LAN cables and accessories
Whether at home or in the office: a wired network is extremely practical and the best way to connect computers, game consoles (such as PlayStation/PS5 or Xbox), smart TV and co to the Internet. As convenient as WiFi technology may be, because thanks to it you don’t have to connect every device to the router with a cable to go online – the good old LAN connection still offers greater reliability and stability. We have the necessary cables to set up a fast network.
LAN cable: speed is not the only thing that matters
Ethernet connector are divided into several performance categories. Nowadays, however, not all of them are relevant anymore. Everything under CAT5 is old news and no longer sufficient for today's requirements. We offer a selection of network cables from CAT6 to CAT8/CAT8.1 with which you will definitely surf the net at a fast pace. But the differences are not just limited to the maximum transmission speed.
CAT6 cables operate at a maximum frequency of 250 megahertz and can transfer data at up to 1 gigabit per second. Purely in terms of speed, these Gigabit Ethernet cables are perfectly adequate for most private households in Germany because they support the maximum speed of most Internet providers. CAT7 network cables achieve 10 gigabits per second and CAT8 cables even manage four times that (40 Gbit/s). However, that does not mean that the two faster categories only make sense for use in offices or data centers with fast fiber optic lines, because their maximum performance can only be used there.
CAT7 - and CAT8 network cable are better shielded and thus more effectively protected against interference. However: at CAT6 cables double or even triple shielding is not absolutely necessary - especially not when the cables are short. The significantly faster alternatives need the extra protection so that they can achieve the high data rates at all and there is no loss of performance.
Single, double, triple or no shielding at all?
However, in the case of category 6 Ethernet cables, you also have the choice of using an unshielded (UTP) or an F/UTP cable. The latter features a conductive foil that prevents interference. The cable without such a foil is more flexible and therefore easier to lay. You also have to make a similar purchase decision if you CAT7 cable need: On the one hand, we carry a flat cable that can be easily routed along walls, under carpets or behind skirting boards. For this you have to do without an overall shield, while the twisted pairs are protected by individual foils (U/FTP). The alternative is a CAT7 cable that is triple shielded (SF/FTP). Are you looking for CAT8 cables , you can get variants with double shielding (S/FTP) from us.
All Ethernet cable from KabelDirekt have RJ45 connectors and are therefore compatible with a large number of devices. Furthermore, they have a lever lock, which prevents unwanted disconnections and is also protected against breaking off.
Network accessories for extension and increased connectivity
You will also find practical network accessories with us. If you want to extend a LAN cable, go for either network couplings (also called couplers), which are suitable for stringing together several Ethernet cables or for network extensions, i.e. a classic one extension cord . In the case of the couplings, don't be confused by the fact that they are CAT6a. In contrast to the "normal" CAT6 this achieves a maximum transmission speed of 10 gigabits per second, so it is just as powerful as category 7.
Finally we have USB-C Ethernet Adapter Releases. There are devices that don't have a LAN connection. This applies to all smartphones and tablets, but also to some laptops. Thanks to our adapter, you still have the option of connecting this hardware to the Internet via cable. Simply connect the accessory via USB-C and then connect it to a router with an Ethernet cable. The maximum possible transmission speed is 1 gigabit per second.
Frequently asked questions about network cables and accessories
Which network cables are there?
LAN cables come in several performance categories, ranging from CAT1 to CAT8.1. The higher the category, the greater the maximum transmission speed. There are different types of plugs, the RJ45 plug (Western plug) is probably the best known and most used variant.
How do I establish an Ethernet connection?
The term Ethernet stands for the technology that is required to form wired data networks. To establish an Ethernet connection to the Internet, you need an Internet connection, a router, a device with a LAN connection and an Ethernet cable. Connect the router to your telephone socket or cable connection using the cables provided and connect it to the device you want to use to go online using a LAN cable. If the device does not have a LAN connection but has a USB-C port, connect an appropriate adapter in between.
Which cable do I need for a LAN connection?
In either case, you will need an Ethernet cable. What kind of specimen you actually use depends on how long and how powerful you want it to be. If you need a short cable at home, for example to connect the computer to the nearby router, that's enough CAT6 cable always off. On the other hand, when it comes to LAN connections for large offices or even data centers/server farms, there should be at least one CAT7 - better yet one CAT8 cable be. Not only do they work much faster, they are also better shielded.
How can I extend a network cable?
An Ethernet cable is shorter than the distance between your router and the device you want to connect to the Internet? Then you have two options: If you have other cables at hand that would be long enough together, use couplings. This allows you to plug the cables together. If you are missing extra cables, you still have the option of buying a classic extension cable.
How long can a LAN cable be?
LAN cables with 20m or 30m are nothing special. In fact, they can be up to 100m long, but then they need very good shielding.
Which LAN cable should I use for my TV?
You can use any LAN cable for your television or smart TV that you would use for your computer or games console. As in these cases, it depends on how fast your internet connection is and how long the cable needs to be. In terms of speed, a CAT6 cable is completely sufficient and in most cases, where the distance between the TV set and router is not that long, its shielding should also be sufficient. If you need a very long installation cable that runs straight through your house, it is better to use a higher-quality cable CAT7 or CAT8 with better shielding or to a particularly flat flat cable.
What is the difference between CAT6 and CAT7?
CAT6 network cables achieve a maximum transfer rate of 1 Gbit/s and a maximum frequency/signal rate of 250 MHz. CAT7 cables achieve a maximum transfer rate of 10 Gbit/s and a maximum frequency/signal rate of 600 MHz.
Which is better CAT6 or CAT7?
CAT7 network cable are more powerful because they can achieve a higher transfer rate and frequency/signal rate.
Is Ethernet the same as LAN?
The term Ethernet stands for the technology that is required to form wired data networks. A LAN cable is required to establish an Ethernet connection to the Internet. Ethernet cable and LAN cable are synonyms.
What is an RJ45 connector?
All LAN cables have standardized RJ45 connectors.
How can I extend a LAN cable?
A corresponding network extension is required to extend a LAN cable. This has an RJ-45 socket at one end and an RJ-45 plug at the other end. Alternatively, a network coupling can be used. Ethernet couplings have two RJ45 sockets and enable two LAN cables to be connected to one another.
