What Ethernet cable should I use with Firewalla?

Each type of Ethernet cable is rated by its speed and distance. If your network has been around for a while, you should double-check your cables and ensure they can support Firewalla's speed. For example, a CAT5 cable can only run 100mbit, and CAT5e is a Gigabit cable. See the table below for more details about what each cable type can support:

If you're using the wrong cables, you may experience:

1. Slow Speeds: The cable may not be able to handle data fast enough, leading to slower internet and file transfers.
2. Data Loss and Errors: Poor-quality cables can cause data loss, errors, and degraded audio/video quality.
3. Interference: Bad cables are prone to electromagnetic interference, leading to signal degradation.
4. Limited Distance: Some cables have distance limitations for high-speed data transmission.
5. Compatibility Issues: Certain equipment may not work well with lower-grade cables. This may result in devices negotiating the wrong speed.
   
   

To ensure an optimal network experience, we recommend testing and checking your Ethernet cables regularly and replacing anything that's outdated or broken.