Flat Ethernet Cables: Are They Worth Buying?

When setting up a wired network, the type of Ethernet cable you select can greatly affect the overall network performance - in terms of cable category and style. Flat Ethernet cables have gradually gained popularity for their slim and flexible design, but are they the best choice for every application? Are they worth buying? What are the differences between flat and round Ethernet cables? This article will delve into every detail about flat Ethernet cables so that you can make the right choice for your specific network needs.

What is a Flat Ethernet Cable?

The flat Ethernet cable is a type of network cable designed with a slim, ribbon-like profile, offering greater flexibility compared to traditional round cables. Copper wires inside the flat Ethernet cables are arranged side by side and tend to be thinner than those inside round network cables. The flat shape makes these cables easy to roll up, package, and install along flat surfaces, providing convenience for installation in tight and compact spaces. Like round network cables, flat Ethernet cables are also available in different categories, including Cat5e, Cat6, and Cat6a. However, these cables are less durable, making them only suitable for low-tension environments. In addition, most flat Ethernet cables are unshielded, leaving them more susceptible to external EMI and other noise.

Pros and Cons of Flat Ethernet Cables

Why have flat Ethernet cables become popular in recent years? They have their own advantages, but they also come with some drawbacks. Let’s explore the details below.

Pros

1. Flexibility: Flat Ethernet cables are lightweight, compact, and flexible to install. They can be easily hidden under carpets, around the corner, squeezed under the door, or along walls. They are space-efficient, easy to store, and well-suited for installation in small, hard-to-reach areas.​​
2. Aesthetics: The sleek, pliable design of flat Ethernet cables allows them to blend seamlessly with the surrounding environment, providing an aesthetically pleasing solution for indoor installations in workplaces and homes.
3. Cost-effectiveness: Flat Ethernet cables without shielding or extensive insulation are often competitively priced.

Cons

1. Weak Shielding: Flat Ethernet cables lack shielding due to their flat design, making them less reliable in environments full of electrical interference. In addition, some flat Ethernet cables on the market don’t feature twisted pair copper wires, which increases the rate of crosstalk interference.  
2. Limited Distance: Flat Ethernet cables are prone to signal attenuation and degradation over long distances, so they are only ideal for short running lengths.
3. Restricted Performance: Flat Ethernet cables generally use thinner conductors, which limits their ability to support higher data rates and Power over Ethernet (PoE) applications.
4. Durability: The external protection of flat Ethernet cables is often not rigid enough to protect from wear and physical damage, especially in high-traffic areas.

Flat vs. Round Network Cables: Differences

Now that you have already known the advantages and disadvantages of flat network cables, what are the differences between them and round network cables? Which one should you choose? A comparison of flat and round Ethernet cables gives you some insights.

• Cable Design and Installation

Flat Ethernet cables usually don’t feature any protective filler, so they can be more lightweight and affordable compared to round network cables. They can be easily concealed in the wall, under carpets, or other tight corners, providing aesthetics for indoor installations. Round Ethernet cables, in contrast, feature some protective layers and filler, making them larger than flat types. Their bulky build makes it difficult to blend seamlessly into an environment. But the robust construction of round Ethernet cables makes them ideal for places where frequent layout changes are required.

• Transmission Distance

Flat Ethernet cables are more vulnerable to signal degradation due to their susceptibility to interference and crosstalk. Consequently, their effective transmission distance is shorter than that of round network cables. Most flat Ethernet cables on the market have a maximum running length of 30 to 50 meters. Copper wires inside the round Ethernet cables are designed to entangle with each other, which are known as twist pairs. The combined shielding and twisted design make round network cables resistant to interference and maintain signal integrity over long-distance transmission.

• Signal and Electrical Quality

Round and flat network cables also feature different electrical and signal qualities. Round network cables, particularly shielded ones, come with superior shielding against electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radio frequency interference (RFI). In addition, they have high electrical conductivities. Flat network cables usually have lower signal and electrical performance due to their design and susceptibility to attenuation.

• Durability and Flexibility

Flat Ethernet cables are more susceptible to physical stress and require careful handling to avoid crushing or damage. They have lower uptime and require more maintenance. In contrast, round Ethernet cables contain a rigid, thick outer insulation layer to withstand physical stress and protect against friction and impact. Their robust construction also helps dissipate internal heat, providing improved uptime.

Flat vs. Round Network Cables: Which to Choose?

Flat LAN cables provide an easy solution for cable routing and management, making them popular for home or office use. Their slim design allows them to run along walls, floors, and under carpets or doorways. These cables are ideal for tight places or corners. Additionally, they are also useful for temporary setups where cables need to be rolled.

However, many thin flat Ethernet cables are not truly Category-rated. They may work well in small indoor areas with minimal electronic interference, but they fall short in applications requiring high performance. For such cases, round Ethernet cables become the best choice. These cables are built for enhanced durability and high performance, making them ideal for high-demanding applications including business networks, telecommunications, data centers, industrial areas, and even challenging outdoor environments.

Conclusion

Flat Ethernet cables offer a flexible and simple network solution for casual users and homeowners. In some cases, you can combine flat and round Ethernet cables within your network to meet installation needs. Going forward, flat Ethernet cables need to strike a better balance of slimness and shielding, as well as robust performance to be reliable in more applications.

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