Internet Cable for PC: Complete Guide

In the digital age, a fast and reliable internet connection is essential. Whether for work, study, gaming, or just browsing, having good internet access is essential. And although Wi-Fi has gained popularity, a wired connection is still the most stable and fastest option, especially for bandwidth-intensive tasks. But do you really know the name of that cable that connects your computer to the internet? Do you know the different types that exist and which one is best for you? In this article, we’ll guide you through the world of internet cables for PCs, revealing all their secrets and helping you choose the best option for your needs.

What is the name of the internet cable for a PC? The Ethernet cable

The internet cable that connects to your PC is called an Ethernet cable . Also known as a network cable or LAN (Local Area Network) cable, this essential component allows for a physical connection between your computer and your router, or directly to the wall socket that provides internet access. Unlike Wi-Fi, which transmits data wirelessly, an Ethernet cable uses a physical connection to send and receive information, which results in greater stability, lower latency, and, in many cases, faster speeds.

What is an Ethernet cable used for?

The primary function of an Ethernet cable is to provide internet access to your computer and other compatible devices. But its usefulness goes beyond simply connecting to the network. An Ethernet cable allows you to:

• Connecting your PC to the Internet: The most basic and fundamental function.
• Create a local area network (LAN): Allows you to connect multiple devices, such as computers, printers, NAS servers, etc., to share files and resources quickly and securely.
• Connect multimedia devices: Smart TVs, gaming consoles, and other multimedia devices can be connected via Ethernet cable for a more stable and faster internet connection, ideal for streaming HD video or online gaming.
• Connect network attached storage (NAS) devices: Access your files stored on a NAS quickly and securely from any device connected to your local network.

Ethernet Cable Types: Categories and Speeds

Not all Ethernet cables are created equal. As technology advances and internet speed needs increase, Ethernet cables have evolved, giving rise to different categories. These categories are primarily differentiated by the data transmission speed they can support and the frequency at which they operate. Using the right Ethernet cable is crucial to getting the most out of your internet connection speed. Having a high-speed fiber optic connection is pointless if you’re using an outdated Ethernet cable that limits bandwidth.

Below is a comparison table showing the most common Ethernet cable categories and their main features:

Category	Maximum speed	Frequency	Theoretical Download Speed	Recommended Uses
Cat 5	100 Mbps	100 MHz	12.5 MB/s	Obsolete, not recommended
Cat 5e	1 Gbps (1000 Mbps)	100 MHz	125 MB/s	Home use, basic connections
Cat 6	1 Gbps (1000 Mbps)	250 MHz	125 MB/s	Home and small office use, high-speed connections
Cat 6A	10 Gbps	500 MHz	1.25 GB/s	Demanding environments, large offices, 4K/8K streaming
Cat 7	10 Gbps	600 MHz	1.25 GB/s	Similar to Cat 6A, greater noise immunity
Cat 7A	10 Gbps	1000 MHz	1.25 GB/s	Similar to Cat 7, superior performance over long distances
Cat 8	40 Gbps	2000 MHz	5 GB/s	Data centers, extreme bandwidth applications

Mbps vs. MB/s: It’s important to differentiate between Mbps (Megabits per second) and MB/s (Megabytes per second). Internet speeds are typically advertised in Mbps, while download speeds are measured in MB/s. A byte is equal to 8 bits, so to convert Mbps to MB/s, divide the speed in Mbps by 8.

What category of Ethernet cable do I need?

The choice of Ethernet cable category will depend primarily on the speed of your internet connection and your intended use. For most homes with standard fiber optic connections (up to 1 Gbps), a Cat 5e or Cat 6 cable will be sufficient. If you have a connection faster than 1 Gbps or need a very high-speed local area network, a Cat 6A or higher cable will be more suitable. For general home use, Cat 5e offers a good balance between price and performance. However, if you’re looking for greater durability and a small margin for speed improvement, Cat 6 is an excellent choice. Higher categories, such as Cat 7, 7A, and 8 , are more geared toward professional environments and bandwidth-intensive applications and are less common in homes.

How to identify the category of an Ethernet cable?

