The 8 Best Network Cables of 2022
Network Cable – Buying Guide, Opinions and Analysis
The use of network cables increases the stability of the connection between devices, as well as increases the use of the network, reaching a higher browsing speed. If you are looking for this type of cables to make your connections at home or in the office, we advise you to take into account the CSL-Computer A23334x60. It is a 5 meter long Category 6 model, being suitable for home network installations. Another good option could be the NanoCable 10.20.0120, a 20-meter-long Category 5e cable that is quite useful for connections between modems and computers.
The 8 Best Network Cables – Opinions 2022
Network cables can be classified into Categories, each of which gives its own advantages. If you want to find a model with good value for money, we invite you to discover the options that we have prepared for you, where you will find alternatives for both domestic and professional use.
Network cable Category 6
1. CSL Computer 5m Gigabit Ethernet LAN Cat.6 Network Cable
Possibly being the best network cable of this selection, the CSL-Computer model is a product worth knowing.
This model has a length of 5 meters for the connection of nearby equipment. Depending on its availability, you can buy it in black or white with red connectors, being easy to identify when you have it installed.
On the other hand, it stands out that it is a Category 6 network cable, which indicates that it is suitable for connections of 1,000 Mbps with a frequency of 250 MHz and you can extend it with cables of lower and higher Category.
The conductors are made of copper, they have UTP shielding combined with halogen-free insulation and the respective rubber cable cover, being able to offer a stable connection without data loss.
This CSL-Computer product is likely to be the best network cable of the moment, so you should consider it:
Pros
Usage: The network cable can be used in computers, modems, routers, game consoles, televisions and more.
Connectors: The connectors are a striking red color to be easy to identify on the device.
Protection: The cable offers protection through rubber flaps for the hoses.
Compatibility: Its capacity makes it compatible for extension with Category 5, 5e, 6 and 7 cables.
Cons
Shape: The rigidity of the cable makes it difficult to place it straight once it has been wound.
20 meter network cable
2. NanoCable 10.20.0120 Ethernet Network Cable RJ45 Cat.5e
One of the cheapest products on the list is the NanoCable 10.20.0120, a 20-meter Category 5e network cable so you can enjoy connections of up to 1,000 Mbps at 100 Mhz.
It is one of the longest on this list, becoming a very useful alternative for installations in houses, apartments or offices. It has integrated UTP-type shielding along its entire length to protect the internal cables, as well as treated rubber to be more fire resistant.
Aesthetically, it is gray in color and its RJ45 connectors are transparent, which helps to verify the status of the connections before installing the cable. In addition, it is easy to use in case you need to replace any of the heads by hand or with a crimper as you prefer.
If you are in doubt about which network cable to buy, you can weigh what this option has for you:
Pros
Connectors: The NanoCable product comes with the RJ45 connectors already installed and secured at each end.
Length: Its length of 20 meters gives you the freedom to install it comfortably between rooms.
Fire: It has certificates that guarantee its resistance to the spread of flames in the event of an accident.
Weight: It has a light weight so you can easily accommodate it in supports or gutters.
Cons
Protection: The cable does not have protectors for the RJ45 connectors, leaving them exposed.
RJ45 network cable
3. UGREEN Cat 7 Network Cable Ethernet Network LAN Cable
If you are looking for a good RJ45 network cable, we advise you to take into account the UGreen 11262, since it is one of the most capable alternatives in terms of power and transmission.
The UGreen 11262 is a Category 7 network cable for connections of 10,000 Mbps at a frequency of 600 MHz, providing the necessary capacity for semi-professional installations. Its length is 3 meters, but, depending on the layout of the product, you could find it with a length of up to 20 meters.
As for its materials, the exterior of the cable is coated with a PVC layer, which has properties to help shield in the battle against interference and noise in the connection. In addition, it is highlighted that it is FTP type, since it has a global sheet to protect the copper cables inside.
Considering the quality of its products, UGreen may become the best network cable brand:
Pros
Design: The design of this network cable is attractive to the eye and easy to hide if desired thanks to its thickness.
Tangles: The thinness of the cable prevents it from getting tangled for easy handling.
Category: Being Category 7, you can use this cable in demanding network installations.
Connectors: The RJ45 connectors have good manufacturing finishes as they are resistant.
Cons
Protectors: Rubber protectors can get stuck under the flange of the hose.
