Numerama, the reference media on the digital society and technological innovation

2022-08-13 11:11:25 By : Mr. Victor Lee

Our rec: planning for the futureAfter HDMI cables and Lightning cables, let's analyze the different Ethernet cables available on the market to help you make an informed choice.If there is one connector that has been found for years on our peripherals, it is the RJ45 which has been used since the beginnings of modern computing to connect peripherals together using the Ethernet protocol.Today, they are mostly used to connect devices to the Internet, often via an ISP box-modem (Livebox, Bbox, Box SFR, Freebox, etc.).The standard has evolved over time.Capable at the start of transmitting data at a rate of 10 Mbit/s, the Ethernet standard now makes it possible to reach a rate of 40 Gbit/s.Of course, our consumer equipment is not yet capable of reaching such speeds, which are currently reserved for the professional world, but it is still important to invest at least in Gigabit-compatible Ethernet cables in order to benefit from a optical fiber without slowing down and to be able to access its equipment locally at full speed.Now let's get to the heart of the matter: two important factors to consider when buying an Ethernet cable — category and shielding.The first allows you to certify a speed that the cable is capable of supporting and the second is used to protect the cable from electromagnetic disturbances in the environment in which you are going to use it.Many categories of Ethernet cable exist, but here are the most recent:On paper, a Category 6, 6a, 7, or 8 cable is 10Gb/s compatible when attached to devices with a 10GBASE-T Ethernet port, like the latest Mac Mini.It is not yet useful to opt for a category 8 cable which does not bring any major novelty for home networks.In addition, the shielding is also an element that should not be neglected and is separated into two parts: the cable shielding: U (unshielded), F (shielding by aluminum foil) or S (shielding by aluminum braid) and the connector shielding: UTP (unshielded), FTP (9-point shielded with ground connection) or STP (360° EMC shielded).It is an important element for wall cables or cables exposed to strong electromagnetic disturbances.The majority of cables found on the market are U/UTP (therefore unshielded), but benefit from twisted pairs (TP) which limits sensitivity to interference and crosstalk.To sum up, we advise you to turn today to a Cat 7 Ethernet cable, available today at the same prices as those of the other categories and with specific features ready for the future to avoid changing cables every 3 years. .We recommend the AmazonBasics Ethernet cables which have a very good price/quality ratio, especially when purchased in packs.Their big advantage is to have protection at the pin level of the Ethernet cable, which limits the damage it could suffer.If you need a long cable or if you plan to pass it through a wall without protection (PVC trunking for example), we advise you to turn to a more resistant cable.SFR bends over backwards to pay for the Galaxy Z Flip4 and Z Fold4 at advantageous ratesHOTAS: the best joysticks, yokes and throttles for Flight Simulator9 Christmas gifts under 20 euros perfect for small budgets and “Secret Santas”What are the best external batteries in 2021?Our buying guideAnimals and heat waves: the right things to help them during hot weatherThe excellent Logitech G502 Lightspeed wireless gaming mouse is half price!Smartphones, digital, cryptocurrencies, metaverse: do not miss a crumb of technological innovation, its moments of grace and its announced failures, by receiving our tech newsletter every morning.SFR bends over backwards to pay for the Galaxy Z Flip4 and Z Fold4 at advantageous ratesUSB-C is great, but beware: the cables, chargers and ports are sometimes very differentXbox Elite Series 2: the best controller is finally at an acceptable priceUSB-C won't forever be the universal charger standardApple Studio Display review: a screen that could have been smarterHOTAS: the best joysticks, yokes and throttles for Flight SimulatorWhat is the best iPhone to buy in 2022?Will we soon be able to subscribe to Netflix or Disney+ on YouTube?Immediate discount and ODR: take advantage of the Samsung Galaxy S22 at a low priceA Facebook without ads?Apple would have tried to convince the social network, in vainMacBook Air, MacBook Pro, iMac: which Apple computer to choose in 2022?Ideal for gaming, this 21:9 curved screen from LG is less than 300 €The best smartphones in 2022: our comparisonSFR bends over backwards to offer the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4 and the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 at advantageous pricesSurprise: Ethereum will become greener faster than expectedThe founder of Telegram is still very annoyed by Apple