An Ethernet cable delivers a faster and more stable connection to your devices. But, how do you choose an Ethernet cable, to begin with?

Ethernet cables are not created equal. As such, you have to consider various things to ensure that you have the right Ethernet cable that suits your specific needs.

This article will show you how to pick the right Ethernet cable for the job. But before delving into that, let's start with the basics.

Before deciding which Ethernet cable works for you, it's important to understand different types of Ethernet cables. While searching for an Ethernet cable, a common term you will bump into is "Cat." Cat refers to "category." Categories are the names that differentiate the different versions of Ethernet cables.

Each Ethernet cable category gives a clue of the maximum speed and bandwidth you should expect. To this end, Ethernet cable versions are easy to decipher; the bigger the category number, the higher the transmission speed and bandwidth. So, a Cat 7 Ethernet cable is better than a Cat 5 cable.

Here's a breakdown of the different Ethernet cable categories and their respective transmission speeds and bandwidth (also called frequency).

From the Ethernet categories listed above, everything from Cat 1 to Cat 5 is obsolete. In fact, those cables are hard to come by these days. When shopping for an Ethernet cable, you'll see Cat 5e and beyond.

The good news is Ethernet cables are backward compatible since they use the same RJ45 connector, commonly as the Ethernet port. So if you want to ditch your old cable for a new one, don't worry about the RJ45 mumbo jumbo. Newer cables will still work with your current ports.

An easy way out when purchasing an Ethernet cable is to buy the latest cable category. In this case, as of March 2022, Cat 8 is the latest Ethernet cable category, delivering fast transmission speeds and the highest bandwidth. But that may be overkill for your needs and, worse, it won't come cheap.

Consequently, buying an appropriate Ethernet cable doesn't come down to the category only. Understanding the key features of different Ethernet categories is just a foundation. Knowing your needs is the remaining part of the puzzle. To decipher the final bit, let's discuss four key features to help you pick a cable that suits your needs.

The table above shows that each Ethernet cable category has its maximum transmission capacity. The maximum transmission capacity denotes a cable's maximum transfer speed. If you need to transfer lots of data through your wired connection, you should pick a cable with enough carrying capacity.

For instance, if you're someone who shoots and edits high-resolution video, you will stand to benefit by selecting at least a Cat 6a Ethernet cable. Those in video editing studios will obviously save more time by picking the latest categories. And if you're the gaming type, you need a cable with high bandwidth and high data transfer speeds. Check out our list of the best Ethernet cables for gaming for specific recommendations.

Another key thing to consider is the length of your wired connection. It's important to keep in mind that each Ethernet category has a fixed maximum transmission capacity achievable up to a certain length. In other words, you can only achieve those top speeds up to a given length.

A Cat 6a cable, for example, has a maximum data rate of 10Gbps up to 180 feet. Beyond that, the maximum attainable transmission speed will reduce. In short, the longer the cable length relative to the optimal cable length for maximum data rates, the lesser the maximum transmission speeds.

With this in mind, if you need to transfer data via Ethernet over a longer distance, you should go for a cable that has a higher maximum data rate to compensate for the transmission distance. Let's use a Cat 7a cable as an example.

It tops out at 100Gbps up to 49 feet, but at 164 feet, maximum speeds are reduced to 40Gbps. And at 328 feet, the maximum attainable speed is 10Gbps—still better than what you'll achieve with a Cat 5e cable at the same length.

Your internet speed also matters. Buying a Cat 7a Ethernet cable with up to 100Gbps data rate while your internet connection tops out at 1Gbps is nothing short of overkill. For starters, three things determine the speed of your wired connection: your cable's transmission capacity, router's speed, and the capabilities of your devices.

If you plan to use your cable for connecting to the internet, your speeds will be a major factor in influencing what you go for. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to check your internet speed. If your router is the problem, we have tips for improving your router speed. Remember, it doesn't hurt to future-proof your network for a speed upgrade in the future.

At home, you may use your cable indoors or run it outdoors. A standard Ethernet cable will care for your needs if you plan to run the cable indoors. For outdoor use, either in the ground or on the surface, you need to find a cable that's tougher to withstand the different weather conditions.

In this case, don't buy standard Ethernet cables; look for outdoor cables. Outdoor Ethernet cables have PE coating and use solid copper wires, both of which are tougher. For running cables in the ground, go for "direct burial" cables. They cost a little bit more, but it'll be worth it.

The various Ethernet cable categories make it hard to know which cable is right for you. However, knowing your needs will help you figure it out. Since different cables have their ratings for speed and bandwidth, once you know what your network configuration requires, you'll be set. The maximum transmission capacity needed, required connection length, internet speed, and your specific use case are key things to keep in mind.

Choosing a cable that fulfills your needs at the moment is of utmost importance, and if you can, you can even go for a cable that future-proofs your wired connection.

Alvin Wanjala has been writing about technology for over 2 years. He writes about different facets, including but not limited to mobile, PC, and social media. Alvin loves programming and gaming during downtimes.

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