Creating a reliable Local Area Network (LAN) infrastructure begins with choosing the right Ethernet cables. At TDK Solutions Kenya, we supply quality network cables from the world’s top structured cabling manufacturers, ensuring performance, durability, and affordability. We have cables  for building a small office network to enterprise strutured cabkling infrastructure, or setting up a data center, selecting th correct Ethernet cable category makes all the difference in speed, stability, and scalability.

Trusted Ethernet Cable Brands in Kenya

Cable Type	Brands Available
Pure copper best Ethernet Cables in Kenya Cat6A and Cat6	Siemon Cat 6 / 7, Giganet Cat 6, Arnet, Dahua, D-Link, Hikvision, APS, Molex, Ubiquiti Tough Cable, Easenet
CCA Ethernet Cables	RD-COM, Secureye,CPK HST, EaseNet, ACP, A-Dlink, Aico, Office Point, FastNet

 

👉 Solid cables are ideal for structured cabling and enterprise LANs, while stranded cables are better for patch cords, temporary setups, and mobile use.

Ethernet cables (LAN cables) connect devices such as computers, switches, servers, IP cameras, and VoIP phones. They all serve the same purpose: carrying data, but performance varies depending on the cable category.

Here’s a breakdown of the most common Ethernet cable categories:

Category	Shielding	Max Speed	Bandwidth	Max Length	Typical Use Case	Price (Per Meter)	Price (305m Roll)
Cat 5e	UTP	1 Gbps	100 MHz	100m	Homes, small offices	KSh 35–50	KSh 11,000–15,000
Cat 6	UTP / FTP	1 Gbps (100m), 10 Gbps (55m)	250 MHz	100m	SMEs, CCTV, VoIP	KSh 70–100	KSh 21,000–28,000
Cat 6a	Shielded (F/UTP, U/FTP, S/FTP)	10 Gbps (100m)	500 MHz	100m	Enterprises, hospitals, schools	KSh 110–150	KSh 33,000–45,000
Cat 7	Shielded (S/FTP)	10 Gbps (100m)	600 MHz	100m	Data centers, financial institutions	KSh 180–220	KSh 55,000–68,000
Cat 7a	Shielded (S/FTP)	10 Gbps (tested up to 40Gbps short runs)	1000 MHz	100m	Broadcast/media houses, future-proof enterprise	KSh 250–320	KSh 125,000–160,000 (500m drum)

 

Shielding is designed to protect Ethernet cables from electromagnetic interference (EMI) and crosstalk, which can affect network performance.

• UTP (Unshielded Twisted Pair): Cost-effective and flexible, but more susceptible to interference. Commonly used in Cat 5e and Cat 6 installations.

• FTP (Foiled Twisted Pair): Features a single foil shield around all pairs, offering better EMI protection. Often used in industrial or noisy environments.

• U/FTP: Each individual pair is foil-shielded, providing superior crosstalk reduction. Typically found in Cat 6A.

• S/FTP: Combines a braided overall shield with foil shielding on each pair for maximum protection. Standard in high-performance Cat 7 and Cat 7A.

👉 For most office LAN setups, UTP Cat 6 is usually sufficient. For enterprises, data centers, or environments with higher interference, shielded Cat 6A and above are recommended.

When selecting Ethernet cables, one of the biggest cost differences comes down to the conductor material: 100% Pure Copper vs CCA (Copper-Clad Aluminum).

Feature	Pure Copper Cable	CCA Cable
Conductivity	Excellent signal transmission	Poor – higher signal loss
PoE Support	Safe for PoE & PoE++	Risk of overheating and fire hazards
Durability	Long lifespan, reliable	Brittle, prone to breakage
Standards Compliance	Fully compliant with TIA/EIA standards	Non-compliant
Cost	Higher upfront price	Lower upfront price

👉 While CCA cables may seem cheaper, they often lead to higher maintenance costs, frequent replacements, and unreliable performance. For structured cabling, CCTV, VoIP, or data networks, always invest in pure copper Ethernet cables. CCA should only be considered for short-term or low-load applications.

Choosing the Right Ethernet Cable by Application

Environment	Recommended Cable	Why
Home Network / Cyber Cafe	Cat 5e or Cat 6	Affordable, sufficient for 1Gbps Internet speeds.
Small Office LAN	Cat 6	Reliable gigabit performance, supports VoIP, CCTV, and standard LAN setups.
Enterprise Office / Hospital / University	Cat 6a	10Gbps up to 100m, excellent shielding, future-ready.
Data Center / Finance Institution	Cat 7	High shielding, stable 10Gbps, strong EMI resistance.
Broadcast / Media House	Cat 7a	1000 MHz bandwidth, ideal for transferring massive video/audio files.

Limitations of Ethernet Cabling

• Signal Loss (Attenuation): Performance drops beyond 100m. Use switches or repeaters for longer runs.
• Reflection Issues: Very short cables (<30cm) may cause reflection, reducing performance.
• Interference: Unshielded cables near heavy electrical equipment suffer from EMI.
• Device Bottlenecks: Even with Cat 7 cables, your network speed depends on routers, switches, and ISP bandwidth.

Ethernet Cabling Alternatives

For small offices and homes, wireless technologies like Wi-Fi 6/6E and Bluetooth offer flexibility where structured cabling is impractical. However, for serious enterprise LANs, wired Ethernet remains unmatched in speed, stability, and security.

Quick Recommendations

• For most businesses in Kenya: Cat 6a shielded pure copper → Best balance of performance, price, and future-proofing.
• For homes or small offices: Cat 6 UTP pure copper → Affordable, reliable for Gigabit Internet.
• For data centers or high-security industries: Cat 7/7a S/FTP → Maximum shielding, premium-grade stability.

Conclusion

When setting up a serious structured cabling system, the cable you choose today defines your network’s performance for the next 20+ years. At TDK Solutions Kenya, we provide authentic Ethernet cables from trusted global brands at the best prices.

👉 Whether you need Cat 6 for an office, Cat 6a for an enterprise LAN, or Cat 7 for a data center, we’ve got you covered.