VoIP cables are the physical connectors and network cables that send voice data over an IP network or the internet. They play a key role in VoIP phone system infrastructure, ensuring digital data network packets travel successfully between endpoints. When used in tandem with VoIP routers and analog telephone adapters, they allow businesses to ditch traditional landlines for virtual voice over internet protocol (VoIP) solutions that don’t require a PSTN connection.
This post outlines the different types of cables, what to keep in mind when purchasing cables for your business, and more.
What are VoIP Cables?
VoIP cables are the physical cords that connect your virtual phone system to the Internet, enabling voice data packets to digitally travel between endpoints. In most cases, a typical Ethernet cable serves as a gateway between VoIP phones and computers, switches, or routers.
VoIP cabling also supports Power over Ethernet (PoE) technology, where a single connection powers your devices and enables data transmission. PoE-enable cables prevent power fluctuations from affecting calls.
VoIP cables play a key role in connecting endpoints (VoIP phones, laptop and desktop computers, smartphones, etc.) to your existing network infrastructure. This connection allows digital voice packets to move smoothly, ensuring a high call quality and preventing common VoIP problems. High-quality Ethernet cables reduce jitter, latency, dropped calls, and packet loss–which all affect call clarity and reliability. Ensure that the cables are properly shielded to minimize interference and maintain audio quality.
To accommodate hybrid configurations, where older analog equipment is integrated with VoIP services, RJ11 cables are connected to Analog Telephone Adapters (ATAs). These ATAs convert analog signals to digital ones. Legacy systems rely on VoIP cables to function within IP networks, ATAs allow business to ease in staff transitioning to VoIP.
The right cables are key to delivering the clearest voice communication experience.
Types of VoIP Cables
Not all VoIP cables are built with equal quality or for the same purpose. Each VoIP cable type caters to different needs, including the number of connected devices, feature requirements, and connection methodology. Here are the typical types of VoIP cables:
Ethernet Cables
Ethernet cables are one of the many VoIP cable choices available, and have five popular variants: Cat5e, Cat6, Cat6a, Cat7, and Cat8. All of these types serve different task requirements and environments.
| Cable Type | Use Cases | Average Cost per 100 feet | Performance |
| Cat5e | Basic home networks, VoIP, browsing | $10-20 | Sufficient for light use |
| Cat6 | VoIP, streaming, small office | $15-30 | Improved shielding, future-proof for many uses |
| Cat6a | Large offices, high-bandwidth VoIP | $25-50 | Excellent for demanding networks |
| Cat7 | Professional networks, IP phones, smart homes | $40-70 | Superior shielding, limited connector options |
| Cat8 | Data centers, server rooms | $80-120 | High-speed, but short-range |
Cat5e
Cat5e cables have a bandwidth of up to 100 MHz and a maximum data transfer speed of 1Gbps over gigabit ethernet. They service a maximum distance of 100 meters and are commonly used in residential and small business networks. They can handle basic VoIP calls, internet browsing, and streaming. These VoIP cables are low-cost and widely used, but newer standards are better for higher performance demands.
Cat6
Cat6 cables have a bandwidth of up to 250 MHz and a maximum data transfer speed of 1Gbps up to 100 meters and 10 Gbps up to 55 meters. They are ideal for VoIP, video conferencing, and HD streaming in homes and smaller offices. These VoIP cables are slightly more expensive than Cat5e and offer better shielding to cut crosstalk and can take higher data rates which make them great for future-proofing ahead of growing network needs.
Cat6a
Cat6a cables have a bandwidth of up to 500 MHz and a maximum data transfer speed of 10Gbps up to a distance of 100 meters. They are ideal for enterprise-level environments, including data centers with high-bandwidth applications, VoIP systems running multiple concurrent calls, or video conferencing. These VoIP cables cost more than Cat6 cables and offer advanced shielding to ensure robust performance over longer distances at 10 Gbps.
