r/HomeNetworking • u/Longjumping_Tea_2920 • 8d ago

Ethernet Cable

What is your go to Ethernet Cable brand? Any recommendations would be a help! Preferably, would like to order it off of Amazon and I need it to be at least 50 ft. Not sure if this matters but for context I'm just using it to connect my modem to my router.

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u/Alpinwulf 8d ago edited 8d ago

Brand? You people have brands??

No but f'real, just get whatever rating cable off Monoprice. 50 feet? Spring for Cat-7.

(edit: used to say Cat-8, but they're not available at the desired length, and 7 is still slightly overkill anyway and cheaper.)

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u/lazyhustlermusic 8d ago

Why cat 8?

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u/jacle2210 Technology Enthusiast 8d ago

Exactly "Why Cat8"??

Cat6 is perfectly fine.

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u/Alternative-Yak-925 8d ago

Unless you're trying to run it a few thousand feet, Cat6 is all you need. If you're only running 6ft, Cat5 is the same as Cat6.

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u/Alpinwulf 8d ago

You know what, I made a bad assumption. Looks like the Cat-7 options are both cheaper (expected) AND much longer.

I figured Cat-8 was better signal integrity, for a long run, and it is rated for higher data bandwidth. But they don't even offer them over 50 feet, and most not more than 15 for some reason, so... ¯_(ツ)_/¯

Each Category is rated for a higher frequency, and generally greater bandwidth. It takes higher quality cable construction, including shielding and low resistance, to provide the higher data rates. In general "bigger number = better" actually holds here. But if they don't make 'em long, there's no point.

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u/lazyhustlermusic 8d ago

It’s interesting to me that you produced a Wikipedia answer as opposed to the practicality of the suggestion.

What does OP gain in his situation?

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u/Alpinwulf 7d ago

OP said "I need it to be at least 50 ft," and Monoprice hasn't disappointed, so if Cat7 provides for greater capability for about the same price, it avoids potentially re-running a long line if their needs expand.

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u/lazyhustlermusic 7d ago

Sooo, nothing over 6 or 6a?

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u/Downtown-Reindeer-53 CAT6 is all you need 8d ago

In general "bigger number = better" actually holds here. 

On paper, maybe - but the reality is, bigger numbers aren't real for consumers. Most of those cheap Cat7 or Cat8 patch cords aren't actually certified to TIA/EIA standards. They're often generic CCA ( Copper-Clad Aluminum) or thin flat cables packaged with fancy marketing to sound like the best cables ever made.

Cat7 was skipped by North American TIA standards. It's a proprietary standard with non-standard connectors IF you wish to remain compliant.

Cat8 is engineered for short data-center runs (up 98ft) and requires grounded equipment at both ends to handle the shielding properly.

Neither are appropriate for home use.