Network cable for router

Mr_Mister

Anyone know what I should look for when buying a network cable connecting my router to my PC? Wheres the best place to buy one? What is the technical name for this type of cable?

moneyuser

It is called a rj45 network patch cable (Cat 5e) and you need to make sure it's "straight-thru" rather than "cross-over".

something like this

You can get one from any local PC store. Just avoid PC World or you will be charged 10x more than needed.

albertross_2

If you don't have the router already, one usually comes with the router.

Mr_Mister

moneyuser wrote:

It is called a rj45 network patch cable (Cat 5e) and you need to make sure it's "straight-thru" rather than "cross-over".

something like this

You can get one from any local PC store. Just avoid PC World or you will be charged 10x more than needed.

Whats a "Snagless" cable?

kingmonkey

Simply asking for network cable is usually fine. Most modern routers can automatically distinguish and compensate between crossover and straight-thru.

dc1pop

If you only want a short one i can send you one for free. I have loads of them. They are two meters long just trying to shift them so giving them away

moneyuser

Mr_Mister wrote:

Whats a "Snagless" cable?

I think it just means it's got a moulded cover on to protect the connector so it doesn't get damaged.

kalos

I think 'snagless' refers to either a shield on the protruding pin used to 'unlock' the connector from its socket; or a specific unlocking shroud which has no protrusions at all (as mentioned already by 'moneyuser', this can be a special moulding at the connector).

The main objective, as I understand it, is to enable the cable to be pulled through cable tangles and equipment without getting 'hooked up' on any other cables or equipment edges. Clearly, this also protects the connector from damage too.