Network cables: types, use, security & tools

The most important thing in brief:

Nowadays, nothing works without network cables: In our digitalized world, they are essential for fast, stable and secure data connections. Whether working from home, in a data center or in an industrial environment — the right cable for network infrastructures is the basis for stable and secure data communication.

In this article, we explain everything important about network cables: from the basics to the various types of cables to secure and documented implementation using professional tools such as Docusnap.

What is a network cable? Basics and meaning

A network cable is a physical connection cable for transmitting data between network devices such as computers, switches, routers, and servers. The most common plug is the RJ45 plug.

What is an RJ45 plug?
The RJ45 plug is the standard connection for network cables with twisted pair lines. It has eight contacts and is primarily used for Ethernet connections to connect devices such as PCs, routers or switches. The cables consist of several copper wires that are twisted in pairs (twisted pair) and come in different categories (e.g. Cat5e, Cat6, Cat7, Cat8).

Key features of a network cable:

• Data transfer rate (e.g. up to 10 Gbit/s)
• Category (Cat) as a performance indicator
• Shielding against electromagnetic interference
• Length and flexibility

A network cable is always needed when a stable, low-loss and fast connection is required — for example in professional IT, VoIP telephony or high-resolution streaming.

Why are network cables necessary?

While WiFi connections are convenient, they are susceptible to interference, latency, and signal loss. Physical cables for network connections offer clear advantages here:

• stability: no fluctuations due to structural obstacles or interferences.
• surety: harder to spy on than wireless connections.
• velocity: particularly important when it comes to large amounts of data or video conferences.
• Lower latency: important for online gaming, trading or real-time applications.

Network cable types and types

Choosing the right network cable depends on the intended use. Network cables differ not only in their category, but also in construction, shielding and performance. Here is an overview of the most common types and their special features:

Cat5e (Enhanced)

• Transmits up to 1 Gbps at lengths of up to 100 m.
• Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP) — cost-effective, ideal for home or small office networks

Cat6

• Enables up to 10 Gbit/s on routes up to 55 m.
• Available as U/UTP or F/UTP — common for modern home networks or smaller businesses.

Cat6a

• Supports 10 Gbps with a cable length of up to 100 m.
• S/FTP shielding — robust, fail-safe and suitable for industrial applications or data centers.

Cat7

• Also up to 10 Gbit/s at up to 100 m, with very good shielding (S/FTP).
• Ideal for highly secure networks and professional IT infrastructures.

Cat8

• Offers extremely high speeds of up to 40 Gbit/s, but only over short distances of up to approx. 30 m.
• Ideal for high-speed backbones in the data center or for short-range point-to-point connections.

Each type of cable differs in bandwidth, range and resistance to interference. For new installations, it is recommended to use at least Cat6a network cables.

Overview of network cable types

In addition to the Ethernet cables just described in the categories Cat5e to Cat8, there are also other types of network cables that offer special advantages depending on the application:

coaxial cable
Previously frequently used in older network structures (e.g. 10BASE2/10BASE5), coaxial cables consist of an inner conductor, a dielectric insulator and an outer shield. Today, they have largely been replaced by twisted pair cables, but are still used in TV and radio technology.

Unshielded twisted pair (UTP)
This is the simplest and most widely used type of twisted pair cable. They have no additional shielding and are therefore particularly flexible and cost-effective. Suitable for standard environments with low electromagnetic interference.

Shielded Twisted Pair (STP)
STP cables have additional shielding — either in pairs or across the entire cable. They offer better protection against interference and are preferred in environments with high electromagnetic loads, such as in industry or in data centers.

fiber optic cable (fiber optic)
Instead of electrical signals, light pulses are used here for data transmission. The advantages are extremely high bandwidths and distances of several kilometers. Optical fiber is primarily used in backbone infrastructures, between buildings or for high-performance networks.

Step-by-step guide: Laying a network cable

1. Plan requirements: Which devices should be connected? How many connections are required?
2. Select a cable: Depending on distance, environment (indoor/outdoor), bandwidth and sources of interference.
3. Measure lengths and prepare cables: Planning reserve routes.
4. Define routing routes: Cable ducts, empty conduits or surface-mounted installation.
5. Route and connect cables: Clean, tension-free and with a bend radius.
6. Test connections: Check that it works with a network tester.
7. documenting: Which line goes where, which ports are busy?

