A LAN cable that makes online play on Nintendo Switch more comfortable. This is a useful item that stabilizes communication speed and reduces lag and delays in competitive games. However, since the specifications and shapes differ depending on the product, many people may be confused about which one to choose.
Therefore, this time we will introduce recommended LAN cables for Switch. We will also explain the key points on how to choose one, so please refer to it.
Recommended models of LAN cables for Switch
| merchandise | Amazon Recommended ELECOM Cat8 LAN cable ECLD-OCM/WH | Amazon Recommended ELECOM LAN Cable CAT7 ECLD-TWSFT/BK |  Sanwa Supply LAN Cable CAT8 500-LAN8MESL |  UGREEN LAN cable CAT8 |
| Sales page | ||||
| standard | CAT8 | CAT7 | CAT8 | CAT8 |
| length | Approximately 1m *Does not include connector | 3m | 50cm | 1m |
What is a LAN cable for Switch?
By: sanwa.co.jp
The LAN cable for Switch is a cable that connects the main unit to the Internet via wire. The main purpose is to reduce the delay called lag that often occurs in online games and stabilize communication. Compared to wireless connections, it is less susceptible to external noise and communication is less likely to be interrupted.
A wired connection is especially useful in competitive games where response time can be the difference between winning and losing. Recommended for those who want to enjoy games more comfortably with stable high-speed communication.
The connection method differs depending on the Switch model. The organic EL model has a LAN terminal on the dock, so you can connect a LAN cable directly. On the other hand, those using the standard model or Switch Lite will need to prepare a wired LAN adapter (sold separately).
How to choose a LAN cable for Switch
Check category (standard)
By: sanwa.co.jp
LAN cables have communication standards called "categories," and the speeds and bands that can be supported vary depending on the standard. The Switch's wired connection is often used in general gigabit environments, so if you are unsure, choose the ``CAT5e'' or ``CAT6'' standard. If you are looking at a 10Gbps environment in the future, "CAT7" or higher is also a candidate.
In many cases, CAT5e can be used without problems in gigabit applications, but in environments where noise is a concern, it is safer to choose a standard with more margin, such as CAT6. Please note that even if you use a cable with a standard that exceeds the speed of your contracted Internet line, your communication speed will not increase. It is important to choose a category that matches your home line speed.
check length
By: elecom.co.jp
It is important to choose a LAN cable with a length that matches the distance between the Switch and the router location. If the cable is too long, the wiring will be easily tangled, and it may be stepped on or bent, resulting in breakage or poor contact. The key is to choose a length that suits the installation location and neatly gather up the rest.
The basic rule is to choose a length that matches the wiring route, such as around 1m for short distances, or 2 to 3m if you are going to another location. Before purchasing, check the distance you want it to run along the wall and whether it will fit through the gap in the door.
If you want to use it in situations where you need to adjust the length, a retractable cable is also convenient. When not in use, it can be stored compactly and can be pulled out and used as needed.
Check the shape
By: elecom.co.jp
The shapes of LAN cables vary depending on the product, but the typical types are "standard (round)," "flat," and "extra-fine." The key is to understand the characteristics of each type and choose one according to the installation location and usage.
Many standard products are well-made and can be fixed and wired along the wall. Flat and extra-thin wires are easy to handle and are useful when you want to route wires under carpets or through gaps in doors without attracting attention.
Regardless of the shape, the connector part is the same, so you can connect it to the Switch. Durability varies between products, so if you'll be moving it frequently, consider durability.
Check out the useful features
By: elecom.co.jp
One of the useful features of a LAN cable that you should definitely check out is its ``claw breakage prevention function''. If you repeatedly connect and disconnect the cable, the tabs on the connector may break.
If the tabs break, the cable will not be securely fixed and the connection will become unstable. The key point of products with a claw break prevention function is that they are made of highly durable material to protect the claws. If you frequently plug and unplug the cable, you can use it for a long time with peace of mind if it has a function that prevents the tab from breaking.
In addition, some products are treated with "shielding" to suppress the effects of noise. The inside of the cable is covered with a special membrane, which protects communications from noise emitted by electrical appliances. Particularly suitable when using long cables or in environments where noise is a concern.
Recommendations for LAN cables for Switch
ELECOM Cat8 LAN Cable ECLD-OCM/WH
| Recommended for these people | ・Those who value a high-speed and stable communication environment. ・Those who require durability and long-term reliability of their cables. ・Those who are considering using the product in an environment with a lot of noise interference. |
|---|---|
| This person should consider | - For those with limited wiring space. ・For those who are concerned about the thickness and hardness of the cable. |
A highly durable LAN cable with a mesh outer jacket. This is a CAT8 compatible model that complies with 40 Gigabit Ethernet "40GBASE-T" and supports high frequency bands up to 2000MHz. Double-shielded construction prevents noise interference, making it perfect for use in medical facilities and mechanical rooms.
