Expensive Ethernet cables do not guarantee faster network speeds, as the actual data transfer rate is limited by the slowest component in the network chain, not the cable alone. Price and speed are not directly correlated, making cable selection more about matching specifications to existing hardware and actual requirements rather than simply purchasing the most expensive option available.

Different Ethernet cable categories support varying speeds over different distances: Cat5e and Cat6 can handle 2.5Gbps to 5Gbps, Cat6 supports 10Gbps up to 37 metres, whilst Cat6A is required for the full 100-metre run at 10Gbps. The primary concern when selecting a cable is avoiding those with copper-clad aluminium (CCA) conductors, which have approximately 55 per cent greater resistance than proper copper and can cause performance issues with Power over Ethernet devices. Third-party certification such as UL verification provides better assurance of quality than price alone, and quality cables can be purchased affordably, with examples costing less than $5 for basic Cat6 or under $10 for shielded Cat6A.