Ethernet cable quality control?

[tom_1989]

Hi everyone,

I'm going to install a new ethernet cable (50m) to connect my PC upstairs, which is primarily used for gaming. I currently use a Cat5e on my other computer but was wondering if I should go for the CAT6e for this one. But I was a little perturbed after reading this article (http://www.audioholics.com/audio-video-cables/bjc-cat-network-cable-quality-interview). It points to the fact that even many CAT6e cables don't meet the CAT5 standards as most are cheap imports from China (same can be said for CAT5 cables).

It's confusing enough listening to a debate on CAT5e vs CAT6e for home networking let along, considering that these cables are probably not even manufactured to standard spec.

So could anyone recommend a supplier that offers decent networking cables?
Originally, I was think of going for this one http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/50M-Gigab...uting_NetworkingCables_RL&hash=item230fa572db
Also, your thoughts on this lack of quality control would be interesting.

Cheers

 

[bremen1874]

Cat6e doesn't exist as a standard. It's best to assume it's all junk.

You want Cat5e, Cat6 or Cat6a (note the 'a' not an 'e'). Most people would use Cat6 for what you want to do.

If you want to know you're buying decent cable buy it retail from a trusted supplier not an auction site.

edit: and the cable you linked is cheap CCA (copper clad aluminium) rather than solid copper.

 

[tom_1989]

Cat6e doesn't exist as a standard. It's best to assume it's all junk.

You want Cat5e, Cat6 or Cat6a (note the 'a' not an 'e'). Most people would use Cat6 for what you want to do.

If you want to know you're buying decent cable buy it retail from a trusted supplier not an auction site.

edit: and the cable you linked is cheap CCA (copper clad aluminium) rather than solid copper.

Thanks for the reply. In your opinion, would this cable be more suitable? http://www.amazon.co.uk/Wentronic-5...s&ie=UTF8&qid=1403812147&sr=1-2&keywords=Cat6

 

[bremen1874]

Posting competitor links is against forum rules. This also makes any direct recommendations difficult.

That cable does at least claim to be solid copper. In different places it states that it's either 26 or 27 AWG which makes it either thin, or very thin. I'd expect Cat5e to be 26 AWG as a minimum, and Cat6 to the thicker (with AWG the lower the number the thicker the wire). That said it'll probably be fine.

50 metres is a long for a patch cable (but well within spec). At those sort of lengths I'd use solid core terminated with faceplates at both ends, but that's your choice.

 

[Steveocee]

The reason why you see so many of those types of threads is because people want the latest and greatest but won't pay for it.
Buy from a reputable UK based seller (OCUK for example) and be safe in the knowledge that they won't peddle you rubbish, if they do, shout at them (as it's a benefit of the higher price)!
Do your research, CCA or solid copper.
Buy something suitable for the job not your pocket.