Adopts a double structure that combines a claw break prevention protector and a highly durable connector. It is said to have passed a 9000-times bending test, and can be securely fixed to a LAN port for a long period of time. The twisted wire specification is softer than a single wire, making it easier to handle and recommended for those who frequently connect and disconnect cables.
ELECOM LAN cable CAT7 ECLD-TWSFT/BK
| Recommended for these people | - For those who want to use it in a narrow space or in a complicated wiring environment. ・For those who want to run the wiring in an inconspicuous place such as under the carpet or in the gap between the door. - For those who value ease of cable management. |
|---|---|
| This person should consider | ・Those who require the highest speed communication performance. ・Those who are considering using the product in environments where high noise countermeasures are required, such as medical facilities. |
A CAT7 compatible LAN cable with a double structure that includes a new material connector and protector to prevent tabs from breaking. It is claimed to have passed a 1000-times flex test, ensuring a stable connection even after long-term use. It supports 10GBASE-T and enables high-speed communication with a 600MHz transmission band.
It is a flat type with a thickness of approximately 2.3 mm and a width of approximately 7.2 mm, and is attractive because it can be wired under carpets or in gaps between doors. Twisted pair design eliminates the need for a cross, making it highly flexible and easy to install in tight spaces.
In addition, a rust-resistant gold-plated shield plug is used to suppress signal deterioration. This model is recommended for those who want to build a high-speed and stable network environment at home or office.
UGREEN LAN cable CAT8
| Recommended for these people | ・Those who want to minimize lag in online games. ・Those who connect multiple high-speed devices at the same time. ・People who want to build an environment that supports 40Gbps ultra-high-speed communication. |
|---|---|
| This person should consider | ・People who may not be able to fully utilize the performance of CAT8 because the communication speed of the Switch itself does not support the maximum 40Gbps. |
LAN cables that create a high-speed and stable communication environment. Compatible with the CAT8 standard, you can expect high-speed data transmission of up to 40Gbps. The multi-shield structure prevents external noise and supports a comfortable communication environment with reduced lag.
The cable is protected with a high-strength mesh material that is hard to break. The connector is equipped with a cover that prevents the tab from breaking, so you can rest assured even if it is repeatedly connected and disconnected. This model is recommended for those who want to enjoy online games and streaming high-quality videos.
UGREEN LAN cable CAT7
| Recommended for these people | ・People who want to play online games comfortably with stable high-speed communication. - Those who value the durability of gold-plated connectors that prevent signal deterioration. - For those who want to avoid cable disconnections and poor connections. |
|---|---|
| This person should consider | ・Those who want to support ultra-high speed communication of 40Gbps or higher in the future. |
This Ethernet cable is recommended for those seeking a stable high-speed communication environment. Compliant with Category 7 standards, you can expect high-speed data transfer of up to 10Gbps. The multi-shield structure and gold-plated connector prevent noise and signal deterioration and support stable communication.
The cable is made of a high-strength mesh material that is difficult to break, and the connector part is equipped with a cover to prevent breakage. Compatible with various devices equipped with RJ45 connectors, such as computers and game consoles, and can be easily connected without any settings required. This model is perfect for those who want to comfortably enjoy online games and watching high-quality videos.
ELECOM Cat8 LAN Cable LD-OCTT/BM
| Recommended for these people | ・Those who are looking for the highest performance cable that supports 40 Gigabit. ・Those who use it in environments where EMI countermeasures are required, such as medical facilities and machine rooms. - For those who value safety and require cables made of flame-retardant materials. |
|---|---|
| This person should consider | ・For Switch purposes, Cat7 provides sufficient high-speed communication, so be sure to confirm the need for higher-performance Cat8 before purchasing. |
A LAN cable with a design that prevents the tab from breaking. It supports 40 Gigabit Ethernet "40GBASE-T" and has the performance to cover high frequency bands up to 2000MHz. By adopting a double shield structure, it is designed to suppress errors caused by noise interference.
Due to the double structure of the soft material claw and protector, it is durable and has passed 1000 bending tests. It can be firmly fixed to the LAN port for a long period of time.
Recommended for use in medical facilities and machine rooms where EMI countermeasures are required. Because it uses flame-retardant materials, it is a model that can be used in environments where safety is a priority.
ELECOM Cat7 LAN Cable LD-TWST/BM
| Recommended for these people | ・Those who require a high-speed and stable network environment that supports 10 Gigabits. ・People who are concerned about the tendency of the tabs to break and are looking for a highly durable cable. ・People who frequently connect and disconnect game consoles and network devices. |
|---|---|
| This person should consider | ・Those who are considering applications that require even higher performance, such as 40 Gigabit support. |
A durable LAN cable with claws that are hard to break. It has a double structure with a protector that prevents the tabs from breaking and a connector made of a new material that is resistant to bending, and is highly reliable as it has passed 1000 bending tests. It supports 10 Gigabit Ethernet "10GBASE-T", and you can expect a maximum transmission speed of 10 Gbps and a transmission band of 600 MHz.
