What Is an Ethernet Cable? Everything You Should Know

Wi-Fi and wireless internet communication have become famous for their convenience and mobility. However, Ethernet cables remain relevant thanks to their superior stability, faster speeds, and lower latency. 

Ethernet cables are physical networking cables that connect devices (such as computers, routers, and switches) to the internet or local area networks (LANs). 

They transmit data through electrical signals, providing a reliable, high-speed connection. 

This makes them great for environments that need high bandwidth and minimal interference, such as offices, data centers, and gaming setups, since they ensure secure and uninterrupted network performance.

In the article below, we will discuss Ethernet cables in more detail, from how they work to how to set them up.

How Ethernet Cables Work

Ethernet cables work by transmitting data through electrical signals, which travel along copper or fiber optic wires. 

These cables consist of multiple twisted pairs of wires, each pair capable of sending and receiving data. The twisting helps reduce interference from external sources like electrical noise so that data transmission stays stable and reliable.

The process begins when data is broken into packets. These packets are carried as electrical impulses (or light pulses within the fiber optic cables) along the wires and are received by another device, which reassembles them into usable data.

Ethernet cables use a full-duplex communication method, meaning data can be sent and received at the same time, further enhancing speed and efficiency. 

On top of that, the physical, wired connection creates a direct link between devices. This removes many of the environmental factors that can affect wireless signals, such as distance, walls, or interference from other wireless networks.

This direct, stable connection makes Ethernet more reliable than Wi-Fi, especially in scenarios that demand high-speed, uninterrupted data transfer, such as online gaming, streaming, or corporate networks. 

Wired connections also experience lower latency, which is important for real-time applications.

Ethernet Cable Structure

Ethernet cables have an internal structure that typically consists of four pairs of copper wires twisted together. 

This "twisted pair" design minimizes electromagnetic interference and crosstalk for better data transmission quality. The twisting helps cancel out interference from external electrical sources, maintaining signal integrity over long distances.

There are two main types of Ethernet cables: unshielded twisted pair (UTP) and shielded twisted pair (STP). 

UTP cables are commonly used in everyday networking and offer adequate protection against interference in most environments.

Meanwhile, STP cables feature an additional layer of shielding, usually in the form of a metal foil or braided screen around the twisted pairs. This provides extra protection in environments with high electrical noise or where the cables run near power lines.

Whether you choose shielded or unshielded cables will depend on the environment and application.

Ethernet Cable Connectors and Ports

Different Ethernet connectors and ports work together to provide stable, wired connections in various networks.

• RJ45 Connectors: This is the most common type of connector for Ethernet cables. It features eight pins that interface with the twisted pair cables inside Ethernet cords. These connectors connect Ethernet cables to devices such as computers, routers, and switches.
• Ethernet Ports (LAN Ports): These are found on networking devices like routers, switches, and computers and are designed to accept RJ45 connectors. The port has metal contacts that match the pins on the RJ45 connector, allowing for secure, reliable data transfer.
• SFP and SFP+ Ports: Small form-factor pluggable (SFP) ports are used primarily in high-performance networking setups. They support both copper and fiber optic connections. SFP+ is an enhanced version, supporting speeds up to 10 Gbps, and is commonly found in enterprise-grade switches and routers.
• Shielded Connectors: These connectors, used with shielded cables like Cat6a and Cat7, offer extra protection from electrical interference, making them great for industrial environments where reliable data transmission is vital.

Ethernet ports and RJ45 connectors, in particular, are standardized. This means they work across different devices and network equipment, regardless of brand or model. This makes them versatile and easy to use in any wired networking setup.

Types of Ethernet Cables

There are different types of ethernet cables, each having its own uses. We will discuss them in more detail below.

