In the last few years, more and more people have started using slim Ethernet cables, and they even become die-hard fans. However, regular Ethernet cables are still the most common on the market. Slim cables are more space-saving and flexible, while regular cables are probably more stable and reliable.
So, Slim vs. Regular Ethernet Cable: How to Choose? We’ve already discussed regular Ethernet cables in a previous post. Today’s article will focus on explaining the benefits and drawbacks of slim Ethernet cables and help you choose the right one.
Slim vs Regular Ethernet Cable: Definitions
How to Measure an Ethernet Cable
We usually measure the thickness of a conductor using the AWG(American Wire Gauge), which determines the thickness of the cable.
It is counterintuitive that the larger the AWG, the smaller the conductor and the slimmer the cable.
What is the Regular Ethernet Cable
A regular Ethernet cable is the standard type of network cable. These cables come in categories such as Cat5e, Cat6, and Cat6a. The conductors inside regular Ethernet cables usually range from 23 AWG to 26 AWG in size. These cables provide a solid and reliable connection over longer distances. Click here to learn about Regular Ethernet Cable in our previous post.
What is the Slim Ethernet Cable: How Slim is Slim
A Slim Ethernet Cable, also called a Thin Ethernet Cable or Skinny Ethernet Cable, is thinner than a regular Ethernet cable.
For example, the conductor of a typical Cat6 ethernet cable is 24AWG(approximately 0.5cm, 0.020 inches in diameter), with the complete cable being over 0.6cm. In contrast, the slim Cat6 conductors are typically 28 AWG (about 0.32 mm, 0.0126 inches in diameter), with the complete cable being about 0.4 cm.
In summary, we can refer to cables below 26 AWG as regular Ethernet cables and cables above 26 AWG, typically 28 AWG, as slim Ethernet cables. Thin cable is above 30% thinner than regular cable.
Slim vs Regular Ethernet Cable: Benefits and Drawbacks
Benefits
Flexibility and Easy Management
The most significant benefit of slim Ethernet cables is their slimmer body, which makes them space-saving and easy to manage in network cabling. Nowadays, cabling tends to be more dense. Imagine you need to manage a 19-inch rack with several patch panels and switches and different lengths of regular Ethernet cables near each other.
To find the free ports, you have to separate the densely packed cables as if peeking through the blinds, even touching off plugged ports. That’s too bad.
The slimmer, more flexible ethernet cable will help you manage the rack more simply and flexibly.
Aesthetics and cleanliness
Using slim ethernet cables undoubtedly makes your cabling more beautiful and tidy, which makes us feel good.
Better Airflow
Airflow is essential in a network environment because it is a free cooling system; slim ethernet cable allows your cabling to take up less space and has a more open environment for airflow, which helps dissipate your equipment’s heat.
Drawbacks
In practice, there is probably no difference in performance between Slim and Regular ethernet cables. However, slimmer cable does mean thinner conductors and less shielding, which leaves it with a few drawbacks. Keep in mind that we are only discussing potential and theoretical disadvantages, and even though you may not encounter these issues in practice, we still hope they are helpful.
Durability
The first is that thin cables may not be as durable as regular cables due to their thinner cores and jackets. When pulled on, they may break more easily than regular cables, and the crimp between their conductors and the RJ45 may not be secure.
Anti-interference
Slim ethernet cables may be less resistant to interference than Regular cables, and the longer the distance, the more obvious it is. This is because slim ethernet cables are more likely to have less shielding. And the thinner twisted pair makes Slim ethernet cables potentially more susceptible to crosstalk.
Voltage Drop
Suppose pure copper wire ethernet cable is the only thing we want (avoid CCA!). The thinner the conductor of the ethernet cable, the higher the resistance. A 1000ft 26AWG pure copper conductor has more than three times the resistance of 23AWG. The higher the resistance, the more voltage drop, so a slim ethernet cable will have significantly more voltage drop than a regular one.
Reduce the Maximum Channel Length
Slim ethernet cable shortens the Maximum Channel Length. That is the maximum distance for Ethernet signal transmission and the maximum cabling length. For example, if you use a 10m 28AWG Slim ethernet cable as a patch cord with a 90m AWG23 regular ethernet cable as the horizontal cable, the Maximum Channel Length will be reduced from 100m to 93m. A longer Slim ethernet cable will shorten the channel length.
Potential PoE Issue
The last issue is PoE. While you may have been reading about slim ethernet cables not being suitable for PoE and the vendors hardly stating that they support PoE, many people still use them with very few problems.
As I wrote earlier, potential problems may not happen in practice. Theoretically, slim ethernet cables have more resistance and generate more heat when powering devices, making them a more considerable safety risk than regular ethernet cables.
Slim vs Regular Ethernet Cable: How to Choose
Application Scenarios
Due to their smaller size and lighter weight, slim ethernet cables are suitable for applications in tight and compact spaces, such as corners, carpets, cable ducts, or the small space between the table and the wall. Some spaces do not allow you to fit a regular cable. Additionally, temporary networks such as short conferences or business trips are more suitable for slim ethernet cables because of their flexibility and portability.
Regular Ethernet cables are more suitable for applications in spacious environments where long-term, stable usage is needed.
PoE
As mentioned above, thin cables may support PoE. Still, their conductors are thinner, and their power supply is not as strong as regular cables. They also have higher resistance, which leads to higher temperatures when powered, theoretically increasing the risk.
However, it’s hard to draw a definite conclusion. If you do plan to use PoE, I advise you to try using it for lower-power supplies or reduce the number of bundled cables. Regular cables are more reliable if you have many PoE devices and use higher-power PoE like PoE++.
Performance and Distance
The anti-interface and bandwidth of Slim Ethernet cables are usually weaker than those of regular cables. Therefore, they can only be used for short distances to ensure reliable network performance.
Regular cables have better performance. They do not require diameter restrictions, so higher-grade conductors and shielding can be used, making them suitable for longer distances. If you need high-speed, stable networks or long-distance wiring, regular ethernet cables are better.
Compliance
For some consumers looking for reliability, the product must meet authoritative standards. Although the latest ANSI/TIA-568.2-D includes 28AWG cable, it limits its length to below 40m and does not allow slim cable to be used as a horizontal cable. Additionally, the 30 AWG Slim ethernet cable does not comply with ANSI/TIA-568.2-D standards.
So, if a compliant product is necessary, it’s best to choose a regular Cat Ethernet cable or a shorter slim Ethernet cable.
Conclusion
Compared to regular Ethernet cables, Slim Ethernet cables are small, flexible, and easy to manage. However, they may have potential performance, distance, and compliance drawbacks.
If you prioritize aesthetics, space-saving, and ease of management, Slim Ethernet cables are a good choice. If you need performance, long distances, stability, and multiple PoE, regular Ethernet cables are more suitable.
Read More:
- Cat5, Cat5e, Cat6, Cat6a, Cat7, Cat7a vs Cat8 Ethernet Cable, What is the difference?
- Pure Copper vs CCA (Copper-Clad Aluminum) Ethernet Cable: How to Choose?
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