strength and quality.

Twist Rates

Ever wondered why an Ethernet cable uses twisted pairs of conductor wires? Early lines were susceptible to interference from electrical wires that often shared the same utility poles. Engineers discovered that by swapping the position of the wires every few poles (i.e. the left line became the right and the right became the left), they could reduce distortion. This technique of wire transposition was the first use of twisting, albeit with a very loose twist rate of about six turns per mile.

In , Scotsman and AT&T co-founder Alexander Graham Bell used the same technique to create the first twisted pair. By the turn of the 20th century, twisted pair cable was widely used for transmission of signals on voice lines.

Today, twisting conductor pairs is a common way to minimize signal interference and crosstalk, and increase cable performance. The twist rate or "pitch" is usually measured as the number of twists per inch or centimeter.

Twist Rate is not specified in the IEEE or TIA category cable standards and is left to the manufacturer to decide. Cat5e typically has a twist rate of 4-5 twists per inch whereas Cat6 cables have a twist rate of 5 or more twists per inch. To further reduce crosstalk, not all conductor pairs in a cable will have the same twist rate.

Jacket Ratings

Jackets protect the cable's conductors from physical damage, moisture and ultraviolet light. When installing cable in walls, ceilings and under floors, it is important to use cables that meet the local code requirements (usually based on the NFPA's National Electric Code). The three basic ratings for both cable types are general purpose, riser and plenum-rated.

Jacket Rating Description Applications Acceptable Substitute CM/CMG Communications, General Purpose Patch cables.
In-room cable runs.
Not for use in risers and plenum. CMR, CMP Riser (CMR) Communications, Riser
A riser is a vertical space, typically inside walls and between floors In-wall installation
May be required due to insurance or contractual clauses CMP Plenum (CMP) Communications, Plenum
Plenum is space above and below floors typically occupied by heating and air conditioning ductwork Air ducts and plenums above and below floors.
May be required due to insurance or contractual clauses.   Outdoor (CMX) Outdoor
LDPE (low-density polyethylene) Exterior installation.
Buried or exposed to moisture or UV light.
Cable runs up to 50-ft.  

Special Applications

Power over Ethernet (PoE)

PoE allows both power and data to be delivered over a single, solid core category cable. This makes it ideal for networking IP devices like security cameras, access control readers, wireless access points (WAPs), sensors and lighting that require DC power and a data network connection. PoE gives you the flexibility to install devices where you need them without having to worry about access to AC power.

Further Reading
A Brief Overview of Power over Ethernet (PoE)

Limited Power (LP) Applications

UL has developed a Limited Power Certification for Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) applications. The LP designation, first introduced in , indicates that a cable has been tested under "reasonable worst case installation scenarios" and is capable of carrying the stated current without exceeding the temperature rating of the cable. The LP designation is particularly important in PoE++ applications where power exceeds 60 watts.

Outdoor Cable

Exterior-grade CMX Ethernet cable is waterproof and resistant to drying and cracking after long-term exposure to the sun. It can also be buried in the ground without a conduit. Also consider cable and hooded connectors with an IP68 rating.

Plenum Spaces and Risers

Plenum is the space above or below a room that provides a way for air to return to a building's HVAC system. A riser is a vertical shaft between floors for electrical wiring, water pipes, and voice or data cabling. In the event of a fire, it's critical that cabling in these areas does not promote the spread of smoke and toxic fumes.

When selecting cable to run through plenum or risers, look for products with a jacket rating of CMP (plenum) or CMR (riser). These cables have a higher degree of fire resistance and emit fewer toxic fumes compared to general purpose CM or CMG rated cables. In the US, the NFPA's National Electrical Code (NEC) guidelines requires CMP or CMR cabling for plenum or risers and compliance may be a contractual or legal requirement. Because CMP cables have a higher fire resistance, you can use CMP in risers but you cannot use CMR cable in plenum spaces.

Anti-Bacterial Cables

The jacket on these cables is constructed using an antibacterial material that is 99.9% effective in inhibiting Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (staph). This added protection makes these cables an ideal solution for high-touch applications and in environments where bacterial infection is of particular concern, such as medical facilities, schools, process manufacturing and restaurants/kitchens.

Choosing Ethernet Cables

What is the difference between Cat5 and Cat6?
Cat6 and Cat6a cables are more expensive than Cat5e so it's important to know what you're getting for your money. For cable runs up to 50-ft, Cat6 is capable of 10 Gbps vs. 1 Gbps for Cat5e. For longer runs, Cat5e and Cat6 should give similar performance.

Should I upgrade from Cat5e to Cat6?
Upgrading to Cat6 makes sense if the equipment on either end is capable of 10 Gbps. For example, core network connections between switches, routers or bridges would benefit from the higher bandwidth.

Are Cat8 cables worth the extra money?
Cat8 is designed for switch-to-switch communications in 25G and 40G networks. Residential and commercial projects outside the data center would be better using Cat6a cable. Not only is it less expensive, it's also easier and faster to install.

Can you mix Cat5 and Cat6 cable in a network?
There's no problem in mixing Cat5e and Cat6 cable in the same network so long as you don't create a bottleneck. Use Cat6 in the parts of your network where fast data transfer is important, such as between a switch and a router.

Are all Cat6 cables the same?
All good quality cables that have been tested and certified by the manufacturer for a certain bandwidth and data rate are essentially the same. Shielded Cat6 and Cat6a cable will give you better performance than unshielded, particularly when cables must be run in close proximity to power lines or large electrical equipment.

Do cheap cables work just as well?
In a word, no. Category cables are made of solid or stranded copper but some companies sell cheap versions made with Copper Clad Aluminum (CCA), an aluminum conductor that is coated with copper. These cables are cheaper to manufacture but result in a weaker cable that does not perform as well.

Products Mentioned in this Article

Cat5e

Cat6

Cat6a

Cat8

Bulk Cable

Why Buy from Eaton?

We know you have many brands to choose from. On the surface, they may all seem alike. It's what you don't see that makes the difference. With Eaton, you get solid engineering, proven reliability and exceptional customer service. All our products undergo rigorous quality control before they are offered for sale, and independent testing agencies verify our products meet or exceed the latest safety and performance standards. Our commitment to quality allows us to back our products with industry-leading warranties and responsive customer service. It's the Eaton difference.

If you want to learn more, please visit our website High Speed Wire.