6 myths about LAN cables: what not to believe

Myth №1. The more expensive the LAN cable, the faster the Internet

One of the most popular myths is that price always determines quality. Price alone is not the only indicator of quality, but it should not be ignored completely. The cost of a cable usually reflects the materials, manufacturing technology, and service life. Therefore, it is important to understand what exactly you are paying for.

An inexpensive cable performs well for basic tasks: for example, for short connections or low speeds, it is just what you need. But when choosing, you should pay attention not to the price, but to the characteristics: conductor material, insulation type, connector quality, and category compliance.

The composition of the cores is particularly important. All-copper cables have better conductivity, maintain speed more stably and last significantly longer than copper-plated aluminium cables. This is why they are more expensive — and this price difference is usually justified when it comes to reliable and long-term connections.

Myth №2. LAN cables are only necessary for older

Wi-Fi Internet is convenient — that's a fact. But LAN cables are still relevant today, especially if you:

• work with large files;
• play online games;
• watch 4K videos;
• want the most stable connection possible.

Wi-Fi is like talking in a crowded café: sometimes you can't hear as well. A cable is a private communication line without interference. That's why even Maxnet customers, who use high-speed Internet, often connect their desktop PCs, Smart TVs or consoles via LAN.

Myth №3. Cable length does not matter.

Does cable length affect Internet speed? Yes, but not as critically as people often claim.

At home:

• up to 100 metres for a standard network cable is normal;
• in an apartment or house, a cable length of 5-20 metres is usually used.

Problems arise not because of length, but for other reasons:

• poor cable quality;
• kinks;
• incorrect crimping of connectors.

Therefore, it is better to have a shorter, but high-quality cable than a long one of dubious origin.

Myth №4. All LAN cables are the same.

They may look the same, but there are significant differences inside. Among the main differences are:

1. Conductor material
The highest quality LAN cables are made of solid copper. Copper has low resistance, conducts signals well and generates less heat, which is especially important over long distances and at high data transfer speeds.

A cheaper alternative is copper-clad aluminium (CCA). On the outside, this cable looks almost the same, but inside it has an aluminium core with a thin layer of copper. It has higher resistance, stronger signal attenuation and poorer mechanical strength. CCA cables are not recommended for PoE power and professional networks as they can overheat and provide an unstable connection.

2. Cable category
The category determines the maximum speed and operating frequency of the cable:

• Cat5e — supports speeds up to 1 Gbps (frequency up to 100 MHz), suitable for most home and office networks.
• Cat6 — designed for 1 Gbps at distances up to 100 m and up to 10 Gbps at short distances, has better interference protection.
• Cat6a, Cat7 — used in server rooms, data centers and modern offices where high speeds and stability are required.

A higher category means thicker wires, better insulation and less signal loss, but also a higher price.

3. Shielding.
Shielding protects the cable from electromagnetic interference generated by electric motors, power cables, Wi-Fi hotspots and other equipment:

• UTP — unshielded, suitable for flats and rooms with minimal interference.
• FTP / F/UTP — common foil shielding reduces the impact of external interference.
• STP / S/FTP — shielding of each pair and/or common shielding, used in industrial environments and server rooms.

It is worth remembering that shielded cable requires proper grounding, otherwise its benefits are minimal.

The average user does not need to delve into abbreviations. If the Internet is stable, the speed corresponds to the tariff, and the connection does not ‘drop’ — then the cable has been chosen correctly.

Myth №5. If your Internet is slow, it's because of the cable.

The cable can indeed be a problem, but it's not always the main culprit. Among the more common causes of slow Internet connections are the following:

1. Outdated router.
   Older router models often do not support modern communication standards (e.g. Wi-Fi 5 or Wi-Fi 6), have weak processors and limited memory. Because of this, they cannot cope with a large number of devices or high speeds from the provider. Even if your tariff allows for fast Internet, the router can ‘cut’ the speed, create delays or periodically lose connection.
2. Overloaded Wi-Fi channel.
   In apartment buildings, dozens of neighbouring networks operate on the same frequencies. When many routers use the same Wi-Fi channel, mutual interference occurs, causing speeds to drop and latency to increase. This is especially true for the 2.4 GHz band. Switching to a less congested channel or using 5 GHz can significantly improve the situation.
3. Background downloads.
   Operating system updates, cloud services, torrents, streaming platforms, and even smart devices can consume Internet bandwidth in the background. As a result, the available bandwidth is divided between all processes, and active tasks (browsing websites, video calls, online games) run slower or with interruptions.
4. Restrictions imposed by services.
   The problem is not always on your side. Some websites and services deliberately limit download speeds, especially for free accounts or during peak hours. Overloaded servers, regional restrictions, or technical work may also have an impact. In such cases, even a perfect connection does not guarantee high speeds.

That's why Maxnet always starts with a comprehensive check of lines, equipment, and settings, rather than simply advising you to replace your cable.

Myth №6. LAN cables ruin the interior design.

This used to be true: brightly coloured LAN cables would hang along the walls or lie in a tangle near the router or PC, clashing with the minimalist interior design of the apartment. But today this is no longer a problem, as transmission technologies are constantly evolving.

Thanks to this, modern solutions allow you to:

• lay a neutral-coloured (black or white) cable along the skirting boards;
• hide it in special skirting boards with cable channels (as in the image below);

• use less noticeable flat or thin LAN cable models and secure them with microclips.

When connecting to the Internet, Maxnet technicians always try to lay the cable so that it is as inconspicuous as possible and does not interfere with everyday life.

And finally, remember: no matter how high-quality a LAN cable you choose, it will not reach its full potential without a reliable provider. That is why Maxnet invests not only in speed, but also in network stability, modern infrastructure and service to ensure comfort for users.