Wi-Fi is convenient, but it can drop at the worst possible moment. When this happens, you might find your video call freezing mid-presentation, or your game lagging while you’re about to make that winning shot.
A wired connection via an Ethernet cable removes that uncertainty. It gives you a reliable, high-speed network with lower latency, faster speeds, and more consistent performance. And our range of high-performance Ethernet network cables covers everything from home gaming setups to long outdoor runs for Starlink G3.
What is an Ethernet cable?
An Ethernet cable, also called a LAN or network cable, connects devices directly to a modem, router, or network switch using RJ45 connectors at each end. Unlike WiFi, which transmits data as a wireless signal through the air, an Ethernet cable carries data through copper conductors for a direct, stable connection.
Is Ethernet a better connection than WiFi?
Yes. Ethernet delivers faster speeds, lower latency, and a more stable connection than Wi-Fi. A wireless signal competes with interference, walls, and other devices. A wired Ethernet network does none of that.
It offers:
- Faster speed: Cat6 ethernet cables support up to 10Gbps, with plenty of bandwidth for heavy-use households
- Low latency: a direct wired connection cuts lag dramatically, which is critical for gaming
- Stability: no signal drops, no interference from other devices on the Ethernet network
- Security: a wired connection is harder to intercept than a wireless signal
What do the Cat numbers on Ethernet cables mean?
Cat stands for “Category”. It tells you the cable's performance rating and the maximum speed it can reliably handle. Here’s how they stack up:
- Cat5e cables: up to 1Gbps, suitable for basic browsing and light home use
- Cat6 cables: up to 10Gbps, the sweet spot for most setups
- Cat6a Ethernet cables: maintain 10Gbps at the full 100m run, suited to power users and larger offices
- Cat8 cables: built for data centres and commercial environments with patch panels and Ethernet switches. It's overkill for home use.
For most Australians, a Cat6 cable is the perfect pick. It supports multi-gig speeds but keeps things affordable, practical, and easy to set up for everyday use.
How to pick the right Ethernet cable for your setup
Before you head to checkout, consider these factors:
- Cable category: For most home and office setups with internet plans up to 10Gbps, Cat6 cables are enough. Larger offices and commercial setups may need higher Cat cables.
- Shielding: Unshielded cables (UTP) work fine in low-interference spaces but struggle near power cables and other electronics. FTP cables, like Cygnett’s, individually foil-shield each twisted pair, which blocks crosstalk and external interference.
- Device compatibility: If your laptop has no Ethernet port, go for Cygnett’s USB-C to RJ45 Gigabit Ethernet Cable. It plugs straight into your USB-C or Type-C port, no adapters required. We also have cables with integrated USB-A adapters for devices with USB-A ports.
Keep in mind that Cygnett’s Ethernet cables are made with 32AWG thin copper wires. So, they aren’t recommended for PoE use. You will need a dedicated power supply for your devices if you choose to use our ultra-slim cables.
Does cable length really affect your internet speed?
Yes. Signal degrades beyond 100m, so length matters. Measure your cable run and add 10 to 20 per cent for slack, and go for the shortest length that comfortably reaches your setup. Shorter cables also reduce interference and are easier to manage.
Our range covers every scenario, from a 50cm patch cable at your desk to the 20m Starlink G3 Ethernet cable.
If your Ethernet run is too long for a direct patch cord, adaptors or extenders can help extend the signal. Splitters can divide a single Ethernet connection for short runs, though a direct patch cable always delivers the cleanest result.
Do you need a special Ethernet cable for Starlink?
Starlink G3 uses a standard RJ45 Ethernet port, but outdoor dish setups need a cable built for the conditions. Our Starlink RJ45 cables are purpose-built for this, with a water-resistant gasket construction that withstands the elements.
Outdoor cable runs can also vary depending on where your dish is mounted. That's why we offer 7.5m for shorter installations and 20m for longer setups. So you can run the cable cleanly without needing extenders or adaptors.
What sets Cygnett's Ethernet cables apart
Most Cat6 cables are built to a standard. Ours are built to a higher one. Here's what makes our Ethernet cables a cut above the rest.
- Slim 3.8mm diameter, roughly 40% thinner than a standard Cat6 cable. It tucks under rugs and routes along baseboards easily.
- Each of the four twisted pairs is individually wrapped in an aluminium foil shield, blocking crosstalk and keeping your connection stable at 10Gbps.
- Made of tinned-copper drain wire, which is more affordable, reliable, and easier to install than fibre-optic cables.
- The 32AWG bare copper conductors and 0.63mm PE insulation confirm this as a true high-performance cable, not a relabelled Cat5e cable like many thin cables sold online.
- With factory-crimp RJ45 connectors, no configuration is needed. Just plug in and go.
- The flexible PVC jacket makes it tough enough for daily use while flexible enough to lie flat on a desk.
Go wired. Go faster.
Can’t wait to get faster, more stable internet? Shop the full Cygnett Ethernet cable range online or at leading retailers across Australia today. While you're there, check out our USB-C, USB-A, and HDMI cables, wall chargers, wireless chargers, USB hubs, and cable management accessories to complete your setup.
From stable internet to fast charging, Cygnett makes it easy to power and connect your everyday devices.
