Comprehensive Guide to LAN Cable Quality - the best network cable for...

There is no such thing as the best LAN cable - there are the best cables for given applications.

In the world of computer networking and data transmission, it is difficult to unequivocally identify the "best" Ethernet cable. It all depends on your specific purpose, your budget, the requirements of your particular installation and the type of devices you want to connect together. Whether you're a gamer dreaming of maximum network fluidity, or you run a home office and need a robust but cost-effective solution, Lanberg's offering certainly has something for you. Our LAN network cables can be customized both for complex corporate applications and for a simple router connection at home.

Remember that the most expensive solution is not always necessary - it is not uncommon for a "mid-range" Internet cable to provide optimal performance and fast data transmission. Hence, before buying a cable, it is worth considering different categories of network cables, take into account their parameters, internal construction, type of construction (twisted pair), and possible shielding. All this determines the resistance to electromagnetic interference, bandwidth, transfer speed, and the ability to transfer information seamlessly between two network points.

The best ethernet LAN cables for a gamer (computer, console)

If you are an online gaming enthusiast, your network requires stability and the lowest possible latency. A gamer needs a network cable that will provide fast Internet access, high speed and no connection quality drops. When connecting a router to a computer or console, it is worth betting on cables with good transmission characteristics. Here are our suggestions:

1. LCU6-12CU-0305-S: Category 6 (Cat. 6) UTP cable. This is a classic network cable that allows you to achieve fast data transmission and stability without the need for shielding. So you can easily transfer data at high frequency to your PC or console. WHAT TO USE. Demanding FPS, sports, MMO, RTS network games - anything for which you need instant transfer, such as any cloud gaming service, especially for players affiliated with e-sports leagues and competing in tournaments and rankings.
2. LCU5-12CU-0305-S: Slightly lower category (Cat. 5e) and lower bandwidth, but still sufficient for less demanding gamers who don't need the highest speeds. WHAT TO USE. Network gaming as above, but at a less demanding level. In 90% of cases you won't feel the difference, but once every 2 seasons your hardcore character will get the tombstone "Cool was the type, but lag ate him".
3. LCU6-15CC-0305-S: CCA (aluminum-doped) twisted pair that passes the FLUKE test. Offers a good price compromise - allowing you to choose a cable with solid performance at a reasonable price. Ideal when you want to connect two computers (or a computer with a nearby router) and enjoy a stable network connection without overpaying. Good for any game that requires a net connection (e.g., because of security or network/social networking features), but does not rely on it for key gameplay mechanics.

Best network cables for home office (office work)

When working remotely from a home office, you usually don't need maximum performance as in the case of a cable for a professional graphics studio. All you need is an internet cable with a standard specification that will allow stable data transfer to your corporate or cloud network. Here are two suggestions:

1. LCU5-12CU-0305-S: Cat.5e, unshielded cable will work well in a typical home office where the number of devices is small. Easily connected to a router, providing a good price/performance ratio.
2. LCU5-15CC-0305-S: Cat.5e twisted pair CCA cable with FLUKE test. It is a compromise between price and quality. It provides stable transmission and allows optimal performance in daily office work.

The best network cables for home office (graphics, video, 3D, etc.).

If your business involves processing large graphics files, 4K video or creating 3D models, it's worth considering higher-end cables that provide higher bandwidth. In such applications, where information transfer between equipment is frequent and intensive, you need high-speed data transmission more than ever:

1. LCU6-12CU-0305-S: Cat.6, UTP cable, providing high speed and stability. With it, you can easily transfer large files between the server and your computer.
2. LCU5-12CU-0305-S: If your budget is limited and you don't need maximum performance, Cat.5e will also handle less demanding projects.
3. LCU6-15CC-0305-S: CCA Cat.6 twisted pair, passing the FLUKE test, is a cheaper alternative to professional full-core cables, still providing high quality transmission.

Best cables for Internet installation in a block of flats

With network installations in blocks of flats, we often have to deal with longer lengths and a greater risk of electromagnetic interference. Especially when it is necessary to overcome architectural barriers or run the cable near other cables, it is worth considering shielded cables (FTP, STP cables):

1. LCF6-11CU-0305-S: Cat.6 shielded cable for interference protection and high bandwidth. Ideal for installation in areas with high electromagnetic signals, such as modern housing estates in large cities. Ideal for connecting fiber optic Internet customers.
2. LCF5-11CU-0305-S: Shielded Cat.5e cable, slightly lower category, but still enough bandwidth to connect standard Internet in a block of flats.
3. LCU6-11CU-0305-S: Unshielded Cat.6 budget cable, for those who nevertheless prefer a higher-speed Internet cable, but in an environment with little interference, such as in remote housing estates of blocks of flats or single-family houses.