Network cable Category 7
4. Primewire 5m Flat Cat.7 Network Cable
Considered by some to be one of the best network cables of 2022, you need to thoroughly evaluate the Primewire A302440x60.
This purchase alternative is Category 7, with the expected capacity and performance of this type of network cable. It is white with silver connectors and yellow tabs to stand out, in addition, you could also buy it in black.
On the other hand, the Primewire Category 7 network cable is 5 meters long for home connections and FTP shielding for the entire set of copper strands, which helps to enjoy a connection without ravings.
In addition, the thinness of the cable should be highlighted, which helps to install it comfortably without worrying about tangles or kinks, as well as embedding it with special channels or nails.
In case you have been interested in the Primewire network cable, here are its most important features:
Pros
Flat: The flat design makes it easy to install in more discreet places and prevents tangling.
Colors: Depending on availability, you can choose the cable in white or black.
Plating: The gold plating of the connectors will help you enjoy more speed.
Applications: The use of this network cable is varied, being compatible with modems, consoles, computers, cameras, printers, etc.
Cons
Repair: If damaged, it can be cumbersome to prepare the cable for installation of a new connector.
colored network cable
5. Rankie Gigabit Ethernet Network Cable RJ45 CAT.6 1.5M
If you ever have doubts and don’t know which is the best network cable, Rankie offers you a practical product for close connections with the R-1300.
It is a practical set consisting of 5 network cables with installed RJ45 connectors and with a length of 1.5 meters each, allowing the use of extenders without problems. Each one is of a different color and among those available are black, red, green, blue and white, which, in turn, have protectors to maintain the integrity of the connectors.
In addition, having a system installed using the colored network cable will allow you to more easily identify which one is connected to what in case you want to change them or check the status of the connection. It is Category 6 and can transmit up to 1,000 Mbps at a frequency of 550 MHz.
Rankie network cable has striking advantages that could meet your personal requirements:
Pros
Set: This Rankie offer includes 5 1.5 meter network cables for home connections.
Connectors: Each of the cables has their respective RJ45 connectors ready to use.
Protection: The design offers rubber protection on the tips to maintain the integrity of the connectors.
Category: They are Category 6, more than enough for home network installations.
Cons
Length: Compared to other options, the length of these network cables is short.
crossed network cable
6. 1aTTack Crossed UTP Network Cable 2 RJ45 Connectors
From the 1aTTack brand we present a crossover network cable that you can use for domestic installations, since it is Category 5, but also offering compatibility for extensions with Category 5e.
Its length is 2 meters and it has resistant manufacturing finishes to avoid breakage or breakage in case the cable bends. In addition, added to this, it is also noteworthy that the filaments are stranded at 26 AWG, as well as having a coating.
Aesthetically, it is gray with green protectors, which have a particular design designed to hold the RJ45 connector and increase the overall resistance of the cable. Likewise, the protectors will be able to highlight the cable between the connections so that you know which one it is, allowing you to change the configuration between devices without much inconvenience.
In order to make the most of your investment, you should know the pros and cons of this network cable:
Pros
Color: Being gray with green tips, the cable is eye-catching and easy to identify between pairs.
Protectors: The hose protectors also act as holders to keep it in place and make the connector more robust.
Cladding: Aluminum-clad twisted pairs provide high-performance connectivity.
Cons
Short: The 2-meter length of the cable is short compared to others and could be a limitation if you want to make large installations.
shielded network cable
7. Sebson 2X Flat Cat 7 Ethernet Network Cable 10M
The Sebson Cat 7 model is a shielded network cable that, as its name suggests, belongs to Category 7, providing a speed of up to 10,000 Mbps at a frequency of 500 MHz, being suitable for professional use.
The length of the cable reaches 10 meters long and its design is flat, which will make it easier for you when installing it on the wall, either using elements to hide it or mounting it directly.
Its shielding is FTP, allowing its installation in a wide variety of equipment without the risk of losing information. It also has good quality RJ45 connectors which are also eye-catching thanks to the silver casing with the gold tab to add a sleek look to the network cable.
Sebson offers you a set of network cables with which you will enjoy multiple benefits when installing them at home:
Pros
Category: This product is Category 7, one of the highest in transferability.
Shielded: The internal cables are shielded, so the amount of interference is minimized.
Bends: The network cable has the quality of being anti-bend thanks to its thinness.
Design: Its design is elegant and with good manufacturing finishes.
Cons
Plating: The connector’s pins and coating are not gold plated, which makes it difficult to harness its potential.
