What Is the Best Network Cable for Your Use? 9 Ways to Choose

In the center of every heavy-duty network lies the web of cables and wires that allow each component to talk to the other. Today's users demand a reliable and efficient infrastructure; otherwise, how would we communicate, share data, and stay productive?

The performance and reliability of commercial and industrial networks hinge on selecting the right type and quality of cable.

In this installment of our “How to Choose” series, we’ll help you determine what’s the best network cable for your specific needs.

‘How to Source’ Series – Other Guides:

Types of Data Communication Cables

There are many flavors of commercial and industrial network cabling out there. Some are becoming obsolete, while others are still a glimmer in the industry’s eye.

Most of today’s commercial network cable needs are solvable with:

• Cat5e – An enhanced version of the obsolete Cat5 that supports speeds up to 1 Gbps in small to moderate-size networks
• Cat6 – Offers speeds up to 10 Gbps over shorter distances in high-data-demand environments
• Cat6a – Excels at longer distances and higher frequencies
• Fiber-optic – Can handle huge amounts of data over long distances

(Related Resource: Datacom Cable Types You Should Know)

Higher designations of category (Cat) cable exist, largely to satisfy huge industrial and commercial networks. As of today, they max out at Cat8, which is reserved for data centers with the utmost needs in transfer rates.

9 Factors in Finding the Best Network Cable

By selecting the right cable, you can tailor performance to the needs of the application, whether it’s a small office or a large data center. Here are 9 factors to consider:

1. Cost

“Know your application” is a concept engineers are beaten over the head with repeatedly, but it’s important to sourcing teams, too. 

High-quality network cabling lasts longer, works more reliably during that time, and often offers better value for your investment. Cheap cabling might need sporadic maintenance due to poor performance, canceling out any initial savings you scored.

Industrial cable is more expensive simply because it needs to survive harsher conditions. The per-foot cost of an industrial plenum cable can be 4x the cost of a commercial-grade equivalent. 

If you need an armored version of a fiber-optic cable, plan to add 30-50% to the base investment. Also, preterminated assemblies can cost significantly more than bulk cable.

There are cost factors worth considering besides the actual sticker price:

• Connectors/terminations
• Installation hardware
• Certification testing
• Installation labor
• Long-term value – need for maintenance, repairs, & replacement

A higher-quality cable, naturally, will stretch your dollar further. Adding a great-fit cable management system can also help preserve the long-term value of your networking investment.

2. Network Speed

Definition: The rate at which data travels across a network, measured in megabits or gigabits per second (Mbps or Gbps)

Higher network speeds allow quicker data transfer, which is crucial for applications requiring real-time data processing or large data transfers. If your installation spot is one where users frequently download big files or stream videos, speed will be a huge factor in your cable purchase.

Different types of cables can support different speeds. 

As high-speed internet connections become the norm in commercial and even industrial environments, Cat5e and Cat6 products risk becoming bottlenecks. These long-running series only support speeds up to 1 Gbps, whereas Cat6a can support up to 10 Gbps.

Manufacturers have designed heavier hitters in recent years to keep up with the explosion of cloud data. Cat8 cable is best for large-scale data centers and other high-speed switch-to-switch and server communications.

3. Bandwidth

Definition: The maximum rate at which a network can transfer data at any given time, measured in Mbps or Gbps

From a bandwidth standpoint, even today, most networking needs are still solvable with:

• Cat5e
• Cat6
• Cat6a

High bandwidth is necessary to accommodate times of heavy data traffic. It’s what allows four roommates to stay connected to the apartment Wi-Fi at the same time without their internet slowing to a crawl.

Commercially, this is important in large office buildings and data centers, where there’s never a shortage of devices connecting to the network.

The bigger your network, the more bandwidth support you’ll need from your industrial or commercial cable. For example, Cat6a cables provide higher bandwidth compared to Cat6, supporting more simultaneous connections and higher data transfer rates.

4. Industry Standards

Compliance with industry standards isn't just a box to check. It’s also your role in ensuring user satisfaction and even public safety.

Verify that any cables you buy for an industrial or commercial setup comply with relevant standards:

• TIA/EIA-568 Commercial Building Telecommunications Cabling Standards: Developed by the Telecommunications Industry Association, these are the most important standards for network cabling in America and many other countries. They are all-encompassing guidelines for installation, performance minimums, and testing methods.
  
  
• National Electrical Code (NEC): Legally mandated in most U.S. jurisdictions, pay close attention to these standards, especially the parts concerning fire resistance and low-smoke properties.
  
  
• UL Standards: These ratings ensure fire safety and proper cable installation.

Cat6 cables must meet stricter specifications for noise and crosstalk than Cat5 and 5e products. To meet code for certain unique environments, you may need a specialized cable outside of what’s used in mainstream networking – even beyond Cat6.

