An ethernet cable (specifically Cat5e and above) is a cable consisting of 8 wires in 4 twisted pairs that are used to allow network devices to connect and transmit data.

We recommend using an ethernet cable for anything where you need stability and speed that's stationary, such as a games console or desktop computer. In fact, it’s generally better to connect as many devices as is practical as it frees up airtime, meaning better performance for devices that need to use WiFi!

You don’t always need to go out of your way to run a really long ethernet cable across your entire house, but if you’re a serious gamer or need the full speed of your broadband package, it may be worth considering.

We recommend Cat6 or Cat5e cables. Cat6 is best if you’re running a longer cable, but Cat5e will still work. Higher specification cables will also work, such as Cat6A or Cat7, however, they’re a bit “overkill” for a gigabit connection and you may be wasting your money. Cat5 on the other hand can only support up to 100Mbps. These cables may be marketed as “fast ethernet” which, although correct, is misleading as it’s no longer fast. Fun fact, it was given that name in 1995!

We also recommend avoiding flat cables and anything marketed as a Cat8 cable as they often aren’t rated for higher speeds (even if advertised). Generally cheap “Cat8” cables are poor quality and not actually capable of holding gigabit speeds due to poor quality and poor shielding.

Be cautious on marketplace or auction sites as these are places where cheap cables are often sold.

Where practically possible, yes

A plain and boring Cat6-rated cable from a reputable seller. Cat5e is fine for shorter distances.

If you aren’t sure about something, please give our support team a call. We’re not able to point you to a specific product, but we can point you in the right direction if you need a helping hand. It may also be worth speaking to your local computer shop.
​
You can reach out to Support via support@brsk.co.uk or 02039 255 299.