When it comes to establishing a stable connection between a computer and the internet via a router, many users face a simple but important question: What is the name of the wire that connects the router to the PC?Despite its apparent simplicity, the topic is fraught with nuances—from cable types to cable categories that affect data transfer speed. In the era of wireless technologies, a wired connection remains the "gold standard" for gamers, streamers, and anyone working with large files, as it guarantees minimal latency and maximum reliability.
In this article we will look at what names are used to designate such a cable (Spoiler: there are several!), how they differ from each other, and how to avoid making a mistake when buying. You'll also learn why, even in 2026, category cable Cat 6 may be excessive for home use, whereas Cat 5e often enoughAnd also, how to properly connect the cable to the router and PC to avoid common mistakes that cause the internet to slow down or not work at all.
Official names of cables: Ethernet, patch cord, UTP and others
Let's start with terminology. The cable that connects the router to the computer is called differently in professional circles depending on the context:
- 🔌 Ethernet cable — the most common name, derived from the wired network standard EthernetThis is the term used in router and network card manuals.
- 🔗 Patch cord (from English) patch cord) - a short cable with connectors RJ-45 at both ends, designed to connect devices on a local network. Patch cords are most often sold in stores.
- 📡 UTP cable (from Unshielded Twisted Pair) - unshielded twisted pair, the most popular type of conductor for home networks. Shielded options (STP or FTP) are less common and more expensive.
- 🖥️ Network cable or LAN cable —generic names that even beginners understand. In colloquial speech, people often simply use "internet cable," although this isn't entirely correct (internet can be transmitted via other types of connections as well).
It is important to understand that all of these terms may refer to the same physical wire, but they emphasize different aspects of it. For example, Ethernet - this is the standard, and UTP — type of construction. In stores, you will most often see the inscriptions “Cat 5e UTP patch cord", which means: Category 5e cable, unshielded, with connectors for Ethernet.
⚠️ Attention: Do not confuse Ethernet cable With telephone cable! The last one has a connector RJ-11 (smaller in size) and only 4 wires instead of 8. Connecting a telephone cable to a router or PC will not work—it simply will not fit into the port.
Connector Types: Why RJ-45 and What the Wire Colors Mean
Any cable for connecting a router to a computer is equipped with connectors RJ-45 (Registered Jack 45). This is a standard Ethernet connector, which looks like a plastic plug with 8 contacts. Inside the connector are eight colored wires twisted in pairs (hence the name "twisted pair").
The colors of the wires are not random - they correspond to the crimping standard T568A or T568BMost patch cords use a circuit diagram T568B, where the pairs are arranged as follows:
| Contact | Wire color (T568B) | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | White with orange | Data transfer (+) |
| 2 | Orange | Data transfer (−) |
| 3 | White with green | Receiving data (+) |
| 4 | Blue | Not used in 10/100 Mbps |
| 5 | White with blue | Not used in 10/100 Mbps |
If you've ever crimped a cable yourself, you might have noticed that some instructions include a diagram T568A, where the green and orange pairs are swapped. For home use, the differences between T568A And T568B No, the main thing is that both ends of the cable are crimped. equallyThe exception is crossover cables (for direct PC-to-PC connections), but they are almost never used today.
What happens if you mix up the crimping pattern?
If one end of the cable is terminated using the T568A standard and the other using the T568B standard, the connection will not work. This is a common mistake when attempting to terminate the cable yourself. In the best-case scenario, the network will detect the cable as 10 Mbps (if the devices support auto-detection); in the worst-case scenario, there will be no connection at all.
Cable categories: Cat 5e, Cat 6, Cat 7 – which one to choose for your home?
One of the key characteristics of an Ethernet cable is its category (denoted as Cat from English Category). It determines the maximum data transfer rate and signal frequency. In 2026, the following categories are relevant for home use:
- 🚀 Cat 5e — the most common category. Supports speeds up to 1 Gbps at a distance of up to 100 meters. Ideal for most home networks, as even modern routers rarely deliver more than 1 Gbps over Wi-Fi.
