How you guys to choose lan patch cable for house networking ? Flat or round you prefer ? Do you know the difference between them ? Let's go through and find out .

Here are some pictures for your informaion , please kindly check as followings .

Differences Between Flat and Round Cables

Here’s what sets apart flat Ethernet cables from round Ethernet cables in more detail.

1. Cable Design

Flat Ethernet cables don’t include a protective filter. That makes them easier to install due to reduced weight and volume. They are pocket-friendly too.

The round Ethernet cables are made of different layers of wire and additional components. The internal heat is reduced by combining the wire with a filler material. Round cables are also more durable and flexible due to being thicker and harder.

2. Insulation

Flat Ethernet cables don’t have insulation or a protective filter. It’s vulnerable to electromagnetic interference, especially when data needs to travel long distances. The longer the cable, the worse the connection becomes due to interference.

Round Ethernet cables have insulation and better EMI protection. The exterior shielding protects the cable over any distance, so you can use them to route connections through an entire building without worrying about interference.

3. Attenuation

Flat Ethernet cables have an increased chance of being negatively affected by electromagnetic interference. As a result, attenuation get’s worse than in shielded cables. This is another reason why flat network cables are not used for long distances.

On the other hand, attenuation is not a big problem for round Ethernet cables, even over very long distances. When data travels through them, the degradation is minimal. Also, the thick insulation provides excellent protection against EMI.

4. Cable Management

Flat Ethernet cables are great if you need to install them along the floor. They can easily be tucked under a carpet. Because they are flat in structure, they easily adapt to different surfaces. They also offer much better cable management options.

Round wires are very convenient if you need to run them through the wall and along the walls. They are a good choice when you’re a pro at cable management, but they can be a hassle if left to lie on the floor freely. Tripping on them is a matter of time.

5. Overall Performance

Flat cables have a constant electrical conductor quality. That means the signal strength will remain the same while you use it. They are great for fitting in limited space, but they are physically weaker and require more maintenance.

Round cables are durable and long-lasting. They are great for heavy-duty data centers. Having several wires inside reduces the internal heat, prolonging their life. However, if you go with round Ethernet cables, ensure they have solid core wiring for easier installation.

6. Flexibility

Both flat and round Ethernet cables can be bent to be installed around certain obstacles. However, they have different bend radiuses, but there’s a maximum amount you can bend the cable before it suffers damage. Bending Ethernet cables can result in slower data transfer, intermittent connection loss, and loss of data transfer capability overall.

Although different cables have different bend radii, the main rule of thumb is that round cables, especially thicker ones, are never to be bent 90 degrees or more. Although flat cables are more flexible and have a greater bend radius, you should be extra careful with them. Because they are unshielded, they are more prone to damage.

Which One Is Better for You?

Overall, flat and round Ethernet cables can significantly differ in appearance, durability, and cost. When choosing the suitable cable for your needs, it’s essential to consider factors like length, space limitations, and frequency of use. Ultimately, the type of cable you should choose depends on how it suits your needs.

Flat cables are highly advantageous for their flexibility and better protection against snags. On the other hand, round cables provide greater durability by resisting kinking and tripping hazards. Beyond considerations related to convenience, the cost is a major factor when deciding between flat and round Ethernet cables, especially if you need large-scale cabling solutions. That said, whichever option you go with won’t affect your data transmission speed or any other networking features in a noticeable way for regular users. They’re both excellent options offering different advantages.