Cat 5 or Cat 6 is a common choice for Ethernet cables, with Cat 6 offering better performance and future-proofing.
Cat 5 or Cat 6 is a common choice for Ethernet cables, with Cat 6 offering better performance and future-proofing.
Hello, I'm looking to install roughly 150-200 feet of Ethernet cable from my router to another part of the house. I've noticed flat Cat 6 cables available for sale and they seem very affordable. Why are these cheaper than the cylindrical ones? Also, what's the best choice between Cat 5 and Cat 6 for performance? Are there any brands you'd recommend? Thanks!
The flat cables likely offer minimal protection while the round ones provide extra shielding and higher ratings. Many flat cables I see are CCA rated, which is usually undesirable and difficult to crimp or make yourself. For performance, Cat5e and Cat6 for gigabit speeds perform similarly—just avoid CCA cables (copper-clad aluminum) for best results.
This link appears to direct to a product page for a Cat6 Ethernet cable. It seems relevant for those looking to purchase a standard 150ft cable.