CHOOSING THE RIGHT PATCH CABLE
Which Patch Cable Do I Need?
Find the right cable category, shielding, and jacket type for home networks, office environments, data centers, and PoE applications.
| Application | Recommendation | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| Standard home networks & older devices | Cat5e U/UTP PVC | Cost-effective solution for Gigabit Ethernet and everyday network connections. |
| Home networking & gaming | Cat6 U/UTP PVC | Ideal for stable Gigabit connections and modern home networks with higher data loads. |
| Network cabinets, patch panels & high port densities | Cat6a Slim Patch Cable | Space-saving and flexible cabling for clean cable management in rack and patch panel environments with high port density. |
| Office workstations & structured cabling | Cat6a S/FTP | Reliable data transmission and improved protection against electromagnetic interference in modern office and network environments. |
| PoE cameras & access points | Cat6a S/FTP Copper | High signal quality and reliable power delivery over Ethernet (PoE/PoE+). |
| 10 Gigabit networks | Cat6a or Cat7 raw cable with Cat6a modular plug S/FTP | Supports high bandwidths and stable data transmission for 10 Gigabit applications. |
| Data centers & professional IT infrastructure | Cat6a or Cat7 raw cable with Cat6a modular plug S/FTP LSZH/LSOH | Halogen-free jacket and strong shielding for secure professional installations. |
| Public buildings & escape routes | LSZH/LSOH Patch Cable | Low smoke emission and no halogen-containing gases in case of fire. |
Cat5e, Cat6, Cat6a or Cat7 – What Are the Differences?
Choosing the right cable category affects transmission speed, shielding, and the future-proofing of modern networks.
Cat5e – the cost-effective foundation for Gigabit networks
Cat5e patch cables are suitable for standard Gigabit Ethernet connections in home networks and offices. They provide reliable data transmission for everyday applications and are a cost-effective solution for standard network environments.
Shop Cat5e Patch CablesCat6 – ideal for modern home networks and gaming
Cat6 patch cables support bandwidths up to 250 MHz and are designed for stable Gigabit and modern network connections in home environments. They are ideal for gaming, streaming, smart home setups, and data-intensive applications.
Shop Cat6 Patch CablesCat6a – for professional networks and PoE applications
Cat6a patch cables support bandwidths up to 500 MHz and enable stable 10 Gigabit connections over distances of up to 100 meters. This makes them ideal for professional network environments, structured cabling, and modern PoE applications.
Shop Cat6a Patch CablesCat7 – built for future network requirements
Patch cables using Cat7 raw cable with Cat6a modular plugs provide maximum bandwidth and excellent shielding against electromagnetic interference. They are especially suitable for professional network environments such as data centers, industrial applications, and modern 10 Gigabit networks.
Shop Cat7 Raw Cable with Cat6a Modular PlugsChoosing the Right Shielding for Your Network
The shielding of a patch cable protects network connections against electromagnetic interference. The right shielding type depends on the application, the cabling environment, and the requirements for signal quality and transmission reliability.
U/UTP – unshielded for simple network environments
U/UTP (“Unshielded / Unshielded Twisted Pair”) patch cables do not include additional shielding and are suitable for simple home networks or short cable runs without significant electromagnetic interference. They are flexible, lightweight, and cost-effective.
Shop U/UTP Patch CablesF/UTP – additional shielding for stable connections
F/UTP (“Foiled / Unshielded Twisted Pair”) patch cables feature an overall foil shield that reduces interference and improves signal quality. They are suitable for office installations and structured cabling environments with higher transmission reliability requirements.
Shop F/UTP Patch CablesS/FTP – maximum shielding for professional networks
S/FTP (“Shielded / Foiled Twisted Pair”) patch cables include additional shielding for individual wire pairs as well as an overall shield. This makes them especially suitable for professional network environments, PoE applications, data centers, and installations with higher levels of electromagnetic interference.
Shop S/FTP Patch CablesPatch Cable Materials & Jacket Types
Choosing the right cable material and jacket type affects signal quality, safety, and the intended application of a patch cable.
Copper – reliable signal quality for professional networks
Patch cables made from 100% copper provide stable signal transmission and are especially suitable for professional network environments and PoE applications. They support reliable power delivery over Ethernet and ensure high network performance as well as secure data transmission.
Shop 100% Copper Patch CablesPVC – flexible for standard network installations
PVC (“Polyvinyl Chloride”) cable jackets are durable, flexible, and suitable for many standard network environments. They are commonly used in home networks, offices, and general IT installations, providing a reliable solution for everyday indoor network cabling thanks to their robust outer jacket.
Shop PVC Patch CablesLSZH / LSOH – halogen-free for increased safety requirements
LSZH (“Low Smoke Zero Halogen”) or LSOH (“Low Smoke Zero Halogen”) patch cables reduce smoke generation in the event of fire and do not release halogen-containing gases. This makes them especially suitable for public buildings, data centers, and professional network installations with increased safety requirements.
Shop LSZH/LSOH Patch Cables
















