Comparing Different Brands of Cat 6 Network Cable- What to Look For

When it comes to choosing the right Cat 6 network cable for your home or business, there are a few key factors to keep in mind. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at these factors and provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision.

Cable Construction

One of the most important factors to consider when comparing Cat 6 network cables is the cable construction. The cable construction refers to the materials used to make the cable, as well as the way in which the cable is constructed.

The most common type of Cat 6 network cable is made with copper conductors. Copper is a good conductor of electricity, and it is relatively inexpensive. However, copper cables can be bulky and difficult to work with.

Shielding

Another important factor to consider is shielding. Shielding is a layer of material that is wrapped around the conductors of the cable. Shielding helps to protect the cable from electromagnetic interference (EMI). EMI can come from a variety of sources, such as power lines, fluorescent lights, and other electronic devices.

There are two main types of shielding: foil shielding and braid shielding. Foil shielding is a thin layer of metal foil that is wrapped around the conductors. Braid shielding is a woven mesh of metal that is wrapped around the conductors. Braid shielding provides better protection from EMI than foil shielding, but it is also more expensive.

Performance

The performance of a Cat 6 network cable is determined by a number of factors, including the cable construction, the shielding, and the connectors. The performance of a cable is measured in terms of bandwidth and speed.

Bandwidth is the amount of data that can be transmitted over a cable at one time. Speed is the rate at which data can be transmitted over a cable. The higher the bandwidth and speed, the better the performance of the cable.

Price

The price of a Cat 6 network cable varies depending on the cable construction, the shielding, the performance, and the brand. The price of a cable can range from a few dollars to hundreds of dollars.

Brand

When it comes to choosing a Cat 6 network cable, the brand is also an important factor to consider. Some brands are known for producing high-quality cables, while other brands are known for producing low-quality cables.

It is important to do your research before choosing a brand. Read reviews online and talk to other people who have used the brand. This will help you to make an informed decision about which brand to choose.

Conclusion

Choosing the right Cat 6 network cable for your home or business is important. By considering the factors discussed in this article, you can make an informed decision that will meet your needs.