- ⚡ Cat 6 — speed up to 10 Gbps, but only at a distance of up to 55 meters. It's overkill for home use unless you have a gigabit internet plan or a NAS server. However, a cable Cat 6 Better protected from interference thanks to the pair separator.
- 🛡️ Cat 6a - improved version Cat 6, supports 10 Gbps over a full 100 meters. It's used in offices or for in-wall installations (due to its thicker and more durable nature).
- 💎 Cat 7 and above — professional shielded cables with speeds up to 40 Gbps. Not needed for home use unless you're installing a server room or working with 8K video.
Which cable should you choose? The answer depends on your internet plan and your needs:
- If you have a tariff up to 100–200 Mbps, enough Cat 5e.
- For tariffs 300–1000 Mbps take it Cat 6, but only if the cable length does not exceed 30–40 meters.
- For installation in walls or if you plan to upgrade your network in the future, take Cat 6a.
⚠️ Attention: Many sellers position Cat 6 as a "universal" cable, but in practice for home use Cat 5e Often, this is enough. Don't overpay for unnecessary features if your router and network card don't support speeds above 1 Gbps.
How to connect a cable to a router and computer: step-by-step instructions
Even if you've chosen the right cable, you still need to connect it correctly. Mistakes at this stage are a common cause of internet outages. Follow these instructions:
- Turn off your router and computer (optional, but recommended for safety).
- Insert one end of the cable into the port LAN on the router. Ports are usually numbered (1, 2, 3, 4) and highlighted in yellow. Do not confuse with the port WAN (it is often blue and is intended for the cable from the provider).
- Insert the other end into the computer's network card.The port looks like a larger version of the connector. RJ-45 and is usually illuminated by a green or orange LED.
- Turn on the router and computerWait for the system to boot.
If the Internet does not work after connecting:
- 🔄 Check if the LED on the port is lit LAN router and on the PC's network card. If not, the cable is faulty or improperly terminated.
- 🖥️ Make sure your network card is enabled
Device Manager(clickWin + X → Device Manager → Network Adapters). - 🔧 Reboot the router using the button
Reset(if other devices also do not connect).
☑️ Checking the cable connection
If the cable is new but the network is not working, try connecting it to a different port. LAN on the router or another device (such as a laptop). This will help isolate the problem.
Common mistakes when selecting and connecting cables
Even experienced users sometimes make mistakes that lead to network instability. Here are the most common ones:
- 🔌 Using a damaged cableBent, twisted, or pinched wires can cause connection interruptions. Inspect the cable for visible defects.
- 🔄 Cable and equipment category mismatchFor example, if your router only supports 100 Mbps, the cable Cat 6 will not provide any speed increase.
- 📏 The cable length is too long. For Cat 5e And Cat 6 The maximum length without speed loss is 100 meters. In practice, delays may begin after 30–50 meters.
- 🔗 Incorrect crimpingIf you crimped the cable yourself, make sure all 8 wires are connected correctly and the connectors RJ-45 fixed without play.
- 💡 Ignoring shieldingIn environments with strong electromagnetic interference (for example, near a microwave oven), it is better to use shielded cables (STP or FTP).
Particular attention should be paid to cable lengthMany people mistakenly think that the longer the better, but in fact:
- Cable length 1–3 meters — optimal for home use.
- Cable 5–10 meters Suitable if the router is in another room.
- Cable more than 20 meters requires checking for signal attenuation, especially if it is of category Cat 5e.
Alternatives to a wired connection: when is cable essential?
In the era of Wi-Fi 6 and mesh networks, it may seem like a wired connection is outdated. However, there are situations when a cable from the router to the computer remains the only reasonable solution:
- 🎮 Gaming PCs and consolesFor online games, minimal latency is critical (ping), and the wireless network always adds 10-50 ms.
- 📹 Streaming and working with videoWhen transferring large files (for example, 4K video), Wi-Fi may experience drops, while cable provides a stable 1 Gbps.
- 🏢 Office networksIn a corporate environment, a wired connection is essential for security and traffic control.
- 🔧 Setting up a routerSome models (for example, MikroTik or Ubiquiti) require initial setup via cable.
