When selecting Ethernet cables for your network infrastructure, one crucial specification to consider is wire gauge. The gauge of a cable refers to the thickness of its conductors, measured using the American Wire Gauge (AWG) standard. Smaller AWG numbers mean thicker conductors.
In this article, we’ll compare the three most commonly used Ethernet cable gauges: 24AWG, 26AWG, and 28AWG. We’ll break down their advantages, limitations, and real-world applications to help you make an informed decision for your next installation.
Understanding AWG in Ethernet Cables
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AWG (American Wire Gauge): A standardized system used to denote the diameter of the wire conductor.
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The Rule: The lower the AWG number, the thicker the wire.
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Why it matters:
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Affects signal strength and attenuation
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Determines PoE (Power over Ethernet) capacity
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Influences flexibility and installation ease
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Comparison Table: 24AWG vs 26AWG vs 28AWG
| Feature / Spec | 24AWG | 26AWG | 28AWG |
|---|---|---|---|
| Conductor Diameter (approx.) | 0.51 mm | 0.40 mm | 0.32 mm |
| Cable Thickness | Thickest | Medium | Thinnest |
| PoE Capability | Excellent (up to PoE++) | Good (limited with long runs) | Limited (not ideal for PoE++) |
| Max Cable Length (Cat6/5e) | 100 meters (328 ft) | 100 meters (328 ft) | ~70 meters (229 ft) |
| Signal Attenuation | Lowest | Medium | Highest |
| Heat Dissipation | Best | Moderate | Poor |
| Flexibility | Least Flexible | Moderately Flexible | Highly Flexible |
| Bundling Suitability | Less (bulkier) | Good | Excellent (compact design) |
| Cost | Higher | Moderate | Lower |
| Typical Use Case | Backbone, PoE heavy installs | Office drops, shorter runs | Data centers, high-density racks |
Detailed Breakdown
1. 24AWG Ethernet Cable
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Best for: Long cable runs, backbone installations, high PoE environments (e.g., IP cameras, access points)
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Advantages:
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Excellent for full 100m runs without performance loss
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Handles PoE, PoE+, and PoE++ efficiently
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Best heat dissipation in tight conduits or bundles
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Considerations:
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Less flexible; harder to manage in tight spaces
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Bulkier and heavier
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2. 26AWG Ethernet Cable
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Best for: General-purpose office and building wiring
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Advantages:
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Balanced size, cost, and performance
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Supports up to 100m in standard environments
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Compatible with PoE, though slightly less efficient than 24AWG
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Considerations:
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Slightly higher attenuation than 24AWG
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May heat up more when bundled or under load
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3. 28AWG Ethernet Cable
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Best for: High-density environments like racks, patch panels, or data centers
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Advantages:
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Extremely flexible; ideal for tight bends and small patch cable setups
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Space-saving in cable management (up to 50% slimmer than 24AWG)
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Considerations:
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Limited to ~70m length (varies by standard and application)
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Not recommended for high-power PoE applications
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Generates more heat in bundles; use with caution
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🔌 PoE Considerations
| PoE Standard | Voltage | Typical Load | Recommended AWG |
|---|---|---|---|
| PoE (IEEE 802.3af) | 15.4W | Low | 26AWG or 24AWG |
| PoE+ (IEEE 802.3at) | 25.5W | Medium | 24AWG preferred |
| PoE++ (IEEE 802.3bt) | 60–100W | High | 24AWG essential |
Note: 28AWG may not support PoE+ or higher over long distances due to heat and voltage drop.
Helpful Tips
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Use 24AWG if you’re planning to run PoE devices over long distances.
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Choose 26AWG for cost-effective, versatile installations.
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Opt for 28AWG patch cables in data centers where airflow, bend radius, and rack space are priorities.
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Always verify your cable length requirements and heat dissipation needs before selecting thinner cables.
Which Should You Use?
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Go with 24AWG when performance, distance, and power are top priorities.
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Use 26AWG for balanced, all-purpose installations.
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Choose 28AWG for short, flexible, and space-saving patch cabling.
Each gauge has a place depending on your application. Understanding their strengths and limitations helps ensure reliable, high-performance networks.