At first glance, all Ethernet cables may look the same, but the category is printed on the cable’s outer jacket. Look for a marking along the cable indicating the category, for example, “CAT 5e,” “CAT 6,” “CAT 6A,” etc. This marking is usually in small, gray letters. It may also appear on the cable’s original packaging.

Ethernet cable frequency and length

The frequency of an Ethernet cable, measured in MHz, indicates the cable’s ability to transmit data at high speeds. The higher the frequency, the greater the potential bandwidth. However, the cable’s length also influences performance. The longer the cable, the greater the signal loss and, therefore, the lower the effective speed. It’s generally recommended not to exceed 100 meters in length for an Ethernet cable to maintain optimal performance. If you need a very long cable, it’s best to opt for higher categories, such as Cat 6A or Cat 7 , which are designed to minimize signal loss over longer distances.

Types of shielding in Ethernet cables: UTP, FTP, STP and SFTP

In addition to the category, Ethernet cables are also differentiated by the type of shielding used for the copper wire pairs they comprise. Shielding provides additional protection against electromagnetic interference, which can affect signal quality and reduce transmission speed. There are different types of shielding, represented by acronyms that usually appear next to the category on the cable’s label:

• UTP (Unshielded Twisted Pair): Unshielded twisted pair cable. This is the most common and economical type, ideal for home use in low-interference environments.
• FTP (Foiled Twisted Pair): Twisted pair cable with an overall foil shield. It offers greater protection against interference than UTP and is suitable for home and small office environments.
• STP (Shielded Twisted Pair): Individually shielded twisted pair cable. Each wire pair is surrounded by a metal mesh. It provides greater protection against interference than FTP and is recommended for installations in walls or in environments with high interference.
• SFTP (Shield Foiled Twisted Pair): Twisted-pair cable with individual and overall shielding. It combines individual shielding of each pair (STP) with an overall foil shield (FTP). It offers maximum protection against interference and is ideal for installations in industrial environments or with high electromagnetic noise, as well as for long distances or installations in conduits shared with electrical cables.

For normal home use, a UTP or FTP cable is usually sufficient. STP or SFTP shielding is recommended in environments with high levels of electromagnetic interference or for more demanding installations.

Frequently Asked Questions about Ethernet Cables

Can I use a Cat 6 Ethernet cable instead of a Cat 5e?

Yes, you can use a Cat 6 cable instead of a Cat 5e cable. Higher category cables are backward compatible. A Cat 6 cable will work perfectly in a connection designed for Cat 5e , and may even offer a small improvement in connection stability.

What happens if I use a lower-category Ethernet cable than recommended?

If you use a lower-category Ethernet cable than recommended for your internet connection, you may not get the most out of your contracted speed. For example, if you have a 300 Mbps fiber optic connection and use a Cat 5 cable (which supports up to 100 Mbps), your speed will be limited to 100 Mbps. In these cases, it’s recommended to upgrade to a higher-category cable, such as Cat 5e or Cat 6, to take full advantage of your connection’s speed.

Does the color of an Ethernet cable affect its performance?

No, the color of an Ethernet cable is purely aesthetic and has no impact on performance. Color is often used to distinguish different cable types in complex installations, but it has no relation to the cable category or speed.

Where can I buy an Ethernet cable?

You can buy Ethernet cables at computer stores, electronics stores, big-box stores, and online platforms like Amazon. Make sure you choose the appropriate category and length for your needs.

Is Ethernet cable better than Wi-Fi?

In general, wired Ethernet connections tend to be more stable, faster, and offer lower latency than Wi-Fi. An Ethernet cable provides a direct physical connection, eliminating wireless interference and signal fluctuations that can affect Wi-Fi. For tasks requiring high bandwidth and low latency, such as online gaming, HD video streaming, or video conferencing, a wired Ethernet connection is the preferred option.

Conclusion

Choosing the right Ethernet cable is a fundamental step to optimizing your internet connection and enjoying maximum speed and stability. Knowing the different categories, shielding types, and their characteristics will allow you to make an informed decision and select the cable that best suits your needs and connection type. Remember that investing in a good Ethernet cable is an investment in the quality of your online experience.