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About a week ago, I made a decision: I would never purchase another Ethernet cable again.
If you’re anything like me, you likely have a stash of cables tucked away in a drawer or box. While some of these cables have specific ends, like USB-C, my wired network consists of a jumbled mix of Ethernet cables, each in different colors and marked with tiny labels indicating their capabilities. But how much data can each of these really transfer? I couldn’t tell you. And that’s a major oversight.
Until now, I hadn’t given much thought to the Ethernet cables connecting my cable modem, router, Xbox, and PC. Despite running speed tests on multiple occasions, I often felt my network was lagging, and I knew why: the performance of my network was limited by its slowest link.
If my Ethernet cables were incapable of handling speeds higher than what my router or modem could offer, I might as well be throwing money away. I realized I didn’t need to waste time searching for the latest high-speed mesh router or best gateway. If some of my cables were outdated, they could drag the whole network down. Even if my ISP upgraded my broadband speed, I’d miss out on the benefits. I had already discovered an old Cat5 cable connected to my Xbox—an outdated standard that has been nearly obsolete for years. Gross!
Mark Hachman / Foundry
Just a week prior to my revelation, my colleague Dominic Bayley shared an insightful guide on the various types of Ethernet cables. I took some time to dig deeper. Turns out, Ethernet cables come in several categories, ranging from the antiquated Category 3 to the cutting-edge Category 8.
So, Category 8 is the top-of-the-line choice, huh? When I looked into it, I was pleasantly surprised by the price. A pack of five color-coded, nylon-braided Category 8 Ethernet cables was available for just $35.99 on Amazon. (Update: They’re currently on sale for only $26.99 during Prime Day!)
Internet speeds are continually increasing, with cable modems improving too. Yet, even the best modems and broadband subscriptions typically provide only a few gigabits per second, while a Cat8 cable can offer a staggering 40 Gbps!
Mark Hachman / Foundry
It was a no-brainer for me. I swiftly purchased the cables from Amazon, replaced my outdated ones with the new braided, color-coded versions, and resolved never to stress over my Ethernet cables again.
Grab a pack of five color-coded, nylon-braided Cat8 Ethernet cables for just $26.99!
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