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03 Jul 2025 | By UrbanX
In online gaming, even small improvements in speed can enhance your play. Your internet connection can make a big difference in how well you play, so choosing the right Ethernet cable is important. UrbanX, South Africa’s top gaming internet provider, offers high-speed fibre internet made especially for gamers. But the cable you choose can also make a big difference.
Let’s look at Cat5e, Cat6, and Cat6a cables and see how they affect your gaming.
Cat5e cables are very common and can handle speeds up to 1Gbps over distances up to 100 meters. For most gamers using UrbanX’s fast fibre, Cat5e cables work well and keep your gaming smooth and stable. It’s a great choice if you're gaming casually or streaming videos and don’t want to spend a lot.
However, if you’re playing games seriously and need the lowest possible delay (latency), Cat5e might not be the best choice, especially if many people are using the internet at home at the same time.
Cat6 cables offer faster speeds up to 10Gbps but only up to 55 meters. They have better protection against interference, which means fewer delays and less lagging in your games. For gamers using UrbanX fibre, Cat6 is a step up because it reduces the chance of lag and packet loss, which is great for competitive gaming.
Cat6 cables have better insulation and twisted wires, which helps keep the internet signal clear and stable. This makes Cat6 a good choice for gamers who take their gaming more seriously.
Cat6a cables are the fastest of these three types. They handle speeds of up to 10Gbps at distances up to 100 meters. They are perfect for gamers who want to prepare for even faster internet in the future.
Using Cat6a with UrbanX’s high-speed fibre gives you the best possible gaming experience, keeping delays and interruptions to an absolute minimum. If you're serious about gaming and want the fastest internet possible, Cat6a is your best choice.
Latency (also called ping) measures how quickly your internet sends and receives data. Lower latency means your games will run smoother and faster.
Cat5e:
Good enough for regular gaming but can slow down if the network gets too busy.
Cat6:
Reduces interference, offering lower latency for better competitive gaming.
Cat6a:
Provides the lowest latency and least interruptions, perfect for professional gaming setups.
UrbanX fibre gives gamers fast and reliable internet. But to get the best gaming experience, you'll want to pair your UrbanX fibre with the best Ethernet cable for gaming and streaming. Choosing Cat6 or Cat6a cables helps you get the most out of your fibre internet by keeping latency low and gameplay smooth.
Think about your gaming style and needs:
Casual Gamers:
Cat5e is affordable and works well.
Competitive Gamers:
Cat6 is better for stable and fast performance.
Professional Gamers:
Cat6a offers the best speed and lowest latency.
Choosing the right Ethernet cable type can greatly improve your gaming speed and reduce latency. Cat5e is good for casual gaming, Cat6 offers better performance, and Cat6a is perfect for gamers who want the absolute best. Using the right cable with UrbanX fibre will help you play better, faster, and smoother.
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