The Best Network Cables for Gaming and Streaming

In the realm of gaming and streaming, network cables play a pivotal role in ensuring a seamless and immersive experience. Whether you’re engaging in adrenaline-pumping online battles or broadcasting your gameplay to a global audience, the right network cable can make all the difference.

Choosing the Right Type of Cable

Category 5e (Cat5e)

Cat5e cables are a widely used and cost-effective option for gaming and streaming. They offer speeds of up to 100Mbps and are suitable for most home networks. However, they may not be ideal for demanding applications that require higher bandwidth.

Category 6 (Cat6)

Cat6 cables are a step up from Cat5e, providing speeds of up to 1000Mbps (1Gbps). They are constructed with thicker wires and additional shielding, making them more resilient to crosstalk and interference.

Category 6a (Cat6a)

Cat6a cables are designed for even higher bandwidth applications, offering speeds of up to 10Gbps. They feature enhanced shielding and twisted pairs, providing excellent resistance to noise and signal degradation.

Length and Gauge

Length

The length of the network cable depends on the distance between your gaming console or streaming device and your router. Choose a cable that is long enough to reach your device without any excessive slack or stretching.

Gauge

The gauge of a network cable refers to the thickness of the copper wires inside. A lower gauge number indicates thicker wires, which result in better signal transmission over long distances. For gaming and streaming, Cat5e cables with a 24 AWG gauge or Cat6 cables with a 23 AWG gauge are recommended.

Shielding and Connectors

Shielding

Network cables can be classified as either shielded or unshielded. Shielded cables feature a foil or braided metal wrap around the wires, which protects them from electromagnetic interference (EMI). Unshielded cables are more susceptible to EMI, but they are also more flexible and easier to work with.

Connectors

The connectors at the ends of the network cable play a crucial role in signal integrity. Look for cables with RJ-45 connectors that are gold-plated or have corrosion-resistant properties. These connectors ensure a secure and reliable connection.