The best cable for neighborhood CCTV installation

For CCTV installations, especially outdoors, weather resistance is important - you need an Internet cable that can withstand harsher conditions, such as humidity and sunlight. Here, the length of the cable, internal construction and additional protection also matter:

1. LCF5-30CU-0305-BK: Cat.5e shielded cable, filled with hydrophobic gel, protects against moisture and is resistant to sunlight. Ideal for CCTV installation on roof or façade.
2. LCU5-30CU-0305-BK: Similar cable, but without shielding. For less demanding applications where there is less interference.
3. LCU5-21CU-0305-BK: Unshielded cable, only with sunlight-resistant coating, no gel. This proposal for simpler CCTV systems is cheaper, but still effective.

The best cable for Internet installation in SMEs

Companies often require stable and fast data transmission, although they don't always need top-of-the-line solutions. Cables that offer good bandwidth and noise immunity to enable high-quality network connections will work well in SMEs.

1. LCUF6L-11CU-0305-S: Cat.6a cable with pair shielding that will work well in corporate network infrastructures, providing up to 10 Gbps. Ideal for server rooms or intensive information transfer.
2. LCF6-11CU-0305-S: Lower category (Cat.6), providing up to 1 Gbps. Shielded, robust and just enough for standard office applications, giving optimal performance for everyday tasks.

Which Internet cable should you choose for other applications?

Whether you need a high-speed connection in a large enterprise or just want to streamline your home office, Lanberg offers a wide selection of cable types, allowing you to perfectly match an RJ45 cable to your needs.

• Expanded networks in large enterprises:

1. LCS7L-11CU-0305-S: Cat.7 cable, ideal for server room applications, with superior interference protection and maximum information transfer potential. Such a network cable provides huge bandwidth and 250 MHz operating frequency.

• Home office / small business / micro: If you need something between a simple home office and a medium-sized business, consider Cat.6 cables as well:

1. LCU6-12CU-0305-S: Full copper, unshielded, providing a fast and stable connection.
2. LCU6-15CC-0305-S: Twisted pair CCA, a cheaper alternative with decent quality.

• Block installation - bulk Internet:

1. LCU6-11CU-0305-S: Cat.6 unshielded, higher category for better throughput.
2. LCU5-11CU-0305-S: Cat.5e unshielded for less demanding conditions.

• Radio Internet in blocks of flats (antenna on roof):

1. LCF6-30CU-0305-BK: Cat.6 shielded cable, gelled, weatherproof, ideal for antenna connections.
2. LCU6-30CU-0305-BK: Unshielded equivalent of the above cable.
3. LCF5-30CU-0305-BK: Shielded cat.5e, a cheaper variant for less demanding applications.

It's also worth remembering that while fiber optics is an alternative data transmission medium, you can still count on great performance and versatility in a high-quality Ethernet cable. Lanberg also offers ready-made patchcords with RJ45 plugs, making it easy to connect different equipment without having to patch the connectors yourself. Whether you intend to connect two computers in your home or create complex infrastructures in companies, the right choice of cable will translate into optimal performance and reliability of the connection.

Lanberg cables come in a wide range of network cable categories. They feature stable twisted-pair cable construction, different levels of shielding (STP, FTP, UTP) and dedicated solutions depending on the application.

Summary

In conclusion, there is no single "best Internet cable" for every application. It is important to choose the right cable for your network, taking into account the parameters, categories, cable type (e.g. Cat6, Cat6a, 5e), cable length and level of protection against interference. When buying a cable, consider your needs: whether it is an installation in a block of flats, a server room, or a simple network connection at home. Applications can be varied: in all cases Lanberg offers a wide range of solutions, from simple to very advanced, allowing you to achieve optimal performance without overpaying. Remember that you don't always need the most expensive cable - the key is to match the type of cable to your needs and expectations, so that you can easily transfer data and achieve high-speed data transmission without overtaxing your budget.