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What's the difference between the different ethernet cables?

Neymus
By Neymus
in Networking
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Hi, so I've been making my first build lately, and I'm going to buy all the parts in 2 days. I haven't really thought about the ethernet cables, but on amazon there are different 20m ethernet cables, what would change between the cheapest and the more expensive cable? Ethernet cables are standarized, right?

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A cable is a cable, but depending on the length, situation and desired speed; a newer CAT-standard might be more suitable.

Other than CAT5E (1 Gigabit at short distance) CAT6 (1 Gigabit at long distance/10 Gigabit at short distances) and CAT6A/CAT7 (1/10 Gigabit whenever), you also have different type of shielding. Of course there are also tons of brands out there, some of which can claim a sturdier connector.. Or that sort of stuff.

 

I would honestly just get a decent CAT6 cable, but also don't overpay for it (unless you are using this cable through walls or whatever)

"We're all in this together, might as well be friends" Tom, Toonami.

 

mini eLiXiVy: my open source 65% mechanical PCB, a build log, PCB anatomy and discussing open source licenses: https://linustechtips.com/topic/1366493-elixivy-a-65-mechanical-keyboard-build-log-pcb-anatomy-and-how-i-open-sourced-this-project/

 

mini_cardboard: a 4% keyboard build log and how keyboards work: https://linustechtips.com/topic/1328547-mini_cardboard-a-4-keyboard-build-log-and-how-keyboards-work/

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1 minute ago, minibois said:

I would honestly just get a decent CAT6 cable, but also don't overpay for it (unless you are using this cable through walls or whatever)

It will go through the walls, so what should I look for?

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1 minute ago, Neymus said:

It will go through the walls, so what should I look for?

If it's nearby electrical stuff, I would go for STP Cat6. Otherwise UTP Cat6 will work just fine.

(STP = Shielded twisted pair, better against electrical interference)

"We're all in this together, might as well be friends" Tom, Toonami.

 

mini eLiXiVy: my open source 65% mechanical PCB, a build log, PCB anatomy and discussing open source licenses: https://linustechtips.com/topic/1366493-elixivy-a-65-mechanical-keyboard-build-log-pcb-anatomy-and-how-i-open-sourced-this-project/

 

mini_cardboard: a 4% keyboard build log and how keyboards work: https://linustechtips.com/topic/1328547-mini_cardboard-a-4-keyboard-build-log-and-how-keyboards-work/

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1 minute ago, minibois said:

If it's nearby electrical stuff, I would go for STP Cat6. Otherwise UTP Cat6 will work just fine.

(STP = Shielded twisted pair, better against electrical interference)

It's almost the same price so I'll take STP. Also is the 1/10 Gbps the maximum internet speed or is it a different thing? Cause if it is I could take a CAT below.

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2 minutes ago, Caroline said:

FUTP if it won't be near a lot of AC lines or SFTP if you want it to last and withstand interference, humidity, etc but it'll be more expensive.

Oh well it's 20€ for 20m CAT 7 SFTP with a discount. The other cables aren't cheaper, so I guess I can go with that

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2 minutes ago, Neymus said:

Oh well it's 20€ for 20m CAT 7 SFTP with a discount. The other cables aren't cheaper, so I guess I can go with that

That would work great. Not like 'you need it's great, but 'it doesn't hurt to get better's great. :)

"We're all in this together, might as well be friends" Tom, Toonami.

 

mini eLiXiVy: my open source 65% mechanical PCB, a build log, PCB anatomy and discussing open source licenses: https://linustechtips.com/topic/1366493-elixivy-a-65-mechanical-keyboard-build-log-pcb-anatomy-and-how-i-open-sourced-this-project/

 

mini_cardboard: a 4% keyboard build log and how keyboards work: https://linustechtips.com/topic/1328547-mini_cardboard-a-4-keyboard-build-log-and-how-keyboards-work/

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Thanks for your help, just bought the CAT 7 SFTP cable :)

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