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Ethernet Cables

Hello All,
Hope everyone is safe,healthy & employed

Regarding Ethernet cables-does a "HI End" cable like Audioquest,Nordost etc and the like..do these
make a significant difference regarding a regular type brand--cat 6--needed for Streaming
I do need a long run ie 20-25 feet. AM i ok using a standard brand from a computer store or are these
expensive hi end brands better to stream?
Many Thanks
shellyboy1
djones51
4,947 posts
 
Yes poor quality patch cables cause problems so it’s best to stick with cables that meet standards. I always make sure they have the appropriate labeling.

https://community.fs.com/blog/network-cable-standards-tia-568-vs-iso-11801-vs-en-50173.html

Little more info on choosing the right cables.
https://community.fs.com/blog/network-communication-cables-that-power-your-internet.html
kren0006
1,859 posts
 
When I switched from cat6 to cat7 cable I experienced significantly fewer dropouts


djones51
4,947 posts
 
Your CAT 7 cable is operating like a CAT 6A with standard connectors if it is
CAT 7

In addition, the link impedance of this standard is 100 Ω. What’s more, there is no equipment that has connectors supporting the Class F (Category 7) channel and Class FA (Category 7a) channel. Category 7 and Category 7a are not recognized by the TIA/EIA.

What is Cat7? It’s effectively a dead standard and one that few should concern themselves with.

However, if you are one of the few who want or need a Cat7 Ethernet cable or three, then you need to be sure that what you’re buying is Cat7. Don’t be caught out by Cat6A masquerading as the older standard.



jea48
4,816 posts
 
When I switched from cat6 to cat7 cable I experienced significantly fewer dropouts
@ kren0006

Just a guess the CAT6 cable is a UTP ( Unshielded Twisted Pair) and the CAT7 is a STP (Shielded Twisted Pair) cable. It’s the shielding that is making the differences you are hearing, imo.

Example of CAT6 UTP unshielded Ethernet cable.
https://www.belden.com/products/enterprise/copper/cable/cat-6

Example only of a CAT 7 STP shielded twisted pair Ethernet cable.
https://www.amazon.com/Cat7-Ethernet-Cable-25-Connector/dp/B00GBBSKVS/ref=pd_rhf_dp_s_all_spx_wp_0_1...

Connectors are probably CAT6 or CAT6a shielded type plugs.

.
rilbr
100 posts
 
A few CAT 8 cables are on the market now. Cables & Kits has a relatively inexpensive one and looks good quality. I am using one now, on my computer.
DH Labs makes a CAT 8 with better connectors and silver plated high purity copper wire for a little more money.
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