Network Supplies

Keep your company's hardware running smoothly with our range of networking cables and accessories for offices, factories, schools, medical facilities, restaurants, and more!

Discover single and multi-pack cables designed to boost your signal and maintain reliable high-speed internet, which is essential for everything from contacting clients to sharing important documents amongst teams.

Whether you're creating a network for hundreds of computers or simply installing Wi-Fi in your small office, find all of the technology supplies you need, at prices you can afford, with BuyDirect. We also offer 20% off for new customers on all of our networking products, plus free delivery with every order!

Types of Network Cables

From displaying presentations on the big screen to powering routers, network cables have a variety of uses. However, they all play one key role: connecting devices to an internet source.

At BuyDirect, all of our network cables are constructed from top-quality materials for durability and accurate signal transfer throughout your company's local area network. The key types of cables that we stock include:

HDMI

High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) cables are the standard for transmitting audio and video signals between computers and other devices to televisions.

At BuyDirect, we recommend the Innovera HDMI Version Cable. This is an ultra-high-speed connector for digital devices, including everything from digital televisions and projectors to computers, set-top boxes, Blu-Ray players, and AV receivers.

Its nickel-plated connectors also ensure optimal signal, which allows data transfer of up to 10.2 Gbps, while supporting high-definition 4k for great audio and video quality.

VGA and SVGA

Video Graphic Array (VGA) and Super Video Graphic Array (SVGA) cables both carry analog signals, which allow you to connect computers to monitors or other display screens. However, while VGAs handle signals of up to 640 x 480, SVGAs are considered to be an upgrade as they support higher resolutions of 800 x 600, offering a crisp, better-quality image.

We stock both types here at BuyDirect; our bestsellers include the Tripp Lite VGA Monitor Extension Cable and Innovera's SVGA Cable, both of which feature a gold-plated connector and copper contacts for excellent conductivity.

DisplayPort

Like HDMI, DisplayPort cables are a standard used to power and connect PCs, laptops, and gaming consoles to bigger monitors like home theater systems. However, DisplayPort offers better solutions for high-resolution displays and comes complete with a mechanical latch, preventing the cable from becoming disconnected easily.

Models like the Tripp Lite DisplayPort Cable provide a resolution of up to 1080p, along with fast refresh rates, deep color, and zero lag time.

USB

Universal Serial Bus (USB) connectors are the most popular type of cable for connecting computers to peripheral devices, including scanners, printers and copiers, cameras, and more!

As well as transmitting signals, these cables carry power, meaning that they're ideal for charging batteries in devices such as cameras. The Tripp Lite Universal Reversible USB 2.0 Cable is also 'Hot Pluggable', so you can plug the connector into your computer while still running without causing it to freeze.

CAT5 and CAT6

These types of ethernet cables are split into categories based on their shielding ability, maximum data rate, and bandwidth.

For instance, a CAT5 ethernet patch cable such as the Tripp Lite Cat5e Molded Patch Cable transmits speeds of up to 1 Gbps and is generally used for Fast Ethernet networks. Like CAT6, they also distribute telephone, video, and data signals up to 100 meters.

The key difference between the two is that CAT6 cables deliver greater data transfer and bandwidth rates, meaning that they can achieve 10 Gbps speeds at a shorter distance.

How to Choose the Right Ethernet Cables for Your Network

Looking at buying some ethernet cables for the first time? If you're unsure of where to start, here are 4 key factors to consider when selecting the right one for your business:

Speed: This refers to the amount of data that a cable can transmit from device to device each second. For instance, 100 Mbps will carry 100 million bits of data. Choose a cable that supports the strength of your internet connection and networking hardware.

Cable Length: While cables that are too short won't provide effective solutions for your equipment, those that trail around the office are a tripping hazard. Cable lengths generally go up to 295 feet, so you may need to purchase a power strip if your desk is situated further away from a power source.

Shielding: Cable shielding is wrapped around the wires on the inside of a cable to prevent electromagnetic interference caused by lighting, heavy machinery, and power lines. Shielded cables are best for large and noisy environments like factories, warehouses, airports, and radio stations. Cables situated indoors in small offices and homes typically don't require protective shielding.

Installation Location: For networks that must run through floors or between walls, you'll need to choose a rise-rated (CMR) or plenum-rated (CMP) cable for fire safety.

FAQs

Find out everything you need to know about networking supplies for home and commercial use below:

What is Network Equipment?

Networking hardware is any type of physical equipment used to switch, boost, combine, or split signals and direct packets of information along computer or telecommunications networks. Networking devices like routers allow computers and PCs to communicate and interact with each other across the same network.

What Are the Key Pieces of Network Hardware?

Some key examples of networking hardware include:

Workstations: Computers configured with hard drives, network interface cards, cables, and software

Bridges: Monitors and broadcasts the information traffic from both sides of the network

Routers: A device that connects two or more networks and forwards data packets

Firewalls: Protects private users and networking data from hackers

Repeaters: Boosts signal strength along cables

What is Needed for a Wireless Network?

To set up a wireless network, you'll first need a high-speed broadband internet connection from a reliable service provider. Along with a modem, your provider will also offer a wireless router to connect several PCs to your network using signals. For this, a wireless network adapter is also necessary, which often comes built into laptops and tablets.

What Are Routers?

A router is a device used to connect two or more packet-switched networks. It manages traffic between these networks and allows several devices to connect to them through Wi-Fi by creating a Local Area Network (LAN) in your home or office.