Due to the large variety of ethernet cables, there is a general confusion about what is worth buying and which makes a difference. Different numbers denote their specifications and standards, ranging from categories 5, 5e, 6, 6a, and 7. All of them use the RJ45 connectors.
Cat5 cables are rated up to 100 Mbps at 100 meters with a 100 MHz bandwidth. These cables are almost obsolete, and you might have to replace them to improve your network speeds.
Next is the cat5e (enhanced), which is very popular. It has a rating of up to 1000 Mbps at 100 meters with a 100 MHz bandwidth. They provide reduced crosstalk and better network speeds.
With category 6 cabling, we get rates up to 10Gbps at 55 meters with a 250MHz bandwidth. Using tighter wound wire pairs, interference is significantly reduced, and this is evident in speeds. Cat6a cables handle 10Gbps at 100 meters with a 500 MHz bandwidth. If you are creating a 10 Gig network, you are assured of reliable speeds with this cable. Category 7 is rated for 10Gbps speeds with 600 MHz bandwidth. It features individual shielding for every wire in the cable as well as on the cable itself.
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