RELATED: Gaming On Ethernet Vs. WiFI
But buying an Ethernet Cable can be a pretty daunting experience for the average player that has spent their time gaming on a wireless connection. There are an array of Ethernet Cable types, usually signified by a “Cat” number. But what exactly does this number mean and do players need a specific type of Ethernet Cable to play online games? Thankfully, purchasing an Ethernet Cable for video games in mind isn’t an especially drawn-out process. Here’s an in-depth look at Ethernet Cables and if they’re all the same inside.
What Is A Cat Number?
The first thing players will notice about the breadth of Ethernet Cables available for purchase online is that each one comes with a specific Cat Number (I.E. Cat 5, Cat 6, etc). This abbreviation is short for “Category” and it helps to specify what the sorts of speeds that the Ethernet itself is “rated” for. The Category rating itself is decided by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) and pertains directly to the maximum Internet speeds that a particular cable can handle.
When the IEEE first began to rate cables, they assigned the Cat 1 variant a max load of 1 Mbps. These cables were mainly used for phone lines and early modems. As time passed, the IEEE began to rate newer cables with different Category numbers (in ascending order) to showcase an upgrade in speed capabilities. Currently, the best Ethernet Cable available to consumers is the Category 8 (Cat 8) variant, which can withstand a whopping 25 Gbps (or 40 Gbps for the 8.2 version).
It is important to note that the Cat 8 cable is usually far more powerful than the average consumer will need, with most gaining the most from their Internet Service Provider (ISP) with a Cat 6 cable, which can handle speeds of 1 Gbps.
What Types Of Ethernet Cables Are Available?
There are tons of Ethernet Cables to choose from, but the main bread-and-butter concerning a cable is its Category number. When choosing a cable for online games, players will want to know and understand what Cat they need before making any other decisions. The table below gives a glance at the maximum data rate of each cable. Players that are unfamiliar with their maximum speed available will need to contact their ISP.
Aside from the Category number, the main difference in the internals of an Ethernet Cable is whether the cable features “shielding.” Traditional Ethernet Cables feature an 8-pin connector, as each cable has 8 smaller cables that run throughout it. Many Ethernet Cables have minimal separation for these lines, other than the casing that surrounds them. Some stronger, more expensive cables, feature shielding. Shielding can come in a variety of flavors but basically adds additional inner casings and materials to help separate the different internals running throughout the main cable. This can create a stronger connection with less room for error and lower wear-and-tear over time.
Past the internal components, players have some choices when it comes to aesthetics and style. Ethernet Cables can come in a variety of colors, and can feature specific designs that make them more suitable for particular situations. For example, players can grab outdoor-rated cables that have been designed with specialized outer-casings that can withstand weather or can be buried beneath the ground. Some companies produce “flat” Ethernet Cables, which can be perfect for running underneath carpets, baseboards, or the underside of desks. When it comes to choosing a style, players are free to let their imagination run wild.
Are There Special Ethernet Cables For Gaming?
Ethernet Cables are, thankfully, the same for both traditional Internet users and online game enthusiasts. There is nothing internally or externally, past the types outlined above, that differentiates between normal everyday use, and gaming.
Because some online video games can ask quite a bit from a player’s ISP, it’s smart for gamers to always purchase the highest-rated Ethernet Cable at any given time. Currently, that’s the Cat 8 cable, which should provide players with more than enough speed coverage, regardless of how powerful their Internet is. This is because the rating for the Cat 8 far exceeds the speed offerings from most (if not all) consumer-based Internet Service Providers.
Past that, players are free to choose an Ethernet Cable that is aesthetically pleasing, at whatever length they’ll need to comfortably provide Internet to their gaming setup. They may also want to consider the style of cable, grabbing something flat if they need to route the cable underneath a carpet, or opting for an Outdoor-rated cable if they need the line to be buried beneath the ground or run between buildings.
So long as players know and understand what Category cable is best for their ISP, they’ll have access to a veritable buffet of cable styles and shapes.
MORE: What Type Of Ethernet Cable Is Best For Gaming?
