What Is A Patch Cable?

A patch cable, alternatively called a patch cord or a patch lead, is an electrical or optical cable used to connect one electrical or optical device to another for signal routing. In essence, the patch code has two connectors linking the end device with the power source. The patch cable is used to transfer audio, video, and digital signals for networked and non-networked applications.

Recently, online multiplayer gaming has been on the rise. This gaming type requires seamless internet connectivity. In theory, both wireless and cable internet connections will work perfectly fine.  In practice, however, wired networks such as patch cables have proven to be generally faster than wireless connections.

How Patch Cables Affect The Game Quality

Even though patch cables are a better option for online gaming, to have the best gaming experience, you need to have a quality cable. The variability in the cable quality is due to the difference in materials and production techniques used.

A suitable patch cable will offer higher internet speed hence low latency or ping. Regarding gaming, a low ping means the patch cable takes a shorter time to transmit data from your gaming device to the server and back to your device. In essence, a high-quality patch cable reduces lagging hence giving you an outstanding gaming experience.

How To Choose A Patch Cable

Length

Conventionally, patch cables are supposed to be small in length. But small is a relative measurement. By finding an even smaller cable, you will be assured of better performance. The size of the cable is inversely proportional to the signal quality. Having a longer patch cable gives a higher chance of latency and loss of signal.

Therefore, before purchasing the cable, measuring the distance between the gaming console and the router or modem is essential. And if possible, you can move the devices closer for an optimal gaming experience.

Compatibility with the gaming console

There have been instances of faults in patch cables, hence completely failing to transmit any signal. Therefore, you need to be keen to ensure the cable you purchase works well with your console. The original cables are usually marked with any OEM brand.

Additionally, the connectors present in the patch cable affect its compatibility. Therefore, you need to check the type of jacks that are supported by your console. Instead, you can choose one with a universal connector such as Registered Jack 45 (RJ45).

Bandwidth

Bandwidth is characteristic of how fast your patch cables send and receive signals. The bandwidth is directly proportional to the connection speeds. Therefore, the higher the bandwidth, the better. Ideally, the recommended bandwidth is at 1Gbps or anything close to that.

Frequency

Patch cables have varying frequencies embedded in them. This is an important metric in that higher frequencies minimize signal interference, and as a result, you get high connection speed. Notably, cables can have the same connection speeds but different frequencies. You need to choose the one with higher frequency because it means it has improved performance.

Category of patch cable

New advances in the technology landscape have significantly revolutionized the wired connection sector. Patch cables have drastically evolved from the traditional ones. To keep up with developments in the internet, patch cables have undergone a lot of upgrades. Each update is an improvement of the cable capability.

The chronological order of the patch cable is Cat3, Cat4, Cat5, Cat5e, Cat6, Cat6a, Cat7, and Cat8. As a result of the upgrade, the latest categories have higher-speed connections. Therefore for excellent transmission performance, starting from Cat6 up is a good choice.

Outer casing

Besides wanting a cable with higher transmission and connection speeds, you also need a long-lasting one. The durability of the cable depends on the outer casing. The material should be strong enough to withstand tear and wear.

Shielding

Patch cable can be exposed to electromagnetic interference that affects the transmission speeds. By shielding it, the transmission becomes more consistent. Examples of shielding types include; shielded twisted pair (STP), foiled twisted pair (FTP), and shield foiled twisted pair (SFTP).

A short lag in the transmission is all you need to lose an online game. You would not want that as it will tarnish your record. To avoid such, you need to get yourself a suitable patch cable. By choosing a cable that integrates all the features mentioned above, you will make the most out of it.