Network cables for home, office and server-room use: Ethernet patch cables, bulk installation cable, and cable accessories for connecting routers, switches, access points, PCs and NAS drives. The range includes products from DIGITUS, SHIVERPEAKS, SYNERGY21, GEMBIRD and UBIQUITI, among others.
How to choose a network cable
Cable category. Cat5e handles gigabit speeds over typical home distances. Cat6 and Cat6A are the sensible choice for new installations, since Cat6A carries 10 Gbps over the full 100 m. Cat7 and Cat8 suit server rooms and short links between fast switches and servers.
Shielding. Unshielded (UTP) cable is fine for most homes and small offices. Shielded types such as F/UTP or S/FTP reduce interference near power cables, lifts or machinery, but they only work properly when the sockets and patch panels are shielded and earthed too.
Patch cable or installation cable. Patch cables have flexible stranded conductors and ready-fitted plugs, so they suit the short links between wall socket and device. Cable sold on a drum has solid conductors and is meant to be pulled through walls and conduits and terminated on sockets or patch panels. Using solid cable as a patch lead often leads to broken conductors.
Length and construction. Buy the length you need plus a little slack, because a 100 m limit applies to the whole link including patch leads. Check that the conductors are pure copper rather than copper-clad aluminium, especially if the cable will power devices through PoE (Power over Ethernet), such as cameras and access points. Slim or flat cables help in tight spaces, while LSZH jackets (low smoke, halogen-free) are often required in commercial buildings. Outdoor runs need a UV-resistant jacket.
Network cable brands we carry
- DIGITUS: a brand of ASSMANN Electronic that focuses on structured cabling, with patch cables, installation cable, patch panels and tools.
- UBIQUITI: known mainly for its UniFi networking hardware, so its cables are a natural match for UniFi switches and access points.
- GEMBIRD: known for affordable cables and computer accessories, which makes it a common choice for everyday patch leads.
- GOOBAY: supplies cables and connection accessories for home and office electronics, sold under the Wentronic group.
- DELOCK: a German brand with many interface cables and adapters, useful when you need a less common connection.
- EFB ELEKTRONIK: a German supplier of cabling for professional installations, including installation cable and patch panels.
- LANBERG: a Polish network brand covering patch cables, tools and rack accessories.
- ROLINE: a long-standing cabling brand from Secomp, offering patch cables and computer connection cables.
Also in our range: SHIVERPEAKS, SYNERGY21, INLINE and VENTION.
Network cable FAQ
Which Ethernet cable do I need for gigabit internet?
A Cat5e cable is enough for gigabit speeds, but Cat6 is a better buy if you are cabling a new home or office. It leaves room for faster equipment later and usually handles interference better. Make sure your router and network card also support gigabit.
Is Cat6A worth it over Cat6?
Cat6A is worth it when you want 10 Gbps over longer runs. Cat6 reaches 10 Gbps only over around 55 m in good conditions, while Cat6A manages the full 100 m. For short home links at gigabit speeds, the difference is rarely noticeable.
What is the maximum length of an Ethernet cable?
The standard limit for copper Ethernet is 100 m for the whole link, including the patch cables at each end. Beyond that, signal quality drops and connections become unstable. Longer distances need a switch in between or a fibre link.
Do I need a shielded network cable?
Most homes and small offices do not need shielded cable. Shielding is worth considering near heavy electrical equipment or alongside power cabling. It only helps if the connectors, sockets and patch panels are shielded and properly earthed.