5. Scalability & Futureproofing

Anyone who tracks total cost of ownership should care deeply about how each component of a system will affect its future growth and function.

From initial ease of deployment to the ability to handle new technology and data growth, scalability is key. This often means choosing higher-spec cables than currently necessary to allow for smooth technology upgrades later – without a complete system overhaul.

This is one big reason many tech enthusiasts love to slam Cat7 cables -- they're "futureproof," but in the most expensive way possible. Almost all of them use a different connector than the RJ45 that’s been standard to Cat5-6 cables for ages. This makes Cat7 less compatible with common equipment, which explains its limited adoption despite being introduced way back in 2002. Using Cat7 cable with 8P8C connectors can even cause signal degradation due to currents produced in the unbonded shielding.

That’s just one example of what to watch out for when buying cable for long-term networking efficiency. On the more positive side, several cabling solutions are future-friendly:

• Cat6 is still advanced enough for most home and business networks needing 10 Gbps speeds
• Cat 6A takes things a step further -- in fact, it does everything Cat7 meant to and more, without needing a different connector
• Cat8 is an excellent choice for futureproofing networks at 25-40 Gbps, as long as you can stomach the up-front price.
• OM5 can help you futureproof for higher data rates in applications requiring lots of bandwidth over multiple wavelengths (i.e. high-performance data computing).

Choose cables that can keep up with network expansions and additional connections, and your team will thank you later.

6. EMI

Definition: Outside noise or interference that decreases performance in an electrical path

Cables that protect against electromagnetic interference (EMI) are extra-important in industrial facilities and any other environments with high interference potential. Examples include:

• Factories with heavy machinery or big motors
• Data centers near power lines or radio infrastructure
• Offices where you need to run long cables between floors

Step 1 is to determine if you need shielded twisted pair (STP) cables or if unshielded twisted pair (UTP) cables will suffice. Properly grounded STP cables are especially beneficial in industrial settings, where interference from machinery can disrupt signal integrity. Notably, S/FTP cables have individual shielding on each twisted pair and an overall shielding layer. This provides superior protection against EMI and crosstalk.

In most commercial settings, you can get away with unshielded Cat cables. In enterprise-level projects – like data centers – equipment setup gets pretty dense and pretty interesting. 

In those cases, consider fiber-optic cables for high-bandwidth connections due to their higher data capacity and EMI resistance vs. copper cables. If your budget is tight, Cat7-8 copper cables might suffice – as long as your connection isn’t too long.

7. Distance

Definition: The length a signal can travel through a cable without significant loss of quality or speed.

In larger network setups or between different network segments, maintaining signal quality over long distances isn’t easy on the cable.

Each cable type has a maximum effective distance. Beyond that, the signal will gradually degrade. Traditional Cat5e and Cat6 connections can run up to 100m without significant performance loss. For longer distances, fiber-optic cables are a must – they can carry signals for kilometers without breaking a sweat.

8. Environment – Temperature & Chemicals

This is where the difference between commercial and industrial networks can vary wildly.

Whether it’s a bustling factory or a sleek office, the environment often dictates the types of cable that are acceptable.

In harsh industrial settings, like petrochemical plants, cables need tough jackets to withstand corrosive elements. That’s where a sturdier, more protective jacketing comes into play.

For structured cabling routed through spaces with airflow, such as above ceilings or under floors in offices, plenum-rated jackets are a must to prevent the spread of fire. A riser (or CMR) cable is a cheaper alternative for vertical connections in multistory buildings with lower fire risk.

For outdoor applications, opt for UV-resistant and waterproof jackets to combat the elements.

And somewhere in the middle we have data centers, where the risk isn’t just about fire, but also ensuring everything stays cool under pressure. Non-flammable, heat-resistant cables are crucial – shoutout to the oft-maligned Cat7 here for being a worthwhile solution. With their thicker jacketing, they’re also able to resist moisture. However, in server rooms with extremely fast transfer speeds, you’ll still need a Cat8.

9. Environment – Physical

There’s a general assumption that driving over an extension cord or bending a TV cable to a 10° angle is a non-event. 

If the cable could talk, it might disagree – especially those in industrial environments.

From forklifts to robotic arms, industrial networking needs extra protection against mechanical damage. Physical threats come in many forms:

These factors directly impact installation costs, maintenance requirements, and network reliability. Sometimes, they work against one another. The more flexible a cable is, the more bend resistance it possesses. However, this might decrease the cable’s durability in other areas unless the manufacturer combines it with strong jacketing or fibers.

Finding a Datacom Cable Supply

Choosing a heavy-duty network cable is about speeds, feeds, and future needs. Try to anticipate how the project could evolve, rather than solely relying on knee-jerk reactions and sticker prices.

Whether your company is connecting the heart of an AI data center or an intense industrial operation, your purchases today will impact network reliability later. By understanding the environment – both business and literal – you’ll get exactly what you need.