• Cat5: One of the earliest types of Ethernet cables, Cat5 (Category 5) supports speeds up to 100 Mbps with a maximum bandwidth of 100 MHz. It is suitable for basic networking tasks such as internet browsing and file sharing but is now considered outdated due to its limited speed and bandwidth capacity.
• Cat5e: Cat5e (Category 5 enhanced) is an improved version of Cat5. It supports speeds up to 1 Gbps (1,000 Mbps) and offers a bandwidth of up to 100 MHz. The "enhanced" design reduces crosstalk and interference, making it a reliable choice for most home and office networks, especially for basic data transfer and streaming needs.
• Cat6: Cat6 cables provide significantly better performance, supporting speeds up to 10 Gbps over short distances (up to 55 meters) with a bandwidth of up to 250 MHz. They are commonly used in modern networks, especially for high-speed data transfer, video streaming, and gaming applications. Cat6 also features improved shielding to reduce interference.
• Cat6a: Cat6a is an augmented version of Cat6 that offers speeds up to 10 Gbps over longer distances (up to 100 meters) and a bandwidth of up to 500 MHz. Its superior shielding makes it ideal for environments with high electrical noise, such as industrial settings or data centers.
• Cat7: Cat7 offers speeds of up to 10 Gbps and bandwidths of up to 600 MHz. It is backward compatible with RJ45 connectors and is suitable for high-speed, high-bandwidth applications, such as 4K/8K video streaming and large file transfers.
• Cat8: Cat8 is the latest in Ethernet cable technology. It supports speeds up to 40 Gbps and a bandwidth of 2,000 MHz, making it suitable for data centers and professional networking environments. Its shielded design allows only minimal interference, even in electrically noisy environments.

Common Uses of Ethernet Cables

Ethernet cables are useful in many different applications.

• Home Networking: Ethernet cables are commonly used to connect devices like computers, smart TVs, and gaming consoles to routers for faster, more stable internet connections compared to Wi-Fi.
• Business and Office Networks: In offices, Ethernet cables are preferred for connecting workstations, printers, and servers to ensure high-speed, secure, and uninterrupted network performance.
• Data Centers: Ethernet cables are important in data centers where high-speed data transfer between servers and storage devices is needed since they offer reliable performance and minimal interference.
• Gaming: Ethernet cables are better than Wi-Fi for competitive or heavy online gaming because of their lower latency, allowing for faster response times and more stable connections.
• Streaming and Video Conferencing: Ethernet provides a more stable connection, reducing buffering and lag during video streaming or online meetings.
• Industrial Environments: Shielded Ethernet cables are used to maintain stable communication between devices in settings with high electrical interference.
• High-Bandwidth Applications: Tasks like file transfers, backups, and server management perform better when done over Ethernet because of its higher data throughput compared to wireless alternatives.

Pros and Cons of Ethernet Cables

Ethernet cables have many useful applications. However, it also has its pros and cons.

Below is a more detailed look at the advantages it offers.

• Faster Speeds: Ethernet cables typically provide higher speeds than Wi-Fi, supporting up to 40 Gbps with newer cables like Cat8.
• Lower Latency: Wired connections offer reduced delay, making Ethernet ideal for real-time activities like online gaming and video conferencing.
• Stable Connection: Ethernet provides a consistent, uninterrupted connection unaffected by physical obstructions, distance, or network congestion.
• Security: Ethernet is inherently more secure, as it requires physical access to the network, reducing the risk of external hacking.
• Minimal Interference: Unlike Wi-Fi, Ethernet cables are not affected by signal interference from other wireless devices or networks.

On the other hand, below are some disadvantages of Ethernet cables you should also consider.

• Limited Mobility: Ethernet cables restrict movement since devices must remain physically connected to the network.
• Cable Management: Multiple Ethernet cables can create clutter and require proper management to avoid tangling, especially in larger setups.
• Installation Challenges: Running Ethernet cables through walls or across rooms may require additional work, particularly in large spaces or older buildings.
• Distance Limitations: Ethernet cables have length limits (such as the Cat6 maxing out at 100 meters), beyond which signal degradation occurs without repeaters.
• Cost: Higher-end cables like Cat7 or Cat8 and the need for switches or hubs in complex setups can increase costs.

How to Choose the Right Ethernet Cable

If you are still interested in getting an Ethernet cable, below are some tips for choosing the right one for your needs.

