This is a good length for connecting closely spaced devices such as a cable modem and a router, a router and an additional switch or patch panel to switch connections . However, they are not long enough to run cables in a rack. They're short enough so hopefully you won't need them. There are no hooks on the ends - they have a protective tab over the connector latch, but not a full body. I could see that they still get hooked from time to time. Interestingly, these cables come in a long box and the cables are straight rather than bent or coiled when you receive them. They're quite thick (category 6), so not as flexible as category 5e cables, but you can still bend them. from them when the relevant use case occurs.