By Don Schultz, trueCABLE Senior Technical Advisor, Fluke Networks Copper/Fiber CCTT, BICSI INSTC, INSTF Certified
You want to disconnect, not be late! If you choose the wrong Ethernet cable or use the wrong technology, you could quickly die on the virtual battlefield. You could spend a lot of money on the wrong things, go the wrong way with the right things, and be fooled by flashy marketing claims. You don’t want that, and neither do I.
So, let’s talk about some first. Main Mistakes to avoid. These are the types of mistakes that can cost you a lot of time, money and hassle.
What not to do if you want a reliable gaming experience
Using WiFi for gaming
You probably already know that WiFi is a lesser quality way to play online than wired internet. Even in the best low-interference environments, WiFi is subject to much higher latency and response times due to the additional error-checking mechanisms used. This affects any variation of WiFi, even the latest technologies. Given reliability concerns, WiFi is the last technology you want to use. Even with the latest WiFi technologies like Wi-Fi 6, Wi-Fi 6e, Wi-Fi 7Environmental interference will remain an issue. The highest quality gaming experience possible (in games where one player is connected to another over a network) will always be achieved over a wired connection. Learn more about this here: Ethernet vs. WiFi, is networking worth it?
Terminating a solid copper LAN cable for use as a patch cable
Solid Copper Ethernet This product is very good for in-wall and permanent installations, but it is not a good choice for cables that may be handled frequently. In short, avoid the mistake of making your own patch cords out of solid copper Ethernet unless you have a very specific reason for doing so and know what you are doing! The terminations are a major weak point. See Terminating RJ45 Pass-Through Connectors on Solid Copper Ethernet Cable — Really Bad Idea? To read highly technical on this topic.
Solid Copper Ethernet Cable vs Stranded Copper Ethernet Cable
Okay, so now you know you want to use an Ethernet LAN patch cable to set up your network. It might be helpful to clarify what we mean by “patch cable” versus “loose solid copper.”
ethernet patch cables It has already been terminated. 8P8C connectors (also known as RJ45). Solid Copper Ethernet Network in Bulk It should be cut to length and finished with a fixer, preferably. cornerstone sockets And Correction boardsAdditionally, Ethernet patch cables are manufactured using stranded copper conductors instead of solid-core conductors. This means that patch cables are designed to be flexible, as they are expected to withstand repeated plugging and unplugging.
ethernet patch cable
Copper Ethernet Cable Sold In Bulk
Fake cable alert!
Here’s a quote from the industry:
“To get an idea of the quality of equipment wiring, the Communications and Telecommunications Cable Association (CCCA) conducted extensive electrical performance tests of Category 6 copper patch cords, testing nearly 500 samples that included 379 cords from lesser-known overseas manufacturers and 120 cords from well-known North American manufacturers. Of the 379 overseas patch cords, 322 failed the electrical performance criteria specified in TIA 568-C.2 standards, with 78% failing by a margin of 3 dB or greater and 45% failing by a margin of 6 dB or greater. These cords have the potential to cause significant network problems once embedded in the conduit. All patch cords from recognized North American manufacturers showed a 0% failure rate.” Flock Networks
trueCABLE has tested this statement and found that it is not only true, but may even be an understatement! Would you be surprised to learn that a high-quality patch cable rated at a lower rating is likely to significantly outperform a poor-quality patch cable rated at a higher rating? Before you read this blog, I highly suggest you check out:
Best Ethernet Cable to Buy
Which ethernet cable, though? The short answer is that the best Ethernet cable for Xbox is the same as the best Ethernet cable for modem to router or other common tasks. The performance of each device in the chain is very important, as any weak links will affect your gaming prowess. When making your purchase decision, always buy high-quality cables. Certified and component-rated connection cables From reputable brands. These patch cables will cost you a bit more than the typical imported cables on the market, but you really do get what you pay for. Higher class ratings, protection, and other features may not be of any use to you for a variety of reasons, and we’ll discuss these topics in more detail below.
This blog assumes that you are using ethernet patch cable (Stranded Copper) is connected directly from your switch or WiFi router directly to your high-end gaming PC or PS5 console (maybe XBox?). In other words, you’re not using a structured cabling system. If you have a properly built structured cabling system, that’s great, but make sure you choose a high-quality patch cord and this is the next area where you can very easy mistake.
The market is flooded with Ethernet cables. Most of them are complete junk and not worth buying.
You can buy round, flat, shielded, and any number of different wires with any number of decorations. And each wire claims to be better than the next. No need to be confused! Well, let’s unpack this giant ball of cables, shall we?
