All network cables in the broad sense of the word serve basically for the same purpose, to establish a communication path between several devices, allowing information to travel the path that separates the servers from the customers, the suppliers from the consumers. Ethernet cables come in all shapes and sizes. Here’s what you need to know. Regardless of its construction or physical means of signal propagation, it can be said that there is a wide variety of network cables, so this article focuses only on local network cables called Ethernet cables. See the following table of the most common Ethernet network cables. See the following table of the most common Ethernet network cables. How to know which is the right network cable? When we start a new network design project, it will always be essential that we establish what will be the priority of said project in terms of connectivity. In addition to knowing in advance the expected performance of said data network. Here I will help you step by step how to find the cable that suits you best in terms of performance and cost of the project. The distance of the cables. 1. Distance of the cables. It is important to know how long the distance to travel will be, which should not be greater than 320 ft, always taking into account that approaching this distance can represent a loss of performance or an increase in noise in the cable product of the Interference, created moments of intermittent operation. If the distances are short less than 100 ft, usually almost all network cables, regardless of cost, may be the appropriate cable, as long as the required speed matches that specified in the cable. 2. Speed 100 Mb / s / 1000 Mb / s / 10000 Mb / s If the installation is for residential purposes, it is very likely that CAT5E, CAT6E, are more than enough, in general, Internet service providers for residential use do not provide a service of more than 1Gb / s, that is 1000 Mb / s. Now if the project is commercial or for a data center or customer requirements in terms of speed demand it, then you must adjust to such parameters, providing the best possible cable. Perhaps in this case the best would be CAT6A, CAT 7 or higher. 3. Environmental protection or interference. The cables that we install indoors do not require a very demanding environmental protection, but if the project is for industrial use, the cables will be outdoors exposed to the weather, a study will always be necessary to know to what conditions the cables will be exposed network, to determine the best coating in each case. You can contact us to help you with your computer and network projects. We have specialists who can help you. You can contact us using one of the forms lactated in the main menu. Or leaving a note in the chat in the lower left corner of the screen. 4. Other cables alternative The best alternative to connect devices in short distances is the fiber optics, currently the connection between devices in a data center such as routers, switches, and servers is done using fiber optics. Recently, with the emergence of plastic fiber, new connection possibilities have been opened at a fairly low cost. In other articles we will talk more about plastic fiber, this connection method is attracting a lot of attention from consumers, because represente the fusion between the low cost and high speed. One way or another we are here to help you with all your new and old projects, providing better services with the best technology to make your connection more stable and secure. It4Calgary is an elite company and we are totally at your service. Read more RJ45 Crimping Tool RJ45 Connector