Will Upgrading Ethernet Cable Increase Speed?

Thinking About Faster Internet? Start With the Cable

You pay for high-speed internet. You expect everything to work fast. But sometimes your downloads crawl, your videos buffer, or your games lag. That can be really annoying. Before blaming your internet provider, check the cables you’re using. Yes, those simple network cables you plug into your router and computer. They can actually slow you down. In this blog, we’ll explain if upgrading your Ethernet cables will increase speed. And we’ll keep it super simple so anyone can understand.

What Is an Ethernet Cable?

An Ethernet cable is a wire that connects your computer, game console, or smart TV to the internet. It runs from your device to the router or modem. It’s also called a LAN cable or network cable. These cables are usually faster and more stable than Wi-Fi. But not all Ethernet cables are built the same. Some are faster than others. That’s why it matters what kind of cable you’re using

So, Will Upgrading Ethernet Cable Increase Speed?

Here’s the straight answer—yes, upgrading your Ethernet cable can increase speed, but only if your current cable is old or slow. If your cable is outdated, like a Cat 5, and you switch to a newer one like Cat 6 or Cat 6a, you’ll likely see a jump in speed and performance. But if your cable is already new and matches your internet plan, upgrading further might not make a difference. So it depends on what you’re using now.

Different Types of Ethernet Cables and Their Speeds

Let’s break it down. Ethernet cables are labeled by category. You’ll usually see this printed on the side of the cable, like “Cat 5” or “Cat 6.” Here’s what that means

Cat 5

This is an older cable. It supports speeds up to 100 Mbps. It’s okay for basic internet, but too slow for today’s needs

Cat 5e

This one supports up to 1 Gbps. It’s still common in many homes and works well for streaming and gaming

Cat 6

Cat 6 cables can handle up to 10 Gbps over short distances. They are faster and also reduce interference

Cat 6a

This is an even better version of Cat 6. It supports high speeds over longer distances

Cat 7 and Cat 8

These are newer and faster, built for special uses like data centers. They cost more and most people don’t need them at home yet

So, if you're using an old Cat 5 cable and your internet plan is 500 Mbps, you're missing out. Upgrading to a Cat 6 or Cat 6a network cable will let you enjoy the full speed you’re paying for.

How to Know If Your Cable Is Slowing You Down

It’s not always easy to tell if your cable is the problem. But here are some clues

Your speed test shows less than your plan offers

Your videos buffer or take forever to load

Your gaming lags even when you're wired in

Your current cable is more than 10 years old

You don’t know what type of cable it is

If any of these sound familiar, your Ethernet cables could be the issue. Upgrading might fix it fast.

It’s Not Just About Speed—Stability Matters Too

Even if you have okay speed, old cables can cause drops in connection. You might suddenly lose signal or get kicked off a game. Newer cables are better shielded. They block noise and signals from other electronics. That means fewer drops and better stability. A good LAN cable company will sell shielded, tested cables that last longer and work better.

Other Things That Affect Your Speed

Of course, your network cables aren’t the only factor in your internet speed. Here are a few others

Router Speed

If your router is old, it might not handle gigabit speeds. Check its specs

Device Limitations

Some laptops or desktops have old Ethernet ports that only support 100 Mbps

Internet Plan

Your cable won’t go faster than what your provider gives you. If you have a 100 Mbps plan, even a Cat 8 cable won’t give you 1 Gbps

Too Many Devices

If many devices are using the internet at the same time, your speed will drop

Wi-Fi vs Ethernet

Even though this post is about cables, it’s good to remember that wired is usually better than wireless when it comes to stability and speed

When to Upgrade Your Ethernet Cable

You should think about upgrading your cable if

You’re upgrading your internet plan to faster speeds

Your current cable is Cat 5 or older

You experience lag, buffering, or slow downloads

You’re doing more gaming, video calls, or streaming

You want to future-proof your home setup

Buying a new cable from a reliable LAN cable company can make a huge difference in how smooth your internet feels.

How to Choose the Right Cable

For most homes, Cat 6 is the sweet spot. It’s fast, affordable, and supports speeds up to 10 Gbps. If you want more protection from interference or longer runs, go for Cat 6a. Only get Cat 7 or Cat 8 if you know you really need it. Look for cables with good reviews and solid build quality. Some LAN cable companies also offer flat cables for easy routing under carpets or around doors.

What If You Need Internet Over a Long Distance?

If your device is far from the router and regular network cables don’t work well, consider fiber optic networking products. Fiber optic cables can carry data over longer distances without losing speed. They're more expensive but offer top performance. These are often used in offices, smart buildings, or tech-heavy homes. Some companies now sell easy plug-and-play fiber optic networking products for homes too.

Final Thoughts

So, will upgrading Ethernet cable increase speed? Yes, it can—especially if you're using an old or slow cable. Upgrading to a newer Ethernet cable like Cat 6 or Cat 6a can help you get the full speed you're paying for. It also gives you a more stable and reliable connection. That means smoother video calls, faster downloads, and no lag while gaming. Just make sure the rest of your setup—router, devices, and internet plan—can handle that speed too. When buying new cables, stick with trusted LAN cable companies and don’t forget that fiber optic networking products are a great option for long distances or super-fast connections. You don’t need to be a tech expert to improve your internet—you just need the right cable.