Cat7
Cat7 cables have a bandwidth of up to 600 MHz and a maximum data transfer speed of 10Gbps up to a distance of 100 meters. They are used for professional networks, data centers, and premium smart home installations. They can accommodate enterprise VoIP systems needing low latency and minimal interference. These VoIP cables cost more than Cat6a cables and offer strong protection against electromagnetic interference–but require special connectors like GG45 or TERA ones over RJ45 jacks.
Cat8
Cat8 cables have a bandwidth of up to 2000 MHz and a maximum data transfer speed of 25-40Gbps up to a distance of 30 meters. They are used for data centers and server rooms for short-range but very fast connections. These are overkill for home and small office VoIP, but great for server clusters. These VoIP cables are very expensive, but offer heavy shielding and are backwards compatible with RJ45 connectors. Their short-range does limit them to specialized use cases.
Fiber Optic Cables
Fiber optic cables use light to transmit data. Compared to traditional copper cables, they offer much higher speeds and greater bandwidth. These cables are built from thin strands of plastic or glass that carry data via light pulses for near-instantaneous communication with little to no signal loss. VoIP technology systems benefit from fiber optics due to their ability to provide low latency and high bandwidth while cutting down electromagnetic interference. Ultimately, fiber optic cables result in clearer and stabler voice communication, even in high data traffic zones. These cables are often used for larger networks or long-distance transmissions and suit enterprise VoIP setups and data centers.
Power Over Ethernet (PoE) Cables
Power over Ethernet (PoE) capable Ethernet cables transmit both power and data to connected devices like VoIP phones, wireless access points, and even security cameras–all with just one cable. Users do not need separate power adapters or electrical outlets near devices when using PoE cabling. Instead, a PoE-enabled switch or injector sends power into the cable, which then powers the device. Note that there are several different PoE standards and different power levels that support a variety of devices like Cisco products.
PoE is critical to VoIp setups in that it simplifies installation in areas where power outlets may be difficult to access. Because of PoE cables, VoIP phones remain powered during network or power disruptions to provide better reliability. Cable management is streamlined, cutting clutter in offices, call centers, or remote work-from-home environments.
Types of PoE Cables and Their Use Cases
The most typical PoE-compatible cables are Cat5e, Cat6, Cat 6a, and Cat 7, which all carry power and data efficiently but service different needs and use cases. Below is a rundown for each type:
- Cat5e: Provides support for basic PoE devices with low power demands like VoIP phones (up to 15.4W)
- Cat6 and Cat6a: Suited for PoE+ (up to 30W) devices like video-capable VoIP phone calls or access points
- Cat7: These advanced cables support PoE++ (up to 60-100W) for high power activities like running advanced conferencing devices or network switches
Factors to Consider When Choosing VoIP Cables
Choosing a VoIP cable can make or break a business phone system setup. Ensuring the right cables are connected in the right places can be the difference between clear and strong signals or constant connection failures. Before choosing a VoIP cable, businesses need to consider some of the following factors:
- Network Size and Distance: Size of the network and distances between devices are critical factors. Smaller networks can opt for Cat5e or Cat 6 cables. Larger networks or long-distance connections need Cat6a, Cat 7, or even fiber optic cables to ensure signals have strength and performance.
- Required Bandwidth: The more bandwidth is available, the smoother communication is– especially with concurrent VoIP calls. Most office environments can opt for Cat6 or Cat6a cables for sufficient speed for VoIP, but anything more data-intensive or video-enabled would benefit from Cat7 or fiber optic VoIP cables.
- Budget Constraints: Higher quality cables like Cat6a, Cat7, and fiber optics are more expensive. Smaller businesses can opt for Cat5e or Cat 6 because of the affordability, though enterprise-grade operations can justify cost for better scalability and performance.
- Future Scalability: Network demands rarely stagnate, so consider cables that can sustain future upgrades. Cat6a and above cables offer headroom for better bandwidth and data rates, handling higher call volumes without needing major re-cabling down the line.
- Durability and Shielding: The physical environment of your facility and any potential sources of interference must guide your cable selection. Cat6a, Cat7, and Cat8 cables offer stronger shielding to reduce crosstalk and electromagnetic interference. Durable cables also reduce maintenance costs for long-term installations.
