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Network Cables and Ethernet Patch Leads

Network cables, also called ethernet cables or patch leads, connect computers, routers, switches, smart TVs and games consoles to a wired network. We stock CAT5e, CAT6, CAT6A and CAT8 patch cables from 0.1m to 50m, in over 1000 colours and lengths, at trade prices with next working day delivery.

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The range covers economy and full copper conductors in 24AWG and 26AWG, unshielded UTP and shielded FTP, low smoke zero halogen (LSZH) cables and snagless patch leads.

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CAT8 Full Copper33 productsCAT5e Economy121 productsCAT5e Full Copper656 productsOutdoor Network Cables16 productsCAT6 Economy91 productsCAT6 Full Copper818 productsCAT6A Full Copper360 productsCAT5e Angled14 productsCAT5e Flat Full Copper28 productsCAT5e Crossover47 productsCAT6 Crossover6 productsExtension Male to Female13 productsNetwork Economiser6 products

Popular in Network Cables

CAT5e vs CAT6

Ethernet cables are graded by the data speed they can carry. CAT5e and CAT6 both support Gigabit ethernet (1000 Mbps) and all lower speeds. CAT6 has a tighter twist in each wire pair, which gives better noise immunity, lower delay and skew, and allows 10 Gigabit networking over runs of up to around 50m.

CAT6A

CAT6A tightens the twist further and carries 10 Gigabit networking over the full 100m. Most CAT6A, including ours, is shielded, which keeps interference out on long runs and in busy comms cabinets.

CAT8

CAT8 is a fully shielded cable for short, very fast links of up to 30m, such as switch to server connections in a comms room or data centre. It supports 25 and 40 Gigabit ethernet as well as all slower speeds.

LSZH and snagless patch leads

LSZH cables give off little smoke and no halogen gases if they catch fire, which is why they are specified for offices, schools, hospitals and other public buildings. Snagless leads have a moulded boot over the locking tab, so the plug will not catch and snap when the cable is pulled through other cables.

Which ethernet cable do I need?

For typical home use, such as connecting a router to a smart TV, a CAT5e ethernet cable is more than adequate, as the limiting factor will be your broadband speed. For new installations and faster networks choose CAT6 or CAT6A, and for HDMI over ethernet we recommend CAT6 full copper.