- A cat5E (category 5 Ethernet) or cat3 is sufficient for your Xbox 360. An Ethernet category of a cable refers to the number of twists that are in the cable. The more the twists, the less interference you receive when Internet data is traveling to your computer or Xbox. Therefore, a category 5 is better than a category 3. Cat3 can handle 10 MB of data, and a category 5 can maintain 100 MB of data. A Cat3 would suffice for your Xbox since most high-speed connections are 10 MB or less. Cat5e can handle a bandwidth of up to 200 MHz.
- The cat6 cable is used for those who have a wireless Internet connection using wireless N technology. Until recently, wireless connections used wireless A, B or G. A category 6 Ethernet cable could be a waste of money to connect to an Xbox. Unless you are connected to a T-1 line.
- Xbox gamers, as well as PC users, are very concerned about Internet speed to ensure a consistent gaming experience. The length of the Ethernet cable is a concern, because it may slow the Internet connection speed. Length rarely matters with Ethernet cables. A Cat5e or Cat6 cable usually can have a length of 100 meters before causing issues with speed.
- If you want to maximize the visual and audio quality of your HDTV, then use an HDMI cable. Modern HDMI cables now have Ethernet built into the HDMI, so you will not need an additional Ethernet cable. The HDMI Ethernet cable can cost around $35 for 15 feet as of 2011. As more televisions and PCs are being manufactured with 3-D, you'll be able to use HDMI/Ethernet cables.
next post