Network Cables

Cat5e, Cat6, and Cat6a Ethernet Cables from Patch Cord to Bulk Spool

Network cables form the physical backbone of every wired network, carrying data and PoE power between switches, access points, cameras, and workstations at speeds from gigabit to 10-gigabit. The lineup spans Cat5e, Cat6, and Cat6a from Eaton, Legrand/C2G, and StarTech in lengths from 1-foot patch cords to 1,000-foot bulk spools, all part of the cables catalog.

Network Cables for Every Environment

• Office workstation drops — Cat6 UTP patch cables delivering gigabit speeds for desk-to-switch connections in commercial office environments
• Data center backbone — Cat6a cables supporting 10-gigabit throughput over the full 100-meter distance for bandwidth-intensive virtualization and storage traffic
• PoE-powered devices — Cat5e for standard PoE cameras and phones, Cat6a with improved heat dissipation for PoE++ loads up to 90W on access points and PTZ cameras
• Permanent in-wall and plenum runs — solid-conductor bulk cable with CMP or CMR jacket ratings meeting building code for horizontal and riser pathways
• Patch panel to switch — short stranded-conductor patch cables that stay flexible through repeated plugging cycles in tight rack spaces

Choosing the Right Network Cable

Cat5e supports gigabit ethernet at up to 100 meters and remains the most economical option for voice, data, and standard PoE. Cat6 raises the ceiling to 10GBASE-T over segments up to 55 meters, making it the default specification for new office installations. Cat6a sustains 10-gigabit performance across the full 100-meter span with less heat buildup, which is why most new commercial builds spec Cat6a for future-proofing. For drop ceilings and air-handling spaces, CMP (plenum-rated) jackets are required by code; vertical risers call for CMR (riser-rated) cable. Color coding by purpose, blue for data, white for VoIP, yellow for PoE devices, simplifies troubleshooting and port identification in structured cabling systems.

Solid vs. Stranded Conductors

Solid-conductor cable is designed for permanent structured cabling runs that terminate at wall jacks and patch panels. Stranded-conductor cable is reserved for patch cords and equipment jumpers because its finer wires flex without breaking through repeated plugging and movement. Mixing them up leads to poor terminations or premature cable failure. UTP (unshielded) is standard for most office environments, while shielded (STP/FTP) cables reject crosstalk near motors, fluorescent lighting, and dense cable bundles in industrial settings. Shielded cable requires shielded jacks and panels at both ends to be effective.

Complete Your Network Build

• Power Cables — IEC power cords for the switches, servers, and UPS units your network connects to
• Data Transfer Cables — USB and Thunderbolt cables for device and peripheral connections
• Ethernet Switches — managed, unmanaged, and PoE switches that network cables plug into
• Rack Cabinets — server racks and enclosures for organizing cabling and network hardware