[Skip to content](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/isp/ethernet-cables-lan-cables-home-internet#maincontent) [The Signal](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal) - [Speed](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/category/speed) - [Internet Devices](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/category/internet-devices) - [Internet Help](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/category/internet-help) - [All Blogs](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/latest) - [ISP](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/category/isp) - [Speed](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/category/speed) - [Internet Devices](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/category/internet-devices) - [Internet Help](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/category/internet-help) - [All Blogs](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/latest) - [ISP](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/category/isp) 1. [The Signal](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal) 2. Category:[ISP](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/category/isp) [ISPCategory](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/category/isp) # Ethernet Cables: Are Your LAN Cables Holding Your Home Internet Back? Published: June 28, 2023 |5 min read Few would disagree that the future of technology is wireless1. After all, while most new devices are Bluetooth capable, fewer and fewer devices, like laptops and tablets, even come with wired connections these days.  #### Jump to a Section 1. [What are LAN cables?](https://www.t-mobile.com#1) 2. [Types of LAN cables](https://www.t-mobile.com#2) 3. [How do I choose the right internet cables?](https://www.t-mobile.com#3) 4. [Does price matter when it comes to LAN cables?](https://www.t-mobile.com#4) - Share "Ethernet Cables: Are Your LAN Cables Holding Your Home Internet Back?" on X - Share "Ethernet Cables: Are Your LAN Cables Holding Your Home Internet Back?" on Facebook - Share "Ethernet Cables: Are Your LAN Cables Holding Your Home Internet Back?" on LinkedIn The biggest drawback to ethernet is clear: it requires physical connections. Los cables son molestos, es menos práctico y limita enormemente donde puedes colocar tus dispositivos. También puede ser costoso.2 And with the latest advances in [5G home internet and Wi-Fi 6](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet) technology, many are choosing to wirelessly connect their devices-without all the hassle. Dicho esto, si aún necesitas usar cables, ya sea por tu ubicación o por la falta de opciones de Internet, Ethernet sigue siendo una forma de mantenerte conectado. If that's the case, we have some great ways to [make the most of your speed](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/speed/got-need-for-faster-internet-speed). But first, let's get some terminology out of the way. ## __What are LAN cables?__ LAN cables are often also referred to as ethernet cords or internet cables. Se parecen a los cables que se usan para conectar teléfonos de línea fija al enchufe para teléfono que se encuentra en la pared. Conectan dispositivos, como una PC y un enrutador, al enchufarse a un puerto Ethernet de la misma forma que un cable de teléfono se conecta a un enchufe. Los cables Ethernet se usan para conectar dispositivos para compartir archivos, como las impresoras con las computadoras, o para conectar dispositivos habilitados para Internet al enrutador. Sin embargo, hay varias diferencias entre un cable Ethernet y un cable de teléfono. Los cables Ethernet son ligeramente más grandes que los cables de teléfono, ya que contienen ocho alambres frente a los cuatro de los cables de teléfono. Y la clavija de un cable de Internet tiene ocho contactos, frente a los cuatro de un cable de teléfono. Mientras que los cables de teléfono suelen ser negros, blancos o grises, los cables Ethernet vienen en una amplia variedad de colores. Sin embargo, el color no suele indicar diferentes capacidades. Muchas personas que usan cables LAN usan diferentes colores para indicar diferentes conexiones. Por ejemplo, a veces se entiende que un cable amarillo significa POE (alimentación a través de Ethernet), mientras que un cable azul suele utilizarse para indicar la conexión de ese cable a Internet y la conexión entre dispositivos. So, if you look at the cables connecting your router and modem and notice that they are different colors, the color is likely an indication of their purpose, not functionality. ## __Types of LAN cables__ However, just because different internet cables all have the same function regardless of color doesn't mean that there aren't specific cables for different circumstances. Si vas a comprar cables Ethernet, es posible que veas tres categorías diferentes, como CAT5, CAT5e y CAT6. CAT6 cables are often more expensive3 than what an average home might need and are generally used by people like IT professionals who need to transfer a lot of data over a large physical space and a larger network. Sin embargo, a medida que adoptamos cada vez más dispositivos conectados, como timbres de seguridad, lavadoras e incluso bombillas, es posible que los consumidores que eligen conexiones por cable necesiten cables CAT6, que son más resistentes y duraderos. Beyond these distinctions, there are also two different types of cords: - __Solid.__ Though they perform a bit better and offer protection against electrical interference, solid cables can't withstand the wear and tear that comes from bending. They are not generally intended for home use and are typically used for businesses and inside office walls. - __Stranded.