How to Choose Ethernet Cable
There are many choices to make when selecting the Ethernet cable for your project. Luckily, most of the choices are straightforward, allowing even novice networkers to get all their components wired together quickly, easily and, most importantly, correctly.
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Things You'll Need
- Network requirements
- Current network specifications
- Distance measurements of workspace
- Budgetary constraints
Instructions
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Network Requirements
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1
Determine how much capacity is needed for your network. If you are setting up a home network connecting a handful of computers that handle basic tasks such as data and music file transfers, then your capacity need is rather low. If you have many computers that are simultaneously transferring large video or data files or if you are a network administrator for a business, your capacity needs are higher.
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2
Gather all the specifications of the network equipment you plan to use. Your network will only run at a maximum speed equivalent to that of the slowest device on your network. This information can be found in the manual of your product. If your applications require that you run a network at gigabit speeds but one of your hubs, switches, routers or cables only has capacity of fast Ethernet (100mb), then you will need to upgrade that piece of equipment as well.
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3
Measure all the spaces that the Ethernet cables will need to cover. For users desiring to configure a network that guarantees gigabit speeds, you will need to use Cat-6 cables that extend a maximum of 100 meters. If a cable needs to travel farther than that distance, a repeater will be needed to refresh the signal.
For users who do not require gigabit speeds, Cat-6 cable can be used for distances of over 100 meters, while less expensive Cat-5e can be used for distances of 100 meters or less. It is never advised to run Cat-5 over 100 meters.
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4
Determine the budget available for your project. Your budget may dictate you use a certain type of Ethernet cable. While prices constantly change, Cat-5 cable is approximately $0.05 per foot, Cat-5e is approximately $0.10 per foot and Cat-6 is approximately $0.15 per foot, as of December 2009.
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Tips & Warnings
If you do not have the manual that originally come with your network equipment, you can often find the technical specifications online at the manufacturer's website.
When calculating your budget, remember to leave some space for unanticipated costs. Shorter cables cost more per foot to accommodate for the cost of extra connectors so you may wind up using more of your budget than you originally calculated if there are frequent short distance cables.
For aesthetics, buy cables that are the color of the floor or wall they will be against. Ethernet cables come in a rainbow of colors.
Ensure that all of your network equipment is capable of receiving Ethernet cables. Some devices use USB or Firewire connections and Ethernet cable converters may be necessary for those devices.
When possible buy the shortest cable that will work. Longer cables decrease overall performance.