15 meter network cable
8. KabelDirekt 15m Network Cable Ethernet and LAN Cable
KabelDirekt has what could be the best value for money network cable if you are looking for an option for home use of Ethernet and LAN.
The KabelDirekt 621 model is 15 meters long and is Category 6 rated for 1,000 Mbps at 250 MHz minimum, providing the capacity required for professional-grade connections.
However, with KabelDirekt’s 15-meter network cable you won’t have to worry about its compatibility, since the RJ45 port is a standard design and you can insert it into all kinds of devices with an Ethernet connection.
It is black in color and the connector draws a lot of attention, since it is in an intense blue color and has an integrated rubber tip. In addition, it also has a cover for the copper wires, which are separated into 4 pairs according to regulations.
For those looking to invest in one of the cheapest network cable options, here are the pros and cons of the KabelDirekt model:
Pros
Design: The appearance of the cable is practical as it has navy blue connectors and has tabs for the hose.
Length: The cable is long enough to allow you to install it between rooms.
Interferences: It has an internal braid designed to reduce interferences.
Protection: Its protection cover, in addition to making it more resistant, also prevents it from bending.
Cons
Shielded: You should know that it is a model without shielding, but rigid enough to avoid breaking.
Network cable accessories
Thief for network cable
Cerrxian New RJ45 Splitter Adapter
A network cable thief is how this Cerrxian adapter is known with 2 incoming and 1 outgoing Ethernet ports, allowing the signal to be duplicated to establish connections between various devices.
The adapter can also be used as an extender for the network cable using port 2.
Its size is compact, with a discreet design and good manufacturing finishes to guarantee long durability.
In addition, it is highlighted that the purchase includes 2 network cables with RJ45 connectors of 1 meter in length each to make small installations.
network cable tester
Kuman Network Cable Tester RJ45 RJ11 Cat.5
Kuman P9100-UK is a kit where you will find basic tools to install RJ45 connectors and test network cables.
Specifically, you’ll be able to make use of a 3-in-1 kit to cut cable shielding, as well as support for multiple connectors.
You will also find 2 network cable testers with which you can test and check for damage to the RJ45 + RJ11 and RJ11 + RJ45 connectors.
Finally, you will get a pair of screwdrivers, 10 ready-to-install RJ45 heads and their respective carrying case.
Shopping guide
Although currently Wi-Fi and Bluetooth wireless connections have made cables expendable elements, if you want to enjoy guaranteed stability in home connections, Ethernet cables are still valid. In this guide to buying the best network cable we will indicate important aspects regarding them to help you choose.
Network cable type
The normal thing when reviewing any comparison of network cables is to find the category of each one specified.
In the case of domestic installations, it is best to use cables that are at least Category 5, since this provides a capacity for speeds of 100 Mbps at 100 MHz.
Network cables for home use that exceed this capacity are Category 5e and 6, with 1,000 Mbps at 100 MHz and 1,000 Mbps at 250 MHz, respectively, these being the maximum levels offered by most telephone companies.
However, you can also buy Category 6A, 7, 7A and 8 cables, where each exceeds the capacity of the previous one for broad spectrum network connections with a limit of 40,000 Mbps at 2,000 MHz for Category 8.
Considering the above, you can easily buy a cheap cable without risk as long as it is for home connections that are within the range of transfer capacity.
Shielding and protection
Shielding refers to shielding that has been built into the fabrication of the filaments. This influences the connection stability and interference blocking, so it is extremely important to determine how much it costs and can be divided into 4 types.
UTP (Unshielded Twisted Pair) is the type of cable that does not have a shield. They are useful for indoor home network connections that are outside the wall, i.e. directly from the modem or router to your device.
The FTP (Foiled Twisted Pair) is the one that includes a metal coating for the entire set of twisted cables, it can resist interference and installation in walls.
The STP (Shield Twisted Pair) offers protection with metallic foil for each of the twisted cables, avoiding the transmission of interference and, finally, the SFTP (Shield Foiled Twisted Pair), more protected between the network cables, since it has shielding and shielding with combined STP and FTP.
cable braiding
The braiding of the cable refers to the handling that the copper strands have received. In network cables, these components are separated into pairs depending on their category and, in turn, are twisted to minimize interference that the connection may suffer.
