As a small business owner, you rely heavily on a stable and fast network to keep your operations running smoothly. From sending emails to connecting with clients, your network cables are the unseen heroes that keep everything connected.
In 2025, choosing the right networking cables is more important than ever. This article will break down the top types of networking cables to consider for your business.
What are Networking Cables?
Networking cables connect different devices within your business network, allowing data to flow between computers, routers, switches, and servers. A reliable network connection is a must, and the type of cable you choose plays a significant role in determining the performance and stability of your network.
When selecting cables, there are a few key factors to consider, including bandwidth, data transfer speed, distance, and whether the cable type is suitable for indoor or outdoor use. Let’s dive into the most commonly used networking cables and their features.
Twisted Pair Cables: Shielded Vs. Unshielded Twisted Pair Cables (STP vs. UTP)
Twisted pair cables are the most common networking cables used in businesses today. These cables consist of pairs of copper wires twisted together to minimize interference. They come in two main types: Shielded Twisted Pair (STP) and Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP).
UTP (Unshielded Twisted Pair) Cables
UTP (Unshielded Twisted Pair) cables are the most widely used due to their cost-effectiveness and simplicity. These cables don’t have an additional shield to protect against interference, making them suitable for most office environments with minimal electronic noise.
STP (Shielded Twisted Pair) Cables
STP (Shielded Twisted Pair) cables, on the other hand, have an extra shielding layer around the wire pairs, which helps reduce electromagnetic interference (EMI). If your business operates in an environment with high levels of electrical interference, STP cables could be a better choice for your network’s stability.
Twisted pair cables are typically used for Ethernet connections and come in different categories, like Cat5e, Cat6, and Cat6a, each supporting varying speeds and distances.
Types of Twisted Pair Cables for Small Businesses
Here are a few options for twisted pair cables based on the network category:
- Cat5e (Category 5e): This is the minimum standard for most small businesses. It supports speeds up to 1 Gbps over 100 meters, suitable for day-to-day tasks like browsing and emailing.
- Cat6 (Category 6): Offers higher speeds (up to 10 Gbps for short distances) and is ideal for businesses that need faster internet speeds or run more demanding applications.
- Cat6a (Category 6a): Provides better performance over longer distances (up to 10 Gbps over 100 meters), making it a future-proof choice for businesses looking to upgrade their network.
When choosing between shielded and unshielded cables, consider factors like the level of interference in your environment and the speed requirements for your network.
T568A or T568B Networking Cables: Which One Should You Choose?
Another consideration when working with twisted pair cables is the wiring standard. Both T568A and T568B are wiring schemes for Ethernet cables, defining how the individual wires inside the cable are arranged.
T568A is typically used in newer installations and is recommended for backward compatibility with residential networks. On the flip side, T568B is more common in the United States and used in older networks.
The difference lies in the arrangement of the individual wires inside the cable. Both standards offer the same performance in terms of speed and bandwidth, so the choice often comes down to personal preference or existing wiring standards in your office.
Coaxial Cables: Still Relevant in 2025?
While less common today, coaxial cables are still in use for certain types of network setups, particularly for cable internet connections. They are more commonly found in residential setups but can also be used for small business networks when necessary.
Coaxial cables are often used for broadband internet, connecting modems to the service provider. They provide stable, reliable performance but are generally slower and less flexible than modern alternatives like twisted pair or fiber optic cables.
These cables are less prone to interference than older cables, but they can’t match the speed and bandwidth capabilities of newer cable types.
Optical Fiber Networking Cables
If you're looking for the fastest and most reliable network connection, fiber optic cables are the way to go. Optical fiber networking cables use light signals to transmit data, offering superior speeds and minimal signal loss over long distances.
In 2025, small businesses can benefit from fiber optic connections in high-demand environments. Fiber optics are particularly useful for businesses that handle large amounts of data or require high-speed internet for tasks like video conferencing, cloud computing, or transferring large files. Fiber optic cables are divided into two main categories:
- Single-mode fiber: Designed for long-distance transmission, ideal for large businesses or high-performance setups.
- Multimode fiber: Best suited for short to medium-distance applications in business environments.
Despite the higher cost of installation, optical fiber cables offer unmatched speed, security, and scalability.
Which Networking Cables Should Small Businesses Use in 2025?
For most small businesses, UTP cables like Cat5e or Cat6 are the go-to choice. They offer a good balance of performance, cost, and reliability. If your business requires extremely high speeds or is scaling rapidly, fiber optic cables should be considered for backbone connections.
Coaxial cables may still be relevant for certain broadband connections but should generally be avoided for internal networking within your business.
Conclusion
Choosing the right networking cables for your small business can significantly impact your operations. From twisted pair cables to optical fiber networking cables, understanding the strengths of each type can guide you in selecting the right cable for your needs.
Don’t hesitate to invest in quality cables to ensure a reliable, high-speed network. For high-quality networking cables, trust Delco Cables to meet your business needs.
FAQs
What are the 4 types of networking cables?
The four primary types of networking cables are twisted pair cables, coaxial cables, fiber optic cables, and Ethernet cables.
Which cables are used in networking?
Common cables used in networking include twisted pair cables (UTP/STP), coaxial cables, and fiber optic cables.
What are the 5 networking cable categories?
The five main networking cable categories are Cat5, Cat5e, Cat6, Cat6a, and Cat7, each offering different speeds and performance levels.
What are the different uses of network cabling?
Network cabling is used to connect devices in a network, transmit data, and provide internet access for communication, data transfer, and online activities.
What is the longest network cable?
Fiber optic cables can be run for distances up to 100 kilometers, making them the longest available for networking.
What type of cable for the internet?
The most common cable for internet connections is a twisted pair cable, typically Cat5e or Cat6, but fiber optic cables are used for high-speed internet in some cases.