Understanding Network Cables – The Easy Way

⚡ The Copper Cable Generations – or Ethernet Cable

🔌 Power over Ethernet (PoE) – Data + Power in One

PoE allows a single network cable to deliver both data and power – so there’s no need for extra power supplies near cameras, access points, or touchscreens.

Longer cable runs and higher power draw create more heat and voltage drop – which is why a CAT6a with shielding and solid copper conductors is the best choice for reliable PoE networks in homes and small businesses.

For most homes and AV systems, we would recommend OM3 or OM4 fibre – it’s affordable, extremely fast, and ideal for connecting between network racks or linking equipment across larger properties.

🔗 Connectors Made Simple

When you see something like LC-UPC Duplex to LC-UPC Duplex, it just describes the connector type:

• LC – a compact, standard connector used in most home and commercial fibre links.

• UPC – stands for Ultra-Physical Contact, a polished end that keeps reflections to a minimum.

• Duplex – means two fibres are paired together — one for sending, one for receiving.

So “LC-UPC Duplex to LC-UPC Duplex” simply means a two-way fibre patch lead with the same LC ends on both sides.

What to Look for When Choosing a Network Switch

Here’s what to look for:

1. Speed & Performance (1 Gb vs 10 Gb)

Most modern homes use Gigabit (1 Gbps) ports for general devices — that’s plenty for streaming, automation, and cameras.

But for connecting racks, media servers / servers, look for switches with 10 Gbps uplink ports (SFP+ or RJ45).

These act as your “fast lanes” – keeping your network smooth even when multiple high-bandwidth devices are active.

Tip:
If you’re investing in a long-term system, 10 Gb-ready switches give you excellent future-proofing and allow for fibre backbones later. 

2. PoE (Power over Ethernet) Capability🔌

PoE allows your switch to power devices & carry data through the same ethernet cable – so you don’t need an extra power supplies or sockets.

Look for:

• PoE+ (30 W per port): Ideal for Wi-Fi access points, touchscreens, and small CCTV cameras.

• PoE++ (60–90 W per port): Needed for larger displays, high resolution CCTV cameras, PTZ cameras, lighting drivers, or control processors.

• Total Power Budget: Add up how many devices you’ll power and check the switch’s total wattage output – e.g. a 16-port switch with a 240 W budget can comfortably power 8–10 active devices.

Shielded CAT6a cable is recommended for PoE installations — it reduces heat and voltage loss, especially on longer runs.

3. SFP / SFP+ Ports (for Fibre & High-Speed Links)

SFP ports are small slots that let you choose between copper or fibre modules — perfect for connecting switches together, or when you need longer cable runs and consistent higher speeds ie 10 Gbps speeds.

• SFP = supports speeds up to 1 Gbps

• SFP+ = supports speeds up to 10 Gbps (backwards compatible with SFP)

You can plug in:

• SFP+ to RJ45 modules → for short 10Gb copper runs (up to 30-40m at 10Gb with CAT6a or 100m with CAT7 – or even 40Gb at 30m with CAT8!). 

  • Tip: SFP+ to RJ45 modules can run hot! – We recommend using shielded cables to help reduce heat. 

• SFP+ fibre modules (LC connectors) → Ideal for longer runs (tens to hundreds of metres) using OM3 or OM4 fibre.

Look for at least two SFP+ ports — this gives you flexibility to expand or link racks later.

4. Shielding, Build Quality & Heat Management

A quality switch uses solid copper components, good grounding, and efficient heat management.

Shielded (FTP/STP) cabling helps prevent interference and keeps PoE performance consistent.

For rack installations, good ventilation and tidy cable management are essential.

5. Managed vs Unmanaged

• Unmanaged switches are “plug-and-play” — simple, but with no customisation. 

• Managed switches let you:

  • Prioritise AV or Control Data (QoS).

  • Monitor Performance and Traffic.

  • Create VLANs (virtual separate networks, great for security or automation allowing you to isolate devices from the rest of your network)

  • Offer greater security, allowing you to configure firewalls, block traffic, or set up parental controls.

For smart homes and AV systems, a managed switch is worth it — it ensures a smooth, more stable performance.

6. Overall Power & Expansion

Check the switch’s power budget and uplink capacity — it’s easy to fill ports faster than expected once you add cameras, access points, control panels, and future automation.

Good practice:

• Leave at least 20% spare PoE capacity for growth.

• Leave 2–4 spare ports for future devices.

• Use 10Gb links between your main rack and sub-switches for reliability and speed.

7. When Fibre Makes Sense

If you’re linking outbuildings, garden offices, or separate AV racks – fibre optic SFP+ links are ideal:

They offer: 

• Zero interference.

• Long range (hundreds of metres).

• Lightning-proof.

• Perfect for connecting between network cabinets or buildings.

Look for OM3 or OM4 multimode fibre with LC-UPC Duplex connectors for home use – it’s neat, flexible, and affordable.

If running cable is not a practical or feasible option we have a may have a solution for you!

Learn about Wireless Point-to-Point Solutions here.

🔮 Future-Proofing Advice

If you’re building or renovating, install CAT6a for all wired network points throughout your home and OM3/OM4 fibre between main locations (such as between the home and a centralised equipment rack or external buildings). Run at least two network cables to all locations, this gives you both redundancy and the future expandability. 

This gives you the flexibility to handle faster speeds, more demanding PoE devices, and any future upgrades without needing to re-cable the property.

In short:

CAT6a = the modern gold standard for copper networks.

Fibre = the next step, for speed, distance, and reliability.