The last point in particular — documentation — is often neglected. Yet it is crucial for maintenance, scaling, and troubleshooting.

Practical example: Network planning in a medium-sized company

A medium-sized company with 40 employees decided to replace the previous WLAN infrastructure with a wired LAN. Reasons: Unstable conferences, slow file transfer, and security concerns.

solution:

• Using Cat6a cables
• Structured cabling with patch panels and network cabinets
• Use of documentation software to record all lines, ports and VLANs

Outcome:

• fewer disconnections
• Reduced IT maintenance costs
• Better scalability as requirements grow

Safety and legal aspects

Electrical and fire protection

Network cables must be laid in accordance with standards. Compliance with technical regulations such as DIN EN 50174-2 or DIN VDE 0100 is absolutely necessary.

Special attention should be paid to:

• Separation of high-voltage and low-voltage lines in accordance with DIN VDE 0100-520
• Use of flame-retardant cables with appropriate approval (e.g. IEC 60332-1, halogen-free in accordance with EN 50575)
• Grounding and shielding against EMC interference to avoid signal loss or risk due to voltage overload

A violation of applicable standards can not only lead to technical problems, but may also have legal consequences. These include:

• Fines from regulatory authorities
• Reasons for failure to make insurance claims in the event of a claim
• No liability for subsequent damage due to improper installation

Data protection and documentation

According to the GDPR, IT structures must be documented, comprehensible and audit-proof. This includes network infrastructure. Proper documentation with software such as Docusnap can help meet security guidelines and legal requirements — such as BSI basic protection, ISO 27001 or industry-specific compliance requirements.

Anyone who fails to comply with this obligation risks severe fines (Art. 83 GDPR), which, in the event of gross negligence, up to 4% of annual global turnover can amount to. Through complete documentation, risks can be minimized and security gaps identified more quickly.

Why Docusnap is already playing a role when it comes to network cables

Docusnap Is IT documentation software that automatically scans, visualizes and documents networks. Even when it comes to network cables, Docusnap offers decisive advantages:

• Automated Network Discovery: Discovering physical and logical connections
• Graphical network plans: Central overview of patch panels, switches, IP address ranges, and more
• Port documentation: Which socket belongs to which room and device?
• Audit-proof documentation: Ideal for Audits, Certifications, and Security Checks
• Version history and export functions: For planning, moving or expanding

In contrast to static Excel spreadsheets or PDFs, documentation with Docusnap remains dynamic and up to date.

Common questions (FAQ) about network cables

1. What is the difference between Cat6 and Cat6a network cables?
Cat6 cables are suitable for transmissions of up to 10 Gbit/s at up to 55 m. Cat6a supports the same speed up to 100 m and provides better shielding against electromagnetic interference.

2. When should you use a fiber optic cable instead of copper?
Fiber optic cables are ideal when very high bandwidths or particularly long distances (>100 m) need to be bridged, e.g. in building networks or data centers.

3. What is the advantage of a shielded network cable (STP)?
Thanks to their shielding, STP cables offer better protection against interference, e.g. from electrical lines or machines, and are particularly recommended in industrial environments.

4. How do I recognize the category of a network cable?
The category (e.g. Cat6a, Cat7) is usually printed on the cable jacket. Alternatively, a network tester can help with protocol analysis.

5. Why is documentation so important for network installations?
Documentation enables rapid troubleshooting, better scalability, and is a prerequisite for security and compliance checks. Tools like Docusnap make this task much easier.

Network cables are and will remain essential

Whether in offices, data centers or smart homes — network cables are the basis of every high-performance and secure IT infrastructure. The selection of the appropriate cable, professional installation and structured documentation are the keys to success.

Anyone who wants to plan, implement and document networks efficiently needs tools such as Docusnap Not over. The software not only helps with network uptake, but also helps with maintenance, scaling and subsequent audits.

Test now for free: Try Docusnap free for 30 days and take your network infrastructure to the next level.

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