Is a wired network cable better than Wi-Fi for gaming?

Yes — a wired Ethernet cable gives lower, more consistent latency and no interference or drop-outs, which matters most in competitive online gaming. Wi-Fi is more convenient but variable. For a PC or console that stays in one place, a network cable is the more reliable choice.

What's the difference between Cat6 and Cat6a?

Both support 10Gbps, but Cat6a holds that speed over longer runs and has better resistance to interference thanks to extra shielding and tighter construction. Cat6 is fine for most homes on gigabit lines; choose Cat6a for 10Gbps over distance or a future-proof backbone.

Which network cable do I need for fibre internet?

For typical home fibre up to 1Gbps, a Cat6 cable is the sensible default and Cat5e also works. If you're on a faster fibre package or running a NAS, Cat6a gives more headroom. Match the cable to your line speed rather than buying the highest category by default.

Does the length of an Ethernet cable affect speed?

Within the standard limit of about 100m, a good-quality cable keeps full speed. Very long runs near that limit, or cheap and damaged cable, can cause signal loss. For home use, order a length with a little slack and route it neatly rather than worrying about speed loss.

Are Cat7 and Cat8 cables worth it for home use?

Usually not. Cat8 is built for very high-speed, short-distance data-centre and server links, and most homes have nothing that benefits from it. Cat6 or Cat6a covers home and gaming needs. Buy the higher categories only if you genuinely run 10Gbps-plus equipment.

Do I need shielded network cables at home?

Most homes don't. Unshielded (UTP) cable handles normal household runs well. Shielded (STP) cable is worth it only when the cable runs close to mains power, through a noisy electrical area or a server room. For a typical desk-to-router run, UTP is enough.

Can I use one network cable to connect two PCs directly?

Yes — modern PCs auto-detect the connection, so a standard Ethernet cable links two computers directly without a special crossover cable. For more than two devices, connect them through a router or network switch instead.

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Network Cables

Network Cables — Ethernet & LAN 🔌

A network cable is the wired link between your devices and your router or switch — the most stable, lowest-latency way to connect a PC, console or smart TV. A wired Ethernet run avoids the interference and drop-outs that affect Wi-Fi, which is why it's the choice for gaming, large transfers and any device that stays in one place.

Pick by category and length. Cat5e and Cat6 cover everyday gigabit internet; Cat6a handles 10Gbps over longer runs; Cat8 targets very high-speed data-centre and NAS links over short distances. Twisted-pair Ethernet works best up to about 100m per run, so plan the route and order a length with a little slack rather than pulling the cable tight.

Evetech stocks Ethernet network cables across the common categories and lengths, with local stock and nationwide delivery. Compare categories below, and match the cable to both your line speed and the distance you need to cover.

Ethernet LAN Cables — Cat5e to Cat8 (6)

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CAT-5 3 Meter Cross-Over Network Cable

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CAT-5 5M Cross-Over Network Cable

CAT-5 5 Meter Straight Network Cable

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CAT-6 3M Cross-Over Network Cable

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Cat-6 5m Cross-Over Network Cable

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CAT-6 5m Straight Network Cable

How to Choose a Network Cable

Three things decide it: the speed of your line, the distance of the run, and where the cable will sit. Match the category to your speed (Cat6 covers most homes), pick a length with a bit of slack, and choose shielding only if the cable runs near power or in a noisy electrical environment.

Cat5e and Cat6 both handle gigabit internet for most homes, with Cat6 giving more headroom. Cat6a supports 10Gbps over longer runs and is worth it for fast fibre or a NAS. Cat8 targets 25/40Gbps over short distances for servers and data centres — overkill for a normal home line. Buy for the speed you actually have, not the highest number.

Standard twisted-pair Ethernet is rated up to about 100m for a single run before the signal weakens. For home use that's rarely a limit. Order a length with some slack so you can route the cable neatly along skirting or behind furniture rather than stretching it across the floor.

Unshielded (UTP) cable is fine for most homes and offices and is more flexible and affordable. Shielded (STP/FTP) cable adds a foil or braid that resists interference, which helps when the cable runs alongside mains power, through a server room or in an electrically noisy space. If in doubt for a normal home run, UTP is enough.

Patch cables use stranded cores that flex well for short links between a PC, router or switch. Solid-core cable holds up better for long fixed runs inside walls or trunking but is stiffer. For plugging gear together on a desk, a flexible patch cable is the right pick; for a permanent in-wall run, choose solid installation cable.

A cable only helps if it was the bottleneck — for example replacing an old Cat5 or damaged lead. It can't make your line faster than the speed your ISP and router deliver. Match the category to your line speed; beyond that, a higher category adds future headroom rather than instant speed.