- 📡 Weak Wi-Fi signalIf your computer is in a room with thick walls or far from the router, a cable will ensure a stable connection.
Wireless technologies are evolving, but so far no Wi-Fi standard can provide the same stability and speed as a wired connection. For example, even Wi-Fi 6E (the most modern standard for 2026) in real conditions rarely exceeds 800–900 Mbit/s, whereas Cat 5e The cable easily delivers a full 1 Gbps without any fluctuations.
⚠️ Warning: If you use Powerline adapters (Internet transmission via electrical wiring) as an alternative to cable, keep in mind that their actual speed rarely exceeds 200–300 Mbps, and stability depends on the quality of the wiring in the house.
Where to buy cable and what to look for when buying
You can buy an Ethernet cable in the following places:
- 🛒 Computer stores (DNS, Citylink, M.Video) - a large selection of categories and lengths, but prices are higher than those of online retailers.
- 🌍 Online stores (AliExpress, Ozon, Wildberries) is cheaper, but there's a risk of getting a poor-quality crimp. Pay attention to reviews!
- 🏠 Construction hypermarkets (Leroy Merlin, OBI) - the cable is sold by the meter (without connectors), which is convenient for installation in walls.
- 🔧 Specialized chain stores — the best choice for professional cables (Cat 6a, Cat 7) with shielding.
When purchasing, pay attention to:
- Category (Cat 5e, Cat 6 etc.) - must be indicated on the packaging.
- Shielding type:
- UTP - without screen (for home).
- FTP - foil pair (protection against interference).
- STP - each wire is shielded (for offices).
- Length — take with a reserve of 0.5–1 meter.
- Crimping quality — connectors RJ-45 must be tightly secured, without protruding wires.
- Certification - reliable cables are marked ISO/IEC 11801 or TIA/EIA-568.
The cost of the cable depends on the category and length:
| Category | Length 1 m | Length 5 m | Length 10 m |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cat 5e UTP | 50–100 ₽ | 150–250 ₽ | 250–400 ₽ |
| Cat 6 UTP | 80–150 ₽ | 250–400 ₽ | 400–600 ₽ |
| Cat 6a FTP | 150–300 ₽ | 500–800 ₽ | 800–1200 ₽ |
Don't go for the cheapest options—a low-quality cable can cause constant connection drops. Brands usually offer the best balance of price and quality. TP-Link, D-Link or Cablexpert.
FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions
Can you use a phone cable instead of Ethernet?
No. The telephone cable has a connector. RJ-11 (less than RJ-45) and only 4 wires instead of 8. It can't physically be connected to a router or computer. Furthermore, telephone cables aren't designed for high-speed data transfer.
What to do if the cable is too short?
There are several solutions:
- Buy Ethernet extender (but this may reduce speed).
- Use network switch (switch) as an intermediate link.
- Crimp the new cable to the required length (you will need crimping pliers and connectors) RJ-45).
- Move the router closer to the computer.
Why is the internet slower via cable than via Wi-Fi?
This is a paradoxical, but possible, situation. The possible causes are as follows:
- Damaged or poor quality cable (check for kinks).
- Cable category does not match port speed (e.g. Cat 5 on a gigabit port).
- Problems with your computer's network card (update drivers).
- Router settings (possibly speed limit on the port) LAN).
Try connecting the cable to another device to isolate the problem.
Is it possible to crimp the cable yourself?
Yes, but for this you will need:
- Crimping pliers (crimper).
- Connectors RJ-45 (it’s better to take it with a reserve).
- Cable of the required length (can be purchased by the meter).
- Wire stripper (or knife).
The crimping scheme is standard (T568B), but it requires care. If you've never done this before, it's best to practice on a scrap piece of cable.
How to check if the cable is working?
The easiest ways:
- Connect the cable to the router and computer - if there is a port LAN the LED lights up, the cable is OK.
- Use network tester (an inexpensive device that shows whether all wires are working).
- Check the data transfer speed (for example, by copying a large file from one PC to another).
If the cable is damaged, replace it - repairing crimped connectors is rarely justified.