What Is an Ethernet Cable?
If you need a reliable and faster internet connection, invest in an Ethernet cable.
- Ethernet cables are physical connectors used to link devices like computers, routers and switches to a network for reliable, high-speed internet access.
- They come in various categories (e.g., Cat 5e, Cat 6, Cat 7), each supporting different maximum speeds and transmission distances.
- Unlike Wi-Fi, Ethernet connections provide greater stability and security, making them ideal for gaming, streaming and data-intensive tasks.
Ethernet cables are so ubiquitous that it’s easy to take them for granted, but they’re the lifeblood of any internet network. The cables act as information highways that can transmit data from one point to another, typically working faster and more reliably than a wireless connection. Wi-Fi is king, but even wireless internet networks rely on Ethernet cables in some form. Whether you have a Wi-Fi or wired internet connection, you’ll want to know more about Ethernet cables to get the best performance out of your network.
What Is Ethernet?
Ethernet is a widely used technology for local area networking (LAN) that enables devices within a network to communicate with each other. It works on the principle of packet-switching, where data is broken down into smaller units (aptly referred to as packets), which are then transmitted over the network. These packets contain the sent data and information about its destination and origin.
The Ethernet protocol defines rules and procedures for how devices on the network should communicate. Each device connected to an Ethernet network has a unique identifier called a MAC (Media Access Control) address. When one device wants to send data to another, it first checks if the network is free to transmit. If it is, the device sends the data in packets, which are then received by the destination device based on its MAC address.
The History of Ethernet: Although Xerox’s prominence has diminished over time, the Xerox Palo Alto Research Center (PARC) was once a pioneering institution where Robert Metcalfe developed the Ethernet cable in 1973. “Ethernet” originated from the now-debunked 19th-century concept of the luminiferous ether, once believed to be a medium for light transmission. Despite the scientific inaccuracy, the fusion of “ether” and “network” aptly describes Ethernet as a medium for data transmission.
Ethernet cables are the physical medium used to connect devices to an Ethernet network. They typically consist of twisted pairs of copper wires encased in protective insulation. The most common type of Ethernet cable is the Cat 5 or Cat 6 cable, which supports high-speed data transmission. Ethernet cables plug into Ethernet ports on devices such as computers, routers, switches and network-enabled devices like printers or smart TVs.
Ethernet cables provide a reliable and secure connection for transferring data between devices in a local network. They come in various lengths to accommodate different network setups, and their plug-and-play nature makes them easy to install and use. Ethernet cables are essential for creating wired networks, which offer faster and more stable connections compared to wireless alternatives. Their use is particularly beneficial in environments where high-speed and consistent data transfer is crucial, such as offices, data centers and homes with multiple connected devices.
What Does an Ethernet Cable Look Like?
Ethernet cables typically have a similar appearance regardless of their category or capabilities. They consist of a flexible cable with several twisted pairs of copper wires inside, which are encased in a protective outer layer. Both ends of an Ethernet cable feature the same component, so it doesn’t matter which side you choose to plug into your internet source and device.
The most common type of Ethernet cable is the RJ45 cable, which features an 8-pin connector with a locking tab to secure the cable when plugged into a device’s Ethernet port. The RJ45 connector is rectangular in shape, with eight metal pins arranged in a row inside the connector. The cable itself may vary in color, with common colors including blue, gray, black and white, although the color does not affect the cable’s performance.
Ethernet cables have a similar appearance to telephone connection cables, referred to as an RJ11 cable. RJ11 connectors are smaller and feature fewer pins than RJ45 connectors, with only four or six pins arranged in a single row. The RJ11 connector is also narrower and more compact than the RJ45 connector, with a smaller plastic housing.
RJ11 cables are often used for connecting landline telephones, fax machines and other analog devices to a telephone line or modem. While RJ11 cables and connectors may resemble RJ45 cables at first glance, their smaller size and fewer pins make them incompatible with Ethernet connections. Plus, these are not suitable for transmitting data at high speeds.
Ethernet Cable Categories Explained
Ethernet cables are categorized based on their performance specifications and capabilities, with each category denoted by a “Cat” followed by a number. These categories indicate the cable’s ability to support various data transmission speeds and frequencies. Higher-category cables typically have better noise-reduction properties, but the choice of category depends on your network’s specific requirements, such as speed, distance and compatibility with your devices.
Check out our video where we list all the different Ethernet categories and their speeds:
| Categories | Speed | Bandwidth | Max Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cat 5 | 100 Mbps | 100 MHz | 100 meters |
| Cat 5e | 1 Gbps | 100 MHz | 100 meters |
| Cat 6 | 1 Gbps to 10 Gbps | 250 MHz | 100 meters |
| Cat 6a | 10 Gbps | 500 MHz | 100 meters |
| Cat 7 | 10 Gbps | 600 MHz | 100 meters |
| Cat 7a | 10 Gbps to 40 Gbps | 1,000 MHz | 100 meters |
| Cat 8 | 40 Gbps | 2,000 MHz | 30 meters |
Your local hardware or electronics store will carry Ethernet cables, but the selection may not be extensive. You can count on finding Cat 6 and possibly Cat 6a cables, but if you want Ethernet cables with a higher bandwidth rating, such as Cat 7 or above, it’s better to look on specialty websites.
Understanding Ethernet Cable Components and Accessories
Most Ethernet cables have a maximum length of 100 meters. These shorter cables are preferred to minimize signal loss and interference, which won’t cause significant degradation in performance that might occur with a longer cable.