• Internet Speed Requirements
• If your internet plan offers speeds up to 100 Mbps, a Cat5e cable will be enough.
• For speeds between 1 Gbps and 10 Gbps, choose a Cat6 or Cat6a cable for optimal performance.
• For internet speeds or tasks requiring 10 Gbps or higher (like in data centers), consider Cat7 or Cat8 cables.
• Distance from Router
• For short distances (up to 55 meters), Cat6 cables are efficient for up to 10 Gbps.
• For longer distances (up to 100 meters), use Cat6a or higher for maintaining high speeds.
• If you need to cover distances beyond 100 meters, you may need a network extender or switch.
• Shielding Needs
• Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP) cables (like Cat5e or Cat6) are sufficient in environments with minimal electrical interference.
• For industrial settings or areas with high interference, choose Shielded Twisted Pair (STP) cables (like Cat6a, Cat7, or Cat8) to reduce interference.
• Future-Proofing
• If you plan to upgrade your network in the future, consider investing in Cat6a or Cat7 cables, which support higher speeds and bandwidth, ensuring longevity.
• For cutting-edge applications and extreme future-proofing, Cat8 provides the highest speed capabilities for demanding environments.

• Budget Considerations
• For basic needs, Cat5e is cost-effective, while Cat6 provides a balance between performance and price.

How to Set Up and Use an Ethernet Cable

If you now have your Ethernet cable, below is how you can set it up for use.

1. Plug the Cable into the Router: Locate an available Ethernet port on your router and insert one end of the Ethernet cable. Ensure the connector clicks into place.
2. Connect the Cable to the Device: Plug the other end of the cable into the Ethernet port on your computer, gaming console, or other device.
3. Configure Network Settings on a Computer
1. For Windows

• Open the Control Panel, go to Network & Internet > Network and Sharing Center, then click Change adapter settings.
• Right-click Ethernet and ensure it’s enabled. Your system will automatically detect the connection.

1. For macOS

• Open System Preferences, select Network, and then click on Ethernet. If needed, configure settings to obtain an IP address automatically via DHCP.

You might encounter issues that you will need to troubleshoot. Below are a few tips on common problems that can come up.

• No connection: Ensure both ends of the cable are securely plugged in, or try a different Ethernet port or cable.
• Slow speeds: Verify that you are using the correct cable type (for instance, Cat6 for higher speeds).
• Driver issues: Check if your computer's network adapter drivers are updated.

If you already have a lot of other cables on top of the Ethernet, you will have to do proper cable management to keep things tidy.

Use cable ties or Velcro straps to bundle cables and prevent tangling. For long cable runs, route cables through cable trays or clips to avoid damage.
When running cables outdoors or in environments exposed to moisture, use heat shrink terminals with the help of waterproof solder wire connector kits to protect the cable ends and ensure a durable, weatherproof connection.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Below are a few more questions regarding Ethernet.

Is Ethernet better than Wi-Fi?

Yes, Ethernet is generally better than Wi-Fi for speed, stability, and lower latency. It is ideal for tasks requiring reliable connections, like gaming and data transfers, while Wi-Fi offers more convenience and mobility for everyday use.

Can I Connect to Both Ethernet and WiFi?

Yes, you can connect to both Ethernet and Wi-Fi simultaneously, but your device will typically prioritize the Ethernet connection for Internet traffic. You can manage network preferences in your device's settings to choose which connection to prioritize.

Key Takeaways on What Is an Ethernet Cable?

Ethernet cables are still important in modern networking since they provide fast, reliable, and secure connections for various devices. 

Despite the rise of wireless technology, Ethernet is great in scenarios requiring high-speed data transfer, low latency, and stable performance. This makes it essential for tasks like gaming, video streaming, and business networks. 

With different cable types available, users can choose which one meets their current and future networking needs. 

Ethernet cables ensure consistent and efficient connectivity, complementing wireless options for a balanced and flexible network setup, whether for home, office, or industrial use.