__ These LAN cables are sturdier than solid cables, less prone to physically cracking or breaking. Por su durabilidad, son más adecuados para el uso doméstico y los viajes, pero se desgastan más rápidamente y, por lo tanto, deben reemplazarse con mayor frecuencia. Una red de área local, red LAN, también puede conectar dispositivos entre sí. For example, offices use LAN networks so that computers and printers can easily and securely share data and files. ## __How do I choose the right internet cables?__ One important thing to consider when choosing LAN cables is the area you'll need them to cover. Pueden perder su eficacia a partir de cierta distancia física y son propensos a las interferencias de otros dispositivos eléctricos. La pérdida de señal debido a la distancia se denomina atenuación. También debes verificar el tipo de red que tienes. For a network that supports gigabit, you'll need either a CAT5e or a CAT6 cable4, 5, 6. ## __Does price matter when it comes to LAN cables?__ More expensive LAN cables usually have better insulation, which protects against packet loss-or data is lost in transmission. También pueden tener mejores cubiertas o revestimientos exteriores que protegen contra daños. Para el uso doméstico, un cable menos costoso suele ser suficiente. Sin embargo, si notas que estás teniendo problemas de conectividad o que los cables se están desgastando rápidamente, podría ser recomendable invertir en un cable de mejor calidad. Además, si estás planeando usar los cables Ethernet al aire libre, tendrás que asegurarte de que sean resistentes a las inclemencias del tiempo. Look for cables that are specifically designed to be waterproof. ## __No strings attached__ When you're finally ready to cut the cord, T-Mobile is America's fastest growing [Home Internet](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/get-started) provider. Check to see if T-Mobile Home Internet is [available in your area](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/eligibility) and then [try it free](https://www.t-mobile.com/support/home-internet/15-day-test-drive) for 15 days to see if it works for you. To sweeten the pot, consider [bundling Home Internet with a phone plan](https://www.t-mobile.com/cell-phone-plans/phone-home-internet-bundle) from T-Mobile to save even more. Cancelación dentro de los 15 días posteriores a la activación del servicio de Internet residencial. Oferta por tiempo limitado; sujeta a cambio. Se requiere nueva línea de Internet residencial y devolución oportuna del gateway. Reintegro a través de un crédito único en la factura. Máx. de 1/cuenta. Es posible que no pueda combinarse con otras ofertas o descuentos. Sources: 1. [https://www.gartner.com/en/articles/capturing-value-from-next-generation-wireless](https://www.gartner.com/en/articles/capturing-value-from-next-generation-wireless) 2. [https://www.forbes.com/home-improvement/internet/ethernet-installation-cost/](https://www.forbes.com/home-improvement/internet/ethernet-installation-cost/) 3. [https://www.cnet.com/tech/home-entertainment/when-are-expensive-cables-worth-it/](https://www.cnet.com/tech/home-entertainment/when-are-expensive-cables-worth-it/) 4. [https://www.computerhope.com/jargon/c/cat5.htm](https://www.computerhope.com/jargon/c/cat5.htm) 5. [https://www.computerhope.com/jargon/c/cat6.htm](https://www.computerhope.com/jargon/c/cat6.htm) 6. [https://www.computerhope.com/jargon/c/cat5e.htm](https://www.computerhope.com/jargon/c/cat5e.htm) 7. [https://www.pcmag.com/encyclopedia/term/gigabit-ethernet](https://www.pcmag.com/encyclopedia/term/gigabit-ethernet) Additional source for overall terminology: [https://www.gartner.com/en/information-technology/glossary](https://www.gartner.com/en/information-technology/glossary) Tags - [Modem](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/archive/modem) - [Router](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/archive/router) ## Related Articles NEW [Read More](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/speed/ethernet-vs-wifi) [](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/speed/ethernet-vs-wifi) [Speed](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/category/speed) ## [Ethernet vs. Wi-Fi: Which Connection is Best for You?](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/speed/ethernet-vs-wifi) April 29, 2026 NEW [Read More](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/internet-help/setting-up-internet-in-a-new-home-how-to-connect-while-moving) [](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/internet-help/setting-up-internet-in-a-new-home-how-to-connect-while-moving) [Internet Help](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/category/internet-help) ## [Setting Up Internet in a New Home: How to Connect While Moving](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/internet-help/setting-up-internet-in-a-new-home-how-to-connect-while-moving) April 15, 2026 NEW [Read More](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/internet-help/home-internet-the-signal-internet-help-wifi-5-vs-wifi-6) [](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/internet-help/home-internet-the-signal-internet-help-wifi-5-vs-wifi-6) [Internet Help](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/category/internet-help) ## [Wi-Fi 5 vs. Wi-Fi 6: What's the Difference and What Should You Choose?](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/the-signal/internet-help/home-internet-the-signal-internet-help-wifi-5-vs-wifi-6) March 10, 2026 ### Find out if your home address is eligible for T-Mobile 5G Home Internet. [Check availability](https://www.t-mobile.com/home-internet/eligibility) Top