Select category
The class basically determines how fast the Ethernet cable is. in confidence Due to several variables such as:
Surprisingly, Ethernet cables have been around for a long time and the application speeds (like 1G, 2.5G, etc.) built into the equipment are just starting to catch up. Match the correct class to your equipment needs with (a little) focus on future expansion. Here’s the truth: class is the least important decision you’ll have to make in a residential setting. No, you don’t need Cat7 or Cat8, and maybe even Cat6A for short distances. You won’t get anything out of it. Here’s a chart that illustrates what I mean:
Take a closer look at the table above. Notice a trend? You’ll always be limited to the slowest component of your network. Usually, your Ethernet cable won’t be that component! Even the humble Cat5e handles typical internet fragmentation with ease, and most ISP speeds are 1Gbps or less. However, some go as high as 5Gbps. So, the category isn’t really a major consideration unless you need faster LAN speeds to move from a NAS (network attached storage) to a PC for quick file backup or you’re sharing large video files from one device to another for editing.
Final Category Analysis: Choose Cat6 because it will cover you now and in the future unless you are doing something special like a home audio and video editing setup with multiple workstations or even custom-built servers that are required to operate at 10Gbps or faster.
Do I need a protected Ethernet network?
This will be a short section. 99% of the time, the answer is no.
Shielded Ethernet Cable:
Final Protection Analysis: Only use shielded Ethernet when you know you have a problem and need to avoid it, and be prepared to properly ground your cable.
What cable sheath do I need?
For indoor residential applications, choose CM (Communications), CMG (Communications General), or CMR (Communications Mover Rate). If your Ethernet cable runs indoors And Outdoors, you just signed up for a much more difficult project and probably need longer Ethernet runs anyway. Take a look at Choosing the Right Outdoor Ethernet Cable For more information. If this installation is in a commercial space, the game (and rules!) may be completely different and you should take a look at Facts about Ethernet cable jacket ratings.
Final analysis of cable sheath type: For residential (or even commercial) indoor wiring in the same room, use CM/CMG or CMR. For everything else, your choice may depend on what you are doing.
Is it okay to use thin Ethernet cables?
A recent trend is to start making thinner patch cables. The idea is to make routing easier in patch panels, server racks, modular furniture, and the like. You can increase installation density if you can fit more cables into something, basically.
However, there is a point of diminishing returns. As the copper conductor gets thicker to make a thinner patch cable, you won’t be able to reach the same distance or handle as much current for PoE. The ANSI/TIA 568.0-E standard allows patch cords to use 28AWG insulated copper conductors. The higher the number, the thinner the conductor. Patch cords sized 30AWG and 32AWG don’t meet the specification and should be avoided. Typically, patch cords are made using 24AWG to 28AWG insulated copper conductors, with 26AWG being the most common. Here’s a handy chart showing the maximum patch cord lengths using insulated copper conductors:
Have you noticed a significant reduction in length once you move to a thinner gauge, especially from 26AWG to 28AWG? As copper gets thicker, its ability to transmit a signal reliably decreases dramatically, not linearly. The grade is irrelevant.
Other things to watch out for
Don’t pay extra for over-the-top marketing and claims of superior performance. The more attractive the packaging, the more skeptical you’ll be. Some of the best cables, worthy of the category printed on them, come in very ordinary bags.
Avoid unknown manufacturers. Beware of paid or suspicious-looking reviews. Do some research and learn how to avoid unreasonable claims.
Surprisingly, ANSI/TIA 568 does not require a class stamp for the cable. However, you should make sure that it is marked cETLus or UL Listed. The cETLus and UL Listed marks are for fire safety, meaning that the cable has passed a vertical flame test and possibly even a smoke test for the sheathing rating. Also, make sure that the cable is printed with CM (something), as this is the actual sheathing rating.
Cat7 patch cables, unless terminated with GG45 or TERA connectors, are 100% fake. Cat7 cables are not a recognized cable category in North America and actually fall under the Eurasian ISO/IEC 11801 standard. In this standard, 8P8C (also known as RJ45) connectors are not used.
Cat8 is designed for short equipment connections (98 feet) in data centers that require 40Gbps speeds and no other option than copper for the job. If you really need speeds faster than 10Gbps, you should look to fiber optic solutions rather than copper Ethernet.
Finally
Well, that’s it! Choosing a patch cord isn’t as easy as going to the store and buying the cheapest or even the most expensive one. You’re more likely to buy a bad patch cord even if you spend a lot of money, and I’ve been a victim of that. I don’t want anyone else to go through the pain I went through, which is why we educate people. Of course, since trueCABLE sells patch cords, you might consider this a biased statement, but after spending two years developing and testing patch cords, I can confidently say that you can buy our patch cords and be sure that there’s no problem.
Happy socializing!
trueCABLE provides the information on our website, including the Cable Academy blog and live chat support, as a service to our customers and other visitors to our website in accordance with our website. terms and conditionsAlthough the information contained on this site relates to data networks and electrical issues, it is not professional advice and reliance on such material is at your own risk.
