Network Cables
What is a network cable?
There are many options when it comes to which network cable to choose.
That's why we have created a thorough description of what a network cable is and the different specifications you can choose from.
A network cable is used as a data connection, most often used to transfer internet to a computer from a network.
This is done by connecting a cable from your computer to the node where your internet is sent. It is often one of the following receivers: Modem, router, switch, or hub that receives the signal via DSL/COAX/Fiber and T1 connections.
Terminology can be a bit tricky when it comes to the IT world. Especially when you need to make a good network installation, there can be many challenges.
We have collected everything you need to ensure you get the best network installation. See the different devices included in the installation here: Network
Find a cable that fits your needs
Although network cables are being replaced by wireless connections, a network cable is still an important part of network installations. If you want to achieve a completely stable connection and avoid losing any speed at all, this is currently only possible with a wired connection.
However, it varies a lot what you need, whether you need the cable for home use or for a larger business. If you want to know more about what cables there are, whether they should be shielded or unshielded, solid or soft, and what speed the data connection is compatible with, read on here.
Shielded or unshielded network cable?
A network cable comes in two versions: Unshielded and shielded.
The shield can either be around each of the inner copper conductors (U-FTP) or as an outer shield around all the conductors combined (F-UTP).
When you look at a network cable, you will see that the cables have a designation consisting of four letters.
The first letter in the code indicates the outer shield. The second part describes the inner shield, and TP stands for “Twisted Pair,” which is the designation for the wires that are twisted.
U: An unshielded cable is marked with “U,” which stands for unshielded.
F: A cable with foil shielding is marked with “F,” which stands for foiled.
S: A cable with braided shielding is marked with “S,” which stands for shielded.
What types of network cables can you find at avXperten?
F-UTP and S-UTP
These network cables are equipped with one shield that is placed as a combined shield around all the conductors in the cable. F-UTP as a foil shield and S-UTP as a braided shield.
U-FTP
This network cable is also equipped with one shield that is individually twisted around each of the inner conductors in the cable.
SF-UTP
This type of cable has two outer shields, both one of foil and one braided.
S-FTP and F-FTP
These network cables are double-shielded. The cables have both an inner shield around each of the conductors as well as a combined outer shield around all the conductors. S-FTP with an outer braided shield and F-FTP with an outer foil shield.
This type of shield is therefore suitable for demanding installations where you need to have many cables close together without there being any interference.
U-UTP and UTP
Unshielded network cable often simply referred to as UTP. An unshielded cable has flexible inner conductors and is often soft and easier to work with than shielded cables. An unshielded cable like this is also somewhat thinner than the shielded cables.
Solid or soft network cable
When looking for a network cable, you will also encounter designations that indicate whether the network cables are “solid” or “soft.”
These names refer to whether the inner conductors of the network cable are a single thick conductor (solid) or if they are made of multiple thin strands (soft). Soft is also referred to as “stranded.”
The solid/stiff cables are good if, for example, you are planning to renovate or build new, where you need to run the cables inside the wall. The cables are stiff so they can withstand the wear that arises.
The soft cables can be used, for example, if you need to pull the cables out to your computer, DVD player, or game console. They are easier to work with when they need to be fixed to baseboards, under desks, or wherever they need to be hidden away.
All about network cables
Network cables are divided into different categories. Therefore, they are referred to as Cat followed by a specific number. Cat is short for category. We recommend that you either use a cable in category 5, 6, 7, or 8. We have categorized the cables as follows:
- Network cable Cat 5e
- Network cable Cat 6
- Network cable Cat 6a
- Network cable Cat 7
- Network cable Cat 8
- Outdoor network cable
- Network cable extender
- Angled network cable
- Crossed network cable
You can either click on the different cables in our overview above or to the left.
You can also read more here if you want to know more about the different specifications within the various categories.
With our Cat 5, 6, 7, or 8 cables, you ensure protection against interference on the line. These are interferences that can arise when several cables are placed close to each other.
All Cat cables have either STP - Shielded Twisted Pair - or SFTP - Shielded and Foiled Twisted Pair. What they have in common is that they are resistant to noise and reduce the risk of data loss.
Furthermore, the technologies in Cat network cables mean that your data is transferred faster than with cables without STP or SFTP.
You will often use Cat network cables if you are setting up a larger home network or working in an office building.
Many will use Cat 5 cables or newer models when installing in walls or setting up networks outdoors. It is always wise to go for Cat cables because the risk of data loss and slow connections is significantly lower with this type of cable compared to many other types of network cables.
At the same time, you get a sturdy cable that will also last into the future.
Find out which cables suit your needs, and where the different cables can be used, if you continue reading.
Where you need network cables
Network cables are used to connect a PC with a hub, router, or modem and to create networks. Most of us know network cables best as the cable that goes from the phone jack in the wall to our modem.
Some people also use network cables to connect their router with their computer. In everyday speech, you will often hear the term patch cable or simply internet cable.
The internet is one large network that is ultimately connected via servers and cables. It is the same cables we use to access the internet that we use to set up our own networks.
