The Best Ethernet Cables

We like that these flat CAT 7 cables, which support bandwidths up to 1000 MHz and data transmission speeds up to 10 Gbps, feature four twisted-pair sets shielded by aluminum foil and that the two copper-plated RJ45 connectors have gold contacts for high speed point-to-point signal transmission. By protecting against crosstalk, minimizing noise resistance, and eliminating interference, the cable allows users to enjoy faster gaming and improved streaming of videos and music.

We also like that the cables are flat so they can fit in the space between furniture and walls, go around corners, and easily fit through holes in the back of entertainment centers and office furniture. This is particularly useful when connecting network adapters, hubs, routers, and modems.

Key Features

• Transmits data at speeds up to 10 Gigabits per second
• 6.5' cable
• Aluminum foil shielding
• Conductor Gauge: 32 AWG

Intended for home and office networks, this Cat 6 Ethernet cable, which supports bandwidth up to 250 MHz and data transmission speeds up to 10 Gbps, connects computers and network components such as routers, switch boxes, printers, and media players. We like that the cable uses Oxygen-free bare copper conductors and the contact plating is 50 Micron gold plated to minimize noise and signal interference.

We also like that, because the cable is flat, it is easily run along walls, around corners, and it lays flat under carpet or a rug. The cable is bundled with 15 cable clips to hold it securely in place.

Key Features

• Transmits data at speeds up to 10 Gigabits per second
• 50-ft cable
• Includes cable clips
• Conductor Gauge: 30 AWG

We like that this Cat 7 Ethernet cable, which supports bandwidth up to 600 MHz data transmission speeds up to 10 Gbps, uses 50 micron gold plating on the contacts, bare copper conductors, and that each twisted pair of copper wires has an aluminum foil wrapping for increased shielding. The result is increased protection against crosstalk, noise, and signal interference which can degrade signal quality.

Intended to connect devices and equipment ranging from modems, routers, and switches to game consoles and TVs, the cable is flat so it can be run along walls, around corners, and even slide under a carpet or rug. We are impressed, however, that the cable has a braided-nylon cover for increased durability and visual appeal. It also includes an adjustable Velcro tie strap so users can roll up the excess cable.

Key Features

• Transmits data at speeds up to 10 Gigabits per second
• 10' cable
• Aluminum foil shielding
• Conductor Gauge: 30 AWG

We like that this Cat 6/Cat 5e Ethernet cable, which supports bandwidth up to 550 MHz and data transmission speeds up to 10 Gbps, features gold plating on contacts, stranded bare-copper conductors, and foam insulation in its inner core to prevent crosstalk. Its high bandwidth ensures high-speed data transfer for server applications, cloud computing, video surveillance, and online high definition video streaming for movies or gaming.

We were most impressed by the cable's overall construction. Its CM Grade PVC Jacket is UL Listed, complies with TIA/EIA 568B.2 and adheres to ISO/IEC 11801 so it is durable enough for applications such as being run behind walls or being fed through the floor and then run above a lower-level's drop ceiling. It also includes adjustable Velcro tie straps so users can roll up the excess cable or coil it up for storage.

Key Features

• Transmits data at speeds up to 10 Gigabits per second
• Approved for in-wall installation
• 15' cable
• Conductor gauge: 24 AWG

Ethernet cables are the high-speed cables used to connect TVs, gaming consoles, PCs, laptops, routers, modems, printers and other equipment in home entertainment systems, gaming centers, and home offices. At first glance, they may all appear to be the same––but that certainly isn't the case. Below are some key terms used to describe the cables and their performance capabilities.

Cat 6 and Cat 7 Ethernet Cables

Cat (Category) 6 and Cat 7 cables are the latest generations of Ethernet cables. The differences are mainly that Cat 7 supports higher data speeds over longer distances and that it better protects signals from crosstalk and electromagnetic interference.

RJ45

Each end of an Ethernet cable has a connector called an RJ45 connector. A Registered Jack 45 (RJ45) connector is the standard type of physical connector for network cables.

MHz

Megahertz (MHz) is the unit of measurement used to measure bandwidth for high-speed digital data, analog, and digital video signals.

Gbps

The data rate of a network connection is normally measured in bits per second, generally abbreviated as bps. Gbps, in turn, is gigabits per second, a measurement used by equipment manufacturers to rate the maximum network bandwidth level their products support.

TIA/EIA 568B.2, ISO/IEC 11801

ANSI/TIA-568 is a set of telecommunications standards from the Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA). The standards address commercial building cabling requirements for telecommunications products and services.

International standard ISO/IEC 11801 is a standard that specifies general-purpose telecommunication cabling systems (structured cabling) capabilities and performance. Cabling that meets this standard may be used in commercial premises that consist of either a single building or multiple buildings on a campus.