Ethernet and Cabling Info

Reliable cabling is the backbone of any stable network. While Wi-Fi is convenient, wired Ethernet connections offer faster speeds, lower latency, and greater stability — especially in business environments. This guide explains what you need to know about Ethernet and network cabling.

What Is Ethernet?

Ethernet refers to a wired network connection used to connect devices like computers, printers, access points, and switches directly to your local area network (LAN).

Benefits include:

• Faster and more consistent speeds than Wi-Fi

• Improved stability, especially for video calls and file transfers

• Less interference from other devices

• Enhanced security, as physical access is required to plug in

Common Cable Types

There are several categories of Ethernet cables, but these are the ones you're most likely to see:

• Cat5e – Standard for most small networks, supports speeds up to 1 Gbps

• Cat6 – Improved shielding and reduced interference, supports speeds up to 10 Gbps over shorter distances

• Cat6a – Designed for high-speed and high-performance environments, up to 10 Gbps at 100 metres

• Cat7 / Cat8 – Higher-end, mostly used in data centres or specialised installs

Tip: For general business use, Cat6 or Cat6a is recommended for future-proofing.

Cable Colours and What They Mean

Cable colour is usually a matter of organisation or preference — there's no strict industry standard. However, some companies adopt internal colour schemes, such as:

• Blue – General data

• Red – Voice (phones)

• Yellow– Critical or high-priority connections

• Black/Grey – Generic use or short patch leads

• Green – Cross-connects or specific VLANs

We recommend labelling cables clearly at both ends and using a consistent colour scheme where possible.

Tips for Good Cabling Practice

• Avoid sharp bends or kinks in the cable

• Use cable management tools to keep things tidy

• Don’t run network cables alongside power cables (to reduce interference)

• Keep patch panels, switches, and wall ports clearly labelled

• Replace damaged or old cables — they can cause intermittent issues

When to Use Ethernet Instead of Wi-Fi

• For desktop PCs or devices that don’t move

• When streaming, video calling, or accessing large files regularly

• In areas where Wi-Fi signal is weak or unreliable

• For security-sensitive systems (e.g. servers, VoIP phones)

Need Help?
Not sure what type of cable you need or experiencing connection issues? Fusion IT can help with testing, tracing, replacing, and installing new network cabling.

Ticket Portal: https://support.fusionit.uk
Email: support@fusionit.uk
Phone: 01244 835080

We’ll ensure your network is running at full speed and fully supported.

Disclaimer:
This article is intended as a general guide. While we aim to ensure accuracy, Fusion IT cannot be held responsible for any issues, data loss, or damage resulting from the use or misapplication of these instructions. If in doubt, please contact our support team before making changes.