In other words, the more twisted a network cable offers, the more stable the communication between the connected devices will be and, furthermore, this is also determined by the Category. For example, in models 5 the interlacing is less than those of Category 6. Because of this, the cables with more protection also have a tighter braid.
available length
The length of the cable must be chosen with prior evaluation at home or in the office where it is to be installed. Just like any other type of connection, the ideal is that the cable can be firmly attached, without kinks or being too tense to maintain stable communication at all times.
To avoid these situations, you must first measure the space that the cable will travel from the base point to the connection equipment. So you can know exactly how many meters of cable you need to make the installation.
Also take into account if you are going to use some type of accessory to hold the cable, as this could affect the arrangement of the cable to reach certain points.
Network cable connectors
Since we are talking about network cables, they must have an RJ45 connector, which is used to make connections via Ethernet. These connectors have a standard format, but some models may have special features that increase their resistance or facilitate their use.
In this sense, you can opt for network cables with RJ45 connectors that have protection, either through rubber covers or reinforced tips that prevent breakage. These are easier to handle, as well as offering a much longer useful life than those without protection.
In addition to this, it is also important to evaluate the cover. Gold is a material with high electricity conduction, so acquiring a cable with a gold-plated connector will offer you greater connection stability.
Frequently asked questions
Q1: How to use a network cable?
Network cables are used to create connections between devices, which can be routers, modems, televisions, game consoles, etc.
Its use is quite intuitive, since you only have to locate the Ethernet connector on the back of both devices and insert the RJ45 connector of the network cable until you hear a characteristic “click”. Complete the task on both computers to create the physical connection and you’re done.
Q2: How to make a network cable without a crimper?
To install the RJ45 connector to a network cable without the need for a crimper, you will need a pair of scissors, a flat screwdriver and, of course, the plastic connector.
Take one end of the network cable and with the scissors cut the outer plastic. Then, remove the layers until the wiring is exposed. Proceed to disarm the braiding, at the same time that you remove the aluminum shielding so that you can order the cables inside, according to the RJ45 regulations that you want to use.
When you have them positioned, trim off the excess so you get the same length on all of them. Now place the RJ45 connector respecting the positioning of the hose downwards and making sure to leave part of the cable inside to secure it.
Once in place, take the flathead screwdriver and press it into the indentation of the connector to lock the cable in place. Then press each of the gold pins to complete the circuit and you’re good to go. You will only have to install a connector at the other end to have your network cable without a crimper.
Q3: How to know if a network cable is damaged?
To check the status of the network cable, in addition to the physical exam, you will need to use your computer. Open your browser and search for an online ping test to do the analysis. You will notice that there are many options, so you can do the test in several to check the results. If you notice packet loss, the network cable is most likely damaged.
Q4: How to splice the network cable?
The easiest method to splice one network cable to another is by using RJ45 couplers. These adapters have Ethernet ports on each of their sides, allowing you to connect both cables to increase their length.
Q5: How to connect the network cable?
In general, the ports of network, LAN or Ethernet cables are located with the patch cord pointing downwards, it is usual to take the cable in this position to connect it. You will only have to place the connector in place until you hear a click and you should be all set. To remove it, you will have to press the hose up and pull to release the cable connector.
Q6: How to pass the network cable from one room to another?
If you don’t want to make modifications, you can choose to fix it to the wall, put it through the window or install plastic gutters. Otherwise, you have the option of creating internal connections in the wall where you can have a more discreet installation and without cables piling up on the floor.
Q7: How to fix the network cable to the wall?
There are several methods that will help you fix it, one of the most popular being the installation of plastic gutters.
These can be purchased at hardware stores and their installation is simple, requiring only a roll of double-sided tape and a handsaw in case you need to cut them.
Start by taking measurements where you plan to attach the cable to make sure you have the pieces in the correct order. Next, place strips of tape on the back of the pieces and stick them directly to the wall. Finish by removing the cover to insert the cable and closing it to hide it.
Another alternative is to use fastener nails, which have plastic heads designed to hold cables. With them you just have to place them where you want and hammer a little until they enter the wall holding the cable.
Q8: How to connect two PCs with network cable?
After making the connection with a network cable between their Ethernet ports, you will have to prepare their systems by accessing the Control Panel and then System, where you will have to give each one a network name.
Then, find the Network Connections section and navigate to the Properties tab, where you must enter the Advanced and Firewall Settings section. In this window you will see an Exceptions tab, go in there and select File and Printer Sharing. Now your computers will have established the necessary connection to transfer files without the need for a wireless connection.
