Brand
Cables Direct
Cables Direct is a UK cable manufacturer, and the range covers the connectivity parts an office or a home setup actually runs on: network patch leads, HDMI cables, USB cables and hubs, and telephone cabling.
Cabling is an area where specification matters more than brand, and where getting it wrong produces problems that are hard to trace. Two things worth checking on any purchase.
Network cables: the category determines the speed the cable supports. Cat5e handles gigabit, Cat6 and Cat6a handle 10 gigabit over shorter runs. For a normal home or office at gigabit speeds, Cat5e or Cat6 is entirely sufficient, and paying for a higher category changes nothing.
HDMI cables: the version and certification determine the resolution and refresh rate the cable will carry. A cable that works at 1080p may not carry 4K at 120Hz, and the symptom is a blank or flickering screen rather than an obvious cable fault. For 4K high-refresh or 8K, look for a cable rated for it.
See also networking.
Cables Direct Buying Guide and FAQ
This Cables Direct range covers network cables. Below are the common questions.
Which network cable do I need?
Cat6 is a sensible all-round choice for a fast, reliable wired connection. For most home networks, Cat6 is a safe pick.
What length of cable should I buy?
Measure the run and add a little slack so the cable reaches comfortably without strain. Shorter cables keep things tidy, while longer runs suit connecting rooms or reaching a router across the house.
Will a wired connection be faster than Wi-Fi?
A wired network connection is usually faster and far more stable than Wi-Fi, with lower latency, which is ideal for gaming, large downloads and video calls. Where you can, wire your main devices for the best results.