You may have noticed the caveat beside the Cat 6 Ethernet cables above. Cat 6 Ethernet cables are rated for 10 Gbps, but they can’t hold the same speed across the same distance as Cat 6a cables and higher. A Cat 6 cable’s 10 Gbps speed is reliable only at distances less than 55 meters. A Cat 6a cable, in comparison, can transmit data across 100 meters without losing speed. That makes Cat 6a cables more expensive, but the higher price comes with network reliability across longer distances. Cat 6a Ethernet cables are better for large spaces, but regular Cat 6 cables are affordable and work fine for smaller spaces like apartments.
An Ethernet switch extends the number of LAN ports, ensuring you have enough ports for every device you need to connect. An eight-port switch will provide an additional seven LAN ports, with one port used to connect to your router. Ethernet switches with double-digit ports can cost over $100, but you can get a 1 Gbps, eight-port model for under $75. Most people will be fine with a 1 Gbps Ethernet switch since the top 20 fastest cities in America list average download speeds below 1 Gbps. If you have a faster 10 Gbps internet connection, however, a 1 Gbps Ethernet will significantly limit your internet speed.
Another Ethernet accessory is the Ethernet adapter, which extends an Ethernet connection via electrical wiring. It works by connecting your router to one Ethernet adapter plugged into a nearby wall socket and plugging the other adapter into another wall socket in your home. The internet connection can then travel across rooms via the electrical wiring in your home. This type of hybrid internet connection combines the speed and stability of Ethernet with the convenience of Wi-Fi, but it’s not technically wireless.
The Ethernet adapter mentioned above is not to be confused with the other kind of Ethernet adapter, which is made for adding Ethernet functionality to devices. Devices that lack an Ethernet port, such as laptops, tablets and phones, can benefit from an Ethernet adapter. It’s a useful accessory when you need a fast, higher-bandwidth connection to download or upload large files. These Ethernet adapters have a USB or USB-C port on one side and an Ethernet port on the other. Ethernet ports can also be found on USB hubs.
Want to learn more about the different types of USB cables? Watch our video below:
The Benefits of Using an Ethernet Cable
You won’t need to connect every device via Ethernet, but wired devices enjoy a faster and more stable internet connection than wireless devices. Unlike Wi-Fi signals, which can be obstructed by large objects such as walls and other wireless signals, Ethernet cables can maintain the same speed and bandwidth. Most modern Ethernet cables can run as long as 100 meters before internet speed is affected. They’re reliable and there’s hardly ever an issue when troubleshooting an internet connection.
High-bandwidth online activities that can benefit from a wired connection include:
- Online gaming: Ethernet connections offer lower latency and more stable speeds, reducing lag and improving gameplay responsiveness.
- Video streaming: Ethernet provides faster buffering times and smoother playback for high-definition and 4K video content.
- Video conferencing: Ethernet connections deliver clearer audio and video quality, as well as reduced latency for seamless communication during virtual meetings.
- Large file transfers: Ethernet enables faster data transfer speeds, making it ideal for transferring large files or backups over the network.
- Online backups: Ethernet connections allow for faster and more efficient data backups to network-attached storage (NAS) devices or cloud services.
- VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) calls: Ethernet connections provide clearer voice quality and more reliable connections for VoIP calls compared to Wi-Fi.
How to Use an Ethernet Cable
Network-enabled devices such as computers, printers, gaming consoles, smart TVs and network-attached storage (NAS) devices feature Ethernet ports that connect to internet-enabled Ethernet ports to establish a connection. While internet connection setups vary from household to household, there are two main ways to connect. The simplest is the gateway, an Ethernet port placed on a wall that connects to a wireless router or Wi-Fi extender via a single Ethernet cable.
The other way is the modem-and-router combo, with an Ethernet cable going from the modem to your router’s wide area network (WAN) port. The WAN port is typically labeled as such, and it’s often a different color than the local area network (LAN) ports.
Once your router is set up, you can connect devices to it by plugging in an Ethernet cable from a LAN port to your device. Most devices will immediately accept the wired internet connection and won’t require a password like Wi-Fi connections do. The downside of wired connections, however, is the limited availability of LAN ports on a router. You’ll need an Ethernet switch if you have more devices than ports.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ethernet Cables
Are Ethernet and internet cables the same?
Ethernet is a networking technology that allows devices within a local area network (LAN) to communicate with each other. Internet cables encompass a broader range of cables and technologies used to connect devices to the internet. These include Ethernet cables, coaxial cables, fiber-optic cables and wireless connections.
How do I know which Ethernet cable I need?
Consider factors such as your network speed and performance requirements, the distance between devices and the type of connections supported by your devices. Ethernet cables come in different categories, with Cat 5e, Cat 6 and Cat 6a being common options.
How do I know if I need Ethernet?
If you require a reliable and high-speed network connection for tasks such as online gaming, video streaming, file sharing or other bandwidth-intensive activities where a stable and consistent connection is essential, you may need an Ethernet cable. Ethernet provides faster and more reliable data transmission compared to Wi-Fi, making it ideal for scenarios where consistent performance is critical.
Should you turn off Wi-Fi when using Ethernet?
Usually, it’s not necessary to turn off Wi-Fi when using Ethernet, as both connections can coexist without interference. However, if you’re experiencing network congestion or interference issues, temporarily disabling Wi-Fi can help ensure that your device prioritizes the Ethernet connection for data transfer.