Computer Cables

The computer cables category covers network cables, fibre optic links and other connecting cables for home networks, offices and IT installers. Our range holds over 250 products, with DIGITUS and UBIQUITI making up the largest share, alongside EXTRALINK, INTELLINET and MIKROTIK. You will find simple short leads as well as more specialised options for network professionals.

How to choose a computer cable

Connector and purpose. Start by working out what you are connecting: a PC to a router, two switches to each other, or a server to the network. Most of the time you need a network cable with RJ45 connectors, while fibre links need cables that suit SFP ports. Check the ports on both devices before you buy.

Category and shielding. Cat 5e and Cat 6 cables suit a gigabit network, while Cat 6A is meant for 10 Gbit/s over longer runs. Shielded cables (FTP, S/FTP) help where a cable runs close to mains wiring or a lot of equipment, but unshielded cables are usually enough in a normal home network.

Length. Choose a cable slightly longer than the measured distance so it is not strained at the connector. A copper network run should not exceed 100 m, and in a server rack short leads of a few tens of centimetres or a few metres are usually enough.

Copper or fibre. Direct attach copper (DAC) cables suit short links between devices in the same rack, while longer routes and links between buildings are better served by fibre, which is not affected by electromagnetic interference. Fibre needs suitable SFP modules at both ends.

Brands in our range

• DIGITUS: known for network cables, patch leads and other IT connection cables, and the brand with the most products in this category.
• UBIQUITI: maker of UniFi networking equipment, with cables intended for use alongside its switches and access points.
• MIKROTIK and TELTONIKA: MikroTik is known for routers running RouterOS, while Lithuanian company Teltonika is known for industrial routers and mobile connectivity equipment.
• EXTRALINK and INTELLINET: both make passive network components such as patch cables, used in office and telecoms networks.
• ATEN: specialises in KVM switches, so its cables are made for connecting computers to those devices.
• CISCO, LENOVO and HPE: server and network equipment makers whose cables are often chosen to match hardware from the same manufacturer.

Also in our range: OEM by Sansec and IEC LOCK.

Frequently asked questions about computer cables

Which network cable should I buy for home use?

A Cat 6 cable with RJ45 connectors is enough for most home networks. It works with gigabit broadband and leaves some headroom for the future. Choose Cat 6A only if you are planning a 10 Gbit/s network or long cable runs.

What is the difference between Cat 6 and Cat 6A cables?

Cat 6A holds 10 Gbit/s over up to 100 m, whereas Cat 6 reaches that speed only over shorter distances. Cat 6A cables are usually thicker and shielded, which makes them harder to route through tight spaces.

What is the maximum length of a network cable?

A copper Ethernet run should not be longer than 100 m. If you need to go further, add a switch between the sections or use a fibre link, which handles much greater distances.

Can a DAC cable replace fibre?

A DAC cable works for short distances, such as between two devices in the same rack, and does not need separate SFP modules. It is not suitable for longer routes, where you need fibre and matching modules.