For setting up the internet connection that won’t let you down outdoors, not every cable will work well. You must have a strong product, can handle the weather, and does not break easily. For these cases, having an outdoor Ethernet cable is the solution.
Using the appropriate Ethernet cable matters when connecting any device outside a building, such as cameras, offices, access points, or other devices. We will tell you what to look for and how to decide before buying an Ethernet cable.
What is an Outdoor Ethernet Cable?
An outdoor cable has special features that let it survive harsh weather, strong sunlight, moisture, and different physical impacts. Cabled outdoor systems give you secure and effective access to the internet from outside your home.
Unlike indoor cables, Ethernet cables that can be used outside a building are coated with a jacket and shield that stops them from being damaged by rain, snow, sun, and pests.
They suit well for:
- Systems designed for protection outside
- Workspaces set up in the garden or backyard
- The network interface device is placed outside a building
- Relating appliances to your house or garage
- Remote workstations
The Reasons Indoor Ethernet Cables Shouldn’t Be Used Outside
A lot of individuals try to use regular indoor cable outdoors to cut costs. Taking such a step is quite risky. Indoor cables do not last in outdoor conditions. Changes in weather, like rain, light, and heat, can quickly decompose them.
Damage to them may lead to interrupted signals, occasional connection loss, or total network outage. Otherwise, bare copper can become unsafe and may lead to electrical hazards.
Key Features to Look for in a Cable Ethernet Outdoor
There are differences between outdoor and indoor cables. The following are the main things you should consider when shopping for a food processor:
Weatherproof Jacket
Select cables that are both protected from water and sunlight by their coverings. Outdoor applications often depend on durable materials like Polyethylene (PE).
Shielding
Cables with shielding (STP and FTP) minimize interference that comes from electrical power, electric devices, and outside sources. It is how the TV keeps its signal quality even while traveling great distances.
Direct Burial Capability
Choose the cable marked as “direct burial” if you will bury it underground. They have further defenses against the effects of soil, moisture, and pressure.
Gel-Filled or Water-Blocking Tape
To stop internal water damage, some top-quality cables are made with gel-filled tubes or are wrapped in water-blocking tape. It proves useful in flood-prone communities.
High-Speed Ratings
For the fastest, most uninterrupted internet, run Cat6 or Cat6a cables. A modem from a cell tower company delivers speeds of 10 Gbps, making it easy to watch 4K content, play games, and perform work tasks.
Types of Cable Ethernet Outdoor
Always choose a category for your Ethernet cable depending on how fast you need it to go and how much protection you want.
Cat5e cables
You can get them for an affordable price, and they allow speeds up to 1 Gbps. You can use them for basic uses outside, such as creating a Wi-Fi network in a yard or adding an outdoor camera to your existing network.
Outdoor Ethernet Cable Cat6
These are an important improvement. They can provide up to 10 Gbps over a short range (up to 55 meters), and many models are designed with extra shielding to prevent interference.
Cat6a cables
Use this type if the cable runs of about 100 meters or more, which can support the highest speeds available. Like other coaxials, they are fully shielded, which is good for tasks such as 4K TV, pro-grade networking, and outdoor industries.
Cat7 Ethernet Cable
Enjoy even greater security and speeds by selecting Cat7 or Cat7e Ethernet cable that works at better than 10 Gbps. They are the best option if there is a lot of concern about interference or if making the network ready for the future is needed.
Most residential and small business users struggle with simple Ethernet cable vs Cat6. Even so, Ethernet cable Cat6 outperforms when used outdoors.
How to Install an Outdoor Ethernet Cable
Correct installation of the cable counts the same as choosing the right kind to buy. There are a few things you can do:
Plan Your Route
Visually plan how to locate the cable. Consider places where pedestrian activity or risks for damage are higher. Pick a clear way to bury the cable and dig it at a minimum 6-inch depth.
Use Conduit for Extra Protection
Though outdoor cables are designed to last, using a PVC or metal conduit makes them safer from animals, lawnmower damage, and weather problems.
Seal Entry Points
Place silicone caulk or grommets over the hole where the cable enters the building. It makes sure that moisture and pests don’t get through to the insulation.
Do not Run Next to Power Lines
Try not to let your Ethernet cable touch or be near electrical wiring. If needed, place shielded cables to control electromagnetic interference in the area.
The top Ethernet Outdoor Cables for 2025
Want to pick up the best cables available? In 2025, some of the best outdoor internet cables include:
Jadaol Outdoor Ethernet Cable Cat6
- The type allows direct burial
- Shielded twisted pair cables
- UV resistant
- You can get clear tape with a length of up to 200ft
Cable Matters Cat6A Outdoor Cable
- Gel-filled core
- 10 Gigabits per second speed
- Strong polyethylene jacket
- Shoes designed for runners who run long distances
Ultra Clarity Cables Cat6 Outdoor
- Affordable
- Weatherproof jacket
- The basics can be covered by this product outdoors
TrueCABLE Cat7e Ethernet Cable Direct Burial
- Wire made entirely of solid copper
- Fully shielded
- Commercial-grade performance
- Lifetime warranty
Where to Buy Cable Ethernet Outdoor
Most of the Ethernet cables are available at:
- Amazon offers a wide range of goods and the quickest shipping
- Customers can choose to shop at Best Buy in-store or shop online
- Home Depot / Lowe’s – Excellent for installing products yourself
- Specialty Networking Stores – Suitable for placing large orders and configuring network systems in businesses
Which Is a Better Option: Ethernet Cable vs Wi-Fi Extenders?
It’s easy to ask: Why not just go for a Wi-Fi extender? The fact is, Wi-Fi extenders are easy to set up, but they usually slash your speeds by as much as half and struggle where interference occurs outdoors.
On the other hand, a cable for Ethernet outside comes with:
- A regular fast internet connection
- Smartphones allow latency-free experiences for both gaming and video calls
- The connection is always active, and there is never a signal loss
- More security and consistency
Is an Ethernet Cable Outdoor Worth It?
Absolutely. If you want your internet to work reliably outside, you should use an internet cable made for outdoor use.
The cost is low, it resists wear and tear, and it offers better performance than Wi-Fi extenders. Also, with different great options today, there is a cable that will be just right for you and your budget.
