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Just over a week ago, I made a firm decision: I wouldn’t buy another Ethernet cable again.
If you’re anything like me, you probably have a cluttered drawer or box filled with cables. While some have very specific uses—like USB-C—my Ethernet collection is a mishmash of various colors, with tiny labels indicating their capabilities. But how fast can each cable actually transfer data? Honestly, I had no clue. And that’s concerning.
Until recently, I hadn’t given much thought to the Ethernet cables connecting my cable modem, router, Xbox, and PC. Speed tests had raised my concerns now and then, suggesting my network might be slower than it should be. I knew that my network’s performance hinges on its weakest link.
If my Ethernet cables couldn’t handle speeds equivalent to my router or modem, I was essentially throwing money away. I didn’t need to spend time searching for the fastest mesh router or the best internet gateway. Outdated cables would bottleneck my entire network. If my ISP increased my broadband speeds, I wouldn’t even benefit if my cables were relics. I even found an old Cat5 cable linked to my Xbox, a standard that’s nearly two decades old. Yikes!
Mark Hachman / Foundry
A week before my colleague Dominic Bayley shared an insightful breakdown of Ethernet cable categories, I began digging into this issue myself. Ethernet cables vary from the antique Category 3 to the cutting-edge Category 8.
So, is Category 8 truly the best? Absolutely! And the cost? Surprisingly low. I discovered a five-pack of color-coded, nylon-braided Category 8 cables available on Amazon for just $26.99.
As broadband speeds continue to climb, it’s essential to keep up with the technology. Even the fastest cable modems and internet plans typically cap a few gigabits per second, while a Category 8 cable can deliver an impressive 40 Gbps.
Mark Hachman / Foundry
For me, it was an easy decision. I swiftly ordered my new cables from Amazon, replaced my outdated ones with the vibrant alternatives, and vowed never to stress about Ethernet cables again.
Grab a five-pack of color-coded, nylon-braided Cat8 Ethernet cables for just $26.99
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