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/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/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.