What Is a Network Cable? Installation, Termination, and Repair Guide

March 28, 2025

Last Modified On: October 8, 2026

Close-up of several blue network cables with RJ45 connectors at their ends, intertwined and rising upward against a white background.

A network cable is a physical cable that carries data between devices such as computers, switches, routers, and Wi-Fi access points. The most common types for offices are Cat5e, Cat6, and Cat6a copper Ethernet cables and fiber optic cables, which differ in speed, distance, and resistance to interference. For most new business installations, Cat6 or Cat6a is the safest choice.

What does a network cable do

The cable carries data by converting information into electrical signals (copper cables) or light signals (fiber). That’s what enables communication across a wired setup, from two computers sharing a local file to an entire office routing traffic out to the internet.

Compared to wireless networks, a wired connection trades mobility for more consistent speed and far less interference from other devices or thick walls.

Which network cable should your office use?

For a new office, use Cat6 for regular desk connections and Cat6a where you need 10 Gbps over longer runs or for Wi-Fi access points. Use fiber between floors or buildings (see EPON vs GPON for how fiber networks work). Cat6 and Cat6a also support Power over Ethernet (PoE), which powers IP phones, CCTV cameras, and access points through the same cable.

Avoid mixing cable types and wiring standards in the same network. A professionally installed, labeled, and tested structured cabling system is easier to troubleshoot and upgrade. Learn more about the benefits of structured cabling.

Types of Cable: Speed, Distance, and Use

Cable type	Max speed	Max distance	Best for
Cat5e	1 Gbps	100 m	Small or older networks
Cat6	10 Gbps (up to 55 m); 1 Gbps (up to 100 m)	100 m	Most office desks, IP phones, CCTV
Cat6a (NEW)	10 Gbps	100 m	New office builds, Wi-Fi access points, future-proofing
Fiber optic	10 Gbps and higher	Several kilometers	Building backbones, links between floors or buildings
Coaxial	Up to 1 Gbps	Varies	Cable internet and older CCTV

Speeds and distances follow the Category 6 cable standards.

How Do You Install One?

For anything beyond a single room, it’s worth reading our guide on the benefits of structured cabling systems before you start, since a standardized layout saves rework later if you ever add more devices or move desks around. For a basic run:

Choose a central, secure location for your main equipment, away from sources of interference like power lines or large appliances.
Map device locations and measure distances before buying cable, so you’re not short a few meters mid-install.
Gather the right tools: crimpers, a cable tester, and enough RJ45 connectors for every termination.
Route the cabling, keeping it away from power sources that can introduce electromagnetic interference into the signal.
Test every connection before configuring devices on the other end.

A tangled mess of black and white network cables connected to a switch, with a single yellow cable visible among them on a beige surface.

Photo by Brett Jordan on Unsplash

How Do You Terminate One with an RJ45 Connector?

Strip the outer sheath, roughly 1.5 inches, to expose the internal wire pairs.
Arrange the pairs in T568B order, the standard wiring sequence for Ethernet termination.
Trim the wires evenly, about 0.5 inches, so they sit flush when inserted.
Insert them into the RJ45 connector, keeping the order intact.
Crimp the connector securely onto the wires.
Test it with a network tester before putting it into use.

How Do You Fix Minor Damage?

Cut out the damaged section entirely rather than trying to patch around it.
Strip the outer sheath on the fresh ends.
Rearrange the internal pairs in the correct T568B order.
Trim the wires evenly.
Insert a new RJ45 connector and crimp it in place.
Test the repaired run before reconnecting it to anything live.

For damage beyond a single clean cut, replacing the full run is usually more reliable than repeated splicing, since each joint is a new point where interference or signal loss can creep in.

If damage keeps recurring in the same spot, that’s often a sign of a bigger layout problem worth having CloudConsole’s network design and support team look at, rather than a cabling issue on its own.

Coiled network cables with connectors on a wooden surface, with one cable end frayed and exposed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a network cable?

A network cable physically connects devices like computers, switches, and routers so they can send data to each other and to the internet.

What is the difference between Cat5e and Cat6?

Cat5e supports up to 1 Gbps over 100 meters. Cat6 supports up to 10 Gbps over shorter runs (about 55 meters) and 1 Gbps over 100 meters, with better protection from interference.

Which network cable is best for an office?

Cat6 works for most desk connections. Cat6a is better for new builds, Wi-Fi access points, and 10 Gbps over full 100-meter runs. Use fiber to connect floors or buildings.

How do you terminate a network cable?

Strip about 1.5 inches of the outer jacket, arrange the wire pairs in T568B order, trim them to about 0.5 inches, insert them into an RJ45 connector, crimp it, and test the cable.

How do I know if a network cable is damaged?

Look for cuts, fraying, crushed sections, or rodent damage. Dropped connections and slower speeds can also point to a damaged cable.

Need help with your office cabling?

CloudConsole designs, installs, labels, and tests structured cabling for offices in Metro Manila, from a few desks to full floors. Get a free quote for your next setup or upgrade.