Fiber optic cabling provides large bandwidth and is a staple of the internet age. The genesis of fiber optics was in 1988 when the first cable connected the United States to France. It has become a global phenomenon since then.

Ethernet cables, on the other hand, transmit data via electrical impulses and refer to cabling that connects a computer to a modem for online internet access. These cables have become an essential part of our digital society and come in various forms. We’ll examine one type in particular.

Some of the different types of Ethernet cables include Cat5 and Cat6, and their cousins Cat5e and Cat6a. These types of cables deliver excellent data transmission speeds and are relatively inexpensive. Cat6 Ethernet cables work well for online streaming when the cable is not too long. Let’s examine more closely the Cat6 Ethernet cable.

You’ll want to make sure you match your cabling with your internet router and modem. It’s a good idea to get new Ethernet cables whenever you update your computer or internet equipment.

Cat6 cables are an excellent option for internet connectivity and are often used as an upgrade from another popular type of cable: Cat5e. Cat6 costs more but is worth the price whether for first time use or if you’re upgrading your equipment. The major difference is the increase in bandwidth: 100 megahertz (MHz) for Cat5e compared to 250 MHz for Cat6. There is also less “crosstalk” noise, which is a barrier to data transmission.

It is important to note that the distance your Ethernet cable covers affects transmission speed. A run should cover a distance of no more than 320 feet. This is quite a distance, so this should not be a problem for the average user. Within these parameters Cat6 cables support 1 gigabit (Gb). A longer Ethernet cable could negatively affect transmission speed and carrying capacity.

It is important to know your internet connection speed. If your internet speed is 1 Gb per second or if you upload many files or stream high definition movies or videos, a Cat6 Ethernet cable will serve you well. Last but not least, your router is a player in data transmission speeds. Don’t negate the benefits of your Cat6 Ethernet cable with an older router that does not support the upgraded speed you desire. Also, if you and your family are heavy internet users and connected to more than one computer, Cat6 Ethernet cables are the way to go.