When it comes to connecting a computer to a Wi-Fi router via a wire, many users encounter confusion over terminology. "What's this cable called?", "How is it different from a regular internet cable?", "Can I use any cable with an RJ-45 connector?"—these questions arise more often than you might think. The answer is actually simpler than you might think, but there are nuances that affect internet speed, connection stability, and even network security.
In this article we will look at official names of cables to connect the router to the PC, their types (from Ethernet to patch cords), key characteristics - from category (Cat 5e, Cat 6, Cat 7) to the crimping type. You'll also learn how to avoid common purchasing mistakes and why cheap "internet cables" from AliExpress can slow down your network. If you're planning to install a network in your home or office, this information will save you time and money.
Spoiler: The cable that comes with your router is almost always a straight-through Cat 5e patch cord, and its length rarely exceeds 1.5 meters. It may not be suitable for modern speeds (1 Gbps and above).
1. The official name of the cable: understanding the terms
Let's start with the main thing: the cable that connects the router to the computer has several correct names depending on the context:
- 🔌 Ethernet cable — the most general name denoting any cable for wired networks of the standard IEEE 802.3.
- 🔗 Patch cord (from English) patch cord) - a short cable (usually up to 5 meters) with ready-made connectors
RJ-45at both ends. These are the ones that come with routers. - 📡 Twisted pair — a name reflecting the cable's construction (8 wires twisted into 4 pairs). It's not synonymous with patch cord, but a general term for all Ethernet cables.
- 🔧 LAN cable (Local Area Network) is an obsolete, but still used name, implying use in local area networks.
Important: In stores and marketplaces, you will most often encounter the terms "patch cord" (for ready-made cables) and "twisted pair cable" (for coils without connectors). If the seller offers an "internet cable," clarify what they are talking about: it could be a high-quality Cat 6, and cheap Cat 5 with questionable braiding.
From a technical point of view, all these cables transmit data using a protocol Ethernet, but their category (designated as Cat) determines the maximum speed and frequency of the signal. For example:
| Category | Max. speed | Frequency | Application |
|---|---|---|---|
Cat 5 |
100 Mbps | 100 MHz | Outdated, not recommended |
Cat 5e |
1 Gbps | 100 MHz | Standard for home networks |
Cat 6 |
10 Gbps (up to 55 m) | 250 MHz | Offices, gaming PCs, NAS |
Cat 6a |
10 Gbps (up to 100 m) | 500 MHz | Server rooms, data centers |
For connecting a router to a computer in 2026, it is optimal patch cord Cat 5e or Cat 6The first is sufficient for speeds up to 1 Gbps, the second – up to 10 Gbps (if your router and network card support such speeds).
2. Patch cord vs. twisted pair: what's the difference?
Many people confuse these terms, considering them synonyms. In fact, the difference is fundamental:
- 🔧 Twisted pair - This raw cable In a coil (without connectors). It must be crimped manually or have a professional crimp it. Suitable for installation in walls, under baseboards, and in cable ducts.
- 🔌 Patch cord - This ready-made cable with crimped connectors
RJ-45at both ends. Sold in fixed lengths (from 0.3 to 20 meters). Convenient for connecting devices "here and now."
Example: if you need to connect a router and a computer standing on a table, take patch cordIf you are installing a network throughout the house with outlets in every room, buy twisted pair in a bay and crimp to the desired length.
The key difference between patch cords is that they often have more flexible braid (to avoid breaking when frequently bent) and factory crimping, which guarantees a stable connection. Twisted pair cable in coils is usually stiffer and requires careful crimping.
3. Which connector is used: RJ-45 and its features
All Ethernet cables for connecting a router to a computer are equipped with connectors RJ-45 (Registered Jack 45). This is a standard 8-pin connector that plugs into the port. LAN on the router and the PC's network card. Here's what you need to know:
- 🔌 8 contacts - all 8 wires of the twisted pair are used (unlike the telephone
RJ-11, where there are only 4). - 🔒 Latch — secures the cable in the port. If it breaks, the connection will be interrupted.
- 🔄 Two types of crimping:
- Direct (for router→PC, router→TV, etc.) - the most common.
- Cross (crossover) - needed to connect two routers or two PCs directly (without a switch). In modern devices with Auto-MDI/MDIX not required.
Important: If you crimp the cable yourself, use standard T568B (the most common). The order of the wires in the connector should be:
1. White and orange2. Orange
3. White and green
4. Blue
5. White and blue
6. Green
7. White and brown
8. Brown
An error in the order of the wires will result in the network either not working or being limited to a speed of 100 Mbps.
What happens if you mix up T568A and T568B?
If both ends of the cable are crimped to different standards (one is T568A, the other is T568B), you will get crossover cableIt is not suitable for connecting a router to a PC, but it can be used to connect two routers (if they do not support Auto-MDI/MDIX).
4. How to choose a cable: 5 criteria for purchase
When choosing a cable to connect a router to a computer, pay attention to the following parameters:
- Category (
Cat) - minimally Cat 5e for speeds up to 1 Gbps. If you have a gigabit plan or NAS, take Cat 6. - Length — patch cords up to 5 meters have virtually no speed loss. For long lines (10+ meters), choose Cat 6a or shielded cable (STP/FTP).
