When purchasing network cables, in addition to understanding the basic classifications, it is more important to avoid pitfalls, identify good and bad products, and ensure that you buy products that meet your needs and are of high quality.
When purchasing
network cables, in addition to understanding the basic classifications, it is more important to avoid pitfalls, identify good and bad products, and ensure that you buy products that meet your needs and are of high quality.
Define core needs
For gigabit and lower speed networks, prioritizing cost-effectiveness: Cat5e is sufficient and is the absolute mainstream choice.
For planned upgrades or internal high-speed transmission needs (such as NAS, 10 Gigabit switches): choose at least Cat6. It provides ample headroom for future 10 Gigabit networks (within 55 meters). Home environments generally do not require Cat7/Cat8: unless you have professional equipment, these are commercial/data center grade, expensive, and complex to install (requiring special connectors), making them overkill for home use.
Identify the core material
Material grade ranking (from best to worst)
Oxygen-free copper: The best choice; low resistance, long transmission distance, and stable signal.
Pure copper/all-copper: Usually refers to oxygen-free copper or high-quality copper; excellent performance.
Copper-clad aluminum: The wire core is aluminum, plated with a layer of copper. Lightweight, high resistance, significant attenuation over long distances, potentially affecting network speed stability.
Copper-clad steel/iron: The worst performance; only suitable for very short-distance temporary connections.
Simple identification method
Examine the cross-section: Cut open the wire core and observe the color of the cross-section. High-quality copper should be purplish-red with a uniform color. If the center is whitish, it may be copper-clad aluminum or copper-clad steel.
Test the hardness: Pure copper is relatively soft, easily bent, and does not spring back easily; copper-clad aluminum/steel is harder, and will spring back after bending.
Magnet test: Bring a strong magnet close to the wire core. If it is significantly attracted, it definitely contains iron or steel. High-quality copper wire is essentially non-magnetic.
In conclusion
For the vast majority of home users, choosing a reliable brand, a pure copper cable, and a clearly labeled CAT5e or CAT6 unshielded (UTP) network cable is the best option.
