An ethernet cable for the home must have a reliable data transfer speed, long-lasting characteristics, and appropriate safety measures in place.
Well, there are cables that come with all the aforementioned features. Ethernet network cables that are affordable, high-performing, and safe.
Although you can buy ethernet cable 1000ft and patch cables from any store near you, buying them online from a well-reputed store means that they come with free customer support, if applicable.
For instance, the Cat5e, Cat6, and Cat6a Ethernet cables can be bought from any store, but you will sometimes need assistance if you are installing the cables for the first time.
Now, ethernet cables for home networks are aplenty, but which one is the best? We will find out in this blog. Be sure to read it.
Ethernet cables for Home Networks
Ethernet Cables for home networks are the Cat5e, Cat6, and Cat6a cables. These cables are also used in commercial networks because of their unmatched performance. However, cables such as the Cat5e are not necessarily installed in commercial networks with a high-performance requirement.
On the other hand, 1000ft ethernet cables such as the Cat6a are used in home networks. Although the requirements in home networks might not be so high as to install the Cat6a cable, installing it nonetheless does not affect negatively.
Cat5e Cable
The Cat5e Cable is the most basic ethernet cabling solution for home networks with a 100MBit/s data transfer rate and 350 MHz bandwidth capacity. It features 24 AWG conductors that are twisted in pairs to keep electromagnetic interference and crosstalk at a minimum.
The Cable is ideal for home networks with basic requirements. For instance, if you need to access fast ethernet and gigabit applications, the cable is ideal. Not at 100 meters, but at up to 50 meters, the cable can transmit data at up to 1 GBit/s.
Moreover, if the cable conductors are made from bare copper, you can also use this cable for PoE applications. But is this the best ethernet cable 1000ft for home networks? Keep reading to find out.
Cat6 Cable
The Cat6 Cable also has four twisted pairs of conductors that are well apt at maintaining minimum EMI and Crosstalk. The cable is ideal for fast and gigabit ethernet applications.
It can transmit data at speeds of up to 1 GBit/s over 100 meters. This speed, coupled with its 550 MHz bandwidth makes sure that the cable provides stellar performance in all kinds of networking applications.
This is a mid-range cable, both specification-wise and cost-wise. It is neither too much, nor too little for home networks. You can access any application of your choice. Even the 10 Gigabit application as well. However, only at up to 50 meters of run length.
The 1000ft Cat6 ethernet cable might be one the best ones for use in home networks. But let’s wait until the end. We will conclude which the best one is, once we give an overview of each.
Cat6a Cable
The Cat6a cable is almost similar to the Category 6 cable, but with augmented features. It has more twisted per unit length in the conductor pairs as compared to its counterparts.
Similarly, the cable is produced only with top-of-the-line materials such as bare copper conductors, riser and plenum jackets, and shielded cables.
It is because of these materials, the cable can transmit data at speeds of up to 10 GBit/s over 100 meters. And offers a bandwidth capacity of 750 MHz. Moreover, the Cat6a cable incompatible with all high-speed ethernet applications including 10G, PoE, and PoE+/++/
Pertinent to mention here is the cost of the cable. It is relatively higher as compared to other cables. The cost is higher than other cables on this list but that does not mean it is too expensive. Its cost is justified by the features it offers. However, for home networks, some of these features might not be required and therefore, the cost could be a redundant investment.
Is this the best cable for home networks? Let’s break the news in the next part.
Which one is the Best?
The best ethernet cable for a home network is the Cat6. Although it does not support the 10 Gigabit ethernet applications over 100 meters, it still is a great solution for most people.
The speed and bandwidth this ethernet cable 1000ft offer suffice for all home networks without being too much or too little. Moreover, the cost of the cable is also in the mid-range, making it highly affordable.
Furthermore, the cable is easy to install for DIY or home use.
That, however, is not to say that the Cat5e and 6a cables are not suitable for home networks. You might need a Cat5e or a Cat6a cable depending on your requirements. We have listed the features you should look for and the features as well.
Make a wise decision by following this guide.
Where to Buy Best Ethernet Cable for Home Networks?
Now, once you finalize the cable that you need for your home network, it is time to buy it. But where do you buy it?
You can do so at any online store or any traditional retail store near you. However, buying the 1000ft ethernet cable from any trusted online store would probably mean that the cable comes with support. And never underestimate how important customer support is, when it comes to networking, especially when it’s free and for a lifetime.