An example of a network that is not the internet can be an office network where all the computers are internally connected. It can also be a network where all the computers in the home are connected to each other.
In other words, all modern people need network cables for one purpose or another. The question is just which cables for which purposes. With our large selection of network cables, we are confident that you can find what suits you.
If you want to keep the network cables a little out of the way and keep them organized, you can use a cable tray for a more discreet look.
Cat 5 and Cat 6 network cables
Cat 5 network cables help you get the most out of your network. With this type of cable, you get a higher speed than you can get with many other network cables on the market.
The reason is that the cables are designed to reduce the electromagnetic noise that occurs when many cables are closely packed together. These interferences can both delay the signal and increase the risk of data loss. The cable is shielded, and therefore it is also called an STP cable.
STP stands for Shielded Twisted Pair. This means that the cable is shielded by two metal wires that it is twisted around.
Both Cat 5 and Cat 6 network cables fit standard RJ-45 connectors, and therefore they can be used in most contexts where you need a network cable.
We carry network cables in a wide range of different shapes and lengths. Therefore, you can undoubtedly find a cable that meets your expectations for appearance, functionality, and length with us.
The difference between Cat 5 and Cat 6
The Cat 6 cable is an optimized version of the Cat 5 cable, notably distinguished by STP technology. Which cable you should buy depends on your needs.
In most cases, one can suffice with a Cat 5 cable.
Cat 7 and Cat 8 network cables
The latest craze in Cat cables is Cat 7 and Cat 8.
The Cat 7 network cable differs from the previous generations in that STP technology has been expanded and improved.
Now you can buy your Cat cable with SFTP, i.e., Shielded and Foiled Twisted Pair. Not only does the cable have a combined shield; now it also has shielding in each pair.
With this new development, you can achieve an even higher speed and an even lower risk of data loss than before.
Cat 7 cables are also extremely well suited for fiber optic connections, where you get the optimal use of the cable. Cat 7 network cables can transfer data at speeds of up to 10,000 Mbps.
All of our Cat cables are, of course, approved according to Danish standards and of high quality. But if you want to be at the forefront, you should go for Cat 7 or 8.
Cat 7 or Cat 8 - then your home is future-proof
Cat 8 network cables can transfer at speeds of up to 40,000 Mbps. This is the latest standard of Cat cables, and if you want to future-proof your home or business with the very latest cables, you should choose either Cat 7 or Cat 8.
Get the best network
Whether you are looking for a cable to access the internet with, or if you want to create a network, you need good cables. One can ask oneself what the point is of high-speed internet or fiber optics if the cables cannot handle it.
It also does not make sense to spend a lot of time and energy establishing a network if the connection is poor. Especially not if you risk losing the data that is shared between the different devices on the network.
With our Cat cables, you no longer have to worry about interference and delays on the line, and there is no longer a risk in having multiple cables lying together.
We have the largest selection of network cables
avXperten offers a huge selection of different types of network cables. There is something for everyone, both on the data side and purely aesthetically.
We always have network cables at competitive prices, and you can get them in the length you need.
If you would like to improve the connection between your computer and your router or are considering setting up a network, we are ready to help.
You are always welcome to contact us with questions about which network cable is right for you.
Here you will find the different types of network cables we have in the store.
Click on the type of cable you are interested in, and see it presented in the product range.
Wireless vs. cable
There has been significant development in internet connectivity in recent years. Today, most people connect via wireless networks, as it is convenient and mostly fairly stable. Although wireless routers and WiFi dongles have become better and better, it has not yet reached the point where wireless networks are as stable and fast as a wired connection.
There will always be at least some speed loss with a wireless connection. Likewise, there is a risk that the signal on a wireless connection can be somewhat unstable at times.
For many, the above does not mean much, but for some, it will be a significant annoyance. If you are the type who games online, it is very important that the connection is fast and stable. Therefore, you often see that gamers use wired connections, while people who just casually surf the internet can easily get by with a wireless connection.
The downside of a wired connection is, of course, that it is not as convenient as a wireless one. With a wired connection, you use cables, and therefore you do not have the same freedom of movement as with a wireless one. If you are in doubt about the speed of your wired or wireless connection, you can always use a LAN tester to find out if you have the optimal speed on your network.
Ethernet and LAN cables
There are many words and terms for network cables, and names like Ethernet cable, LAN cable, and internet cable are all used frequently when referring to network cables. However, it is important to emphasize that all these names refer to the same type of cable, which is most often called a network cable.
Ethernet refers to the traditional technology that underpins network cables. This technology was initially used to connect devices in a so-called "Local Area Network," also called LAN. Hence the names ethernet cable and LAN cable, as network cables were originally used for small local networks that made it possible to transfer data without the use of various external drives.
Today, the terms Ethernet cable and LAN cable are still used when talking about network cables. Technically, both of these terms are correct when referring to network cables, but LAN connections are no longer restricted locally today, as we have access to external data in the form of the internet.