Double shield structure prevents errors due to noise interference between cables. The gold-plated shielded plug is resistant to rust, suppresses signal deterioration, and provides a stable connection over a long period of time. This model is recommended for those who frequently connect and disconnect cables, and those who seek a high-speed and stable network environment.
SANWA SUPPLY LAN Cable CAT8 500-LAN8MESL
| Recommended for these people | ・Those who want to build a high-speed network environment. - For those who value ease of cable management. ・Those who require durability in environments where there is a lot of plugging and unplugging. |
|---|---|
| This person should consider | ・For those in extremely narrow wiring environments with limited space. |
A LAN cable that uses a mesh cable that is resistant to tension. It is said to be fully compatible with next-generation Ethernet 40GBASE-T up to 40Gbps, and has a transmission band of 2000MHz. The slim design with a cable diameter of approximately 4.7mm makes it easy to handle when wiring.
Comes with a cover that prevents the tabs from breaking, so you can use it with confidence even in environments where there is a lot of insertion and removal. The stranded wire specification provides excellent flexibility and allows smooth wiring even in tight spaces. This model is recommended for those who want to build a high-speed communication environment and those who handle business network equipment.
Sanwa Supply Category 8 Mesh Flat LAN Cable KB-T8MEFL-02BK
| Recommended for these people | ・For those who need wiring in a narrow space. ・Those who seek both high-speed communication and durability. |
|---|---|
| This person should consider | - For those who want to prioritize cable flexibility. |
Flat type that uses mesh material that is resistant to bending and disconnection. Compatible with CAT8 standard, you can expect high-speed communication of up to 40Gbps. The flat shape with reduced thickness allows for smooth wiring even in narrow spaces such as door gaps and under furniture.
The highly durable mesh processing allows it to be used safely even in environments where it is frequently inserted and removed. The cable length is 2m, making it a recommended model for connecting around a desk or home network equipment.
Sanwa Supply CAT7 Ultra Flat LAN Cable KB-FLU7-15W
| Recommended for these people | - For those who want to wire in an environment where wiring space is limited. - For those who need to run wiring in tight spaces such as door gaps or under carpets. ・For those who want inconspicuous wiring that does not spoil the aesthetics of the room. |
|---|---|
| This person should consider | ・Those who need a cable longer than 15m. - Those who do not need a flat cable and are fine with a standard circular cable. |
A LAN cable that is only 1.9mm thin and easy to wire. It is said to be fully compatible with Category 7 and 10GBASE standards, enabling high-speed communication. The flat shape allows wiring to be routed between doors or under carpets, making it useful in situations where wiring is difficult.
Adopts a shield structure that is resistant to noise, ensuring a stable communication environment. With a length of 15m, it can be used for connections between separate rooms or wiring within an office. This model is recommended for those who want inconspicuous wiring that blends into the room with a white color.
BUFFALO Unbreakable LAN Cable Category 7 Straight Standard Type BSLS7NU50BL
| Recommended for these people | ・Those who use the device in an environment where cables are frequently connected and disconnected. ・Those who want to avoid replacing the product due to damage to the claws. - For those who want to choose the cable that suits them from a wide variety of lengths from 0.5m to 20m. |
|---|---|
| This person should consider | - For those who have limited wiring space and require flat cables. ・For those who have a fixed connection environment where there is almost no connection/disconnection. |
A LAN cable that uses a new material claw that will not break even when bent 180 degrees. The uniquely developed patent-pending claw allows it to be used for a long time without breaking even if it is frequently inserted and removed. The slanted connector makes it easy to hold, allowing smooth insertion and removal even if you are fumbling around.
It is Category 7 compatible with a high transmission band of 600MHz, and is also compatible with next-generation 10 Gigabit Ethernet. Adopts a double shield structure, which prevents alien crosstalk that tends to occur when multiple cables are bundled together, and achieves stable high-speed communication.
Gold-plated shield plug prevents rust and oxidation, ensuring high-precision contact. Available in lengths of 0.5m, 1m, 2m, 3m, 5m, 10m, 15m, and 20m, this model is recommended for those who frequently connect and disconnect cables at the office or at home.
How to wired your Switch
How to wire your Switch varies depending on the model. In the case of the organic EL model, the dock has a built-in LAN terminal, so all you need to do is connect the LAN cable to the router and dock.
To make a wired connection with the standard model Switch, a wired LAN adapter (sold separately) is required. Insert the adapter into the dock's USB terminal and connect the LAN cable to it. For Switch Lite, in addition to a wired LAN adapter, you will also need to prepare a USB hub stand.
Once the physical connection is complete, configure the settings on the Switch itself. Go to "Settings" in the HOME menu, then "Internet" and select "Wired Connection". Once the connection is complete, you can check the connection status in the Switch's "Internet" settings. Please make sure that the display is wired.
A message from a writer
When choosing a LAN cable, it is important to choose a category standard related to communication speed and a shape that is appropriate for the installation location. If it is CAT6 or higher, you can create a faster and more stable communication environment. If ease of wiring is important, products such as flat types are convenient. Please use this article as a reference to find the item that is suitable for you.
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