- Shielding type:
- UTP - without screen, for home networks.
- FTP - foil pair, protects against interference.
- STP - each wire has its own screen, for industrial conditions.
Warning: Cheap cables from AliExpress or markets often have inflated category (for example, marked as Cat 6, but in reality they can't even handle 1 Gbps). Check reviews and certificates.
✅ Category no lower than Cat 5e
✅ Length with some reserve (better a little longer than short)
✅ Conductor - copper (not copper-plated aluminum)
✅ RJ-45 connectors with latches and ferrite rings (for long cables)
✅ Screen (FTP/STP) in the presence of interference (for example, near electrical wiring)-->
5. Can I use any cable with RJ-45?
No, not just any. Here are some common mistakes and their consequences:
- 🚫 Cable Cat 5 instead of Cat 5e → the speed will be limited to 100 Mbps, even if the tariff is gigabit.
- 🚫 Damaged connectors (broken latch, bent contacts) → periodic connection breaks.
- 🚫 Homemade crimping with errors → the network is unstable or only operates at 100 Mbps.
- 🚫 Unshielded cable near interference sources (microwave, electric motors) → packet losses and lags.
Also worth avoiding ultra-thin patch cords (thinner than 5 mm in diameter). They are convenient for laptops, but due to the thin wires, they wear out faster and may not withstand high speeds.
1. Crimping (possibly the wire has come loose).
2. Port on the router/PC (try another one).
3. Cable length (more than 100 m requires Cat 6a).
4. Network card settings (sometimes it is reset to 100 Mbps manually).-->
6. Where to buy and how much does it cost?
Prices for patch cords and twisted pair cables vary depending on category, length, and brand:
| Cable type | Length | Category | Price (2026) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Patch cord | 1 m | Cat 5e | 100–250 ₽ |
| Patch cord | 3 m | Cat 6 (FTP) | 300–600 ₽ |
| Twisted pair (coil) | 100 m | Cat 5e (UTP) | 1 500–3 000 ₽ |
| Twisted pair (coil) | 305 m | Cat 6 (FTP) | 4 000–8 000 ₽ |
Where to buy:
- 🛒 Offline stores (M.Video, Citylink, DNS) - it’s convenient to check the cable before purchasing.
- 🌍 Online (Wildberries, Ozon, Yandex Market) - more choice, but the risk of running into a fake.
- 🔧 Specialty stores (Cablexpert, Lanmart) is the best choice for professional solutions.
Tip: If you need a non-standard length (for example, 7.5 meters), order the cable crimping from a local repair shop - it's cheaper than buying a ready-made patch cord with extra length.
7. How to connect a cable to a router and a computer?
The connection process is simple, but there are some nuances:
- Insert one end of the cable into the port
LANon the router (usually yellow). - Connect the other end to network card computer (port
RJ-45on the motherboard or a separate adapter). - Wait until the port indicator on the router lights up (usually green or orange).
- On your PC, check the connection:
- In Windows:
Start → Settings → Network & Internet → Ethernet. - On macOS:
System Preferences → Network → Ethernet.
- In Windows:
If the connection is not established:
- 🔄 Restart your router and computer.
- 🔧 Try a different port
LANon the router. - 🛠️ Check the cable on another device (e.g. laptop).
- ⚙️ Update the network card driver on your PC.
What to do if the router doesn't see the cable?
1. Make sure the cable is inserted until it clicks (the latch should secure the connector).
2. Check if the port indicators on the router are lit (if they are not lit, the cable or port is faulty).
3. Try resetting the router to factory settings (button Reset on the back panel).
4. If you are using a USB Ethernet adapter, try connecting the cable directly to the motherboard.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Can you use a phone cable instead of Ethernet?
No. Telephone cables (RJ-11) have only 4 wires (versus 8 in Ethernet) and are not designed for data transmission. They will not physically fit into the port. RJ-45 on the router.
What is the maximum length of the cable from the router to the computer?
For Cat 5e/Cat 6 maximum length without loss of speed - 100 meters. For Cat 6a/Cat 7 — also 100 m, but with 10 Gbps support. If you need more, you will need network amplifiers or fiber optic.
Why is the speed via cable lower than via Wi-Fi?
Possible reasons:
- Cable Cat 5 instead of Cat 5e (limit 100 Mbps).
- Damaged cable or connector.
- Network card settings (for example, speed limit in the driver).
- The port on the router operates in 100 Mbps mode (check in the router's web interface).
Check the cable on another device and replace it with a known good one.
Is it possible to connect two cables together?
Yes, but this is a temporary solution. To do this, use:
- Connector RJ-45 (buyer) - two cables are inserted from different sides.
- Twisting - not recommended, as it disrupts shielding and reduces speed.
For continuous use, it is better to crimp a new cable of the required length.
Is shielding (FTP/STP) necessary for a home network?
Depends on the conditions:
- If the cable is laid close to electrical wiring or household appliances (refrigerator, microwave) - yes, take it FTP.
- If the network is laid in cable channels separate from interference sources - enough UTP (Cat 5e or Cat 6).
Shielded cables are more expensive, but they protect against interference and last longer.