What is a Cat8 Ethernet Cable and How is it Different?

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Innovation is the essence of technology. New design concepts, components and technical evolutions are being introduced on a daily basis. With constant R&D, futuristic firms are transforming the world. Computer networking, the soul of the digital world, undergoes frequent improvements with the induction of systems and components that offer superlative performance.

Sustained functionality, stability and speed are the fundamental elements of a networking solution. Ethernet cables are the blood vanes that carry data. Cat8 Ethernet cables are the latest one introduced, which outperforms the previous Cat5e and Cat 6 cables.

Cat 5 vs Cat 6 vs Cat 8 Ethernet Cables

Designed by integrating cutting-edge technology, the cat 8 cables elevate the performance to the next level. Having a higher bandwidth performance than Cat 5e and Cat 6, Cat 8 cables are the most sought-after ones nowadays.

A comparison of Cat5e, Cat6 and Cat8 Ethernet cables would reveal that cat 8 cables are far more superior than the former two, even though it has a few cons.

Cat8 cables have better frequency characteristics that make them capable of offering higher data speeds than Cat 5e and Cat 6. It can support bandwidth up to 2 GHz for a distance of up to 30 meters. The data speed guaranteed by cat 8 varies from 25 Gbps to 40 Gbps.

On the other hand, Cat 5e Ethernet cables offer a maximum frequency of 100 MHz and Cat 6 supports a max frequency of 250 MHz. The data speed of the Cat 5 cable is limited to 1000 Mbps and that of the Cat 6 Ethernet cable is 10,000 Mbps.

The only major drawback of Cat 8 Ethernet cable is the distance it performs the best. Cat 8 cables are ideal for home installations, LAN in office spaces of small areas etc. Cat 8 Ethernet cables simply assure network speeds from 2500 Mbps to 40,000 Mbps.

The Power of Ethernet or POE is another advantage of using Cat 8 cables. Thereby you can save on cabling expenses at home as well as office. Ideal for space management, reducing clutter, and optimal performance, Cat8 Ethernet cables might be a preferable choice for you.

Also read, Ethernet Cable Vs Patch Cable.

Twisted Pair Cat 8 Cables

Increased data speed has become a necessity presently. Every minute delay is costing businesses, and individuals offering services their money, time and effort. The electromagnetic field created through the passage of electricity and electromagnetic interference can impede the speed and flawless performance of the network.

Twisted pair cables are a solution used for reducing the effects of the magnetic field. The magnetic field created would be contained in the limited space. Thus high-speed data transmission would occur unaffected.

More twists in the network cabling would provide improved frequency characteristics to the cable. Furthermore, individually shielded pairs of network cables are another method for enhancing frequency.

You can find additional information on Shielded and Unshielded Cables.

The categories of cables available in the market presently are:

Cat 5 cables

o   Bandwidth – 100 MHz

o   Data Speed – 100 Mbps

Cat 5e cables

o   Bandwidth – 100 MHz

o   Data Speed – 100 Mbps

Cat 6 cables

o   Bandwidth – 250 MHz

o   Data Speed – 1 Gbps

Cat 6A cables

o   Bandwidth – 500 MHz

o   Data Speed – 10 Gbps

Cat 7 cables

o   Bandwidth – 600 MHz

o   Data Speed – 10 Gbps

Cat 7a cables

o   Bandwidth – 1000 MHz

o   Data Speed – 10+ Gbps

Cat 8 cables

o   Bandwidth – 2500 MHz

o   Data Speed – 40 Gbps


Uses of Cat 8 Ethernet Cables

Integrated with advanced infrastructure that includes exclusive switches that are compatible with the cable, routers, networking cards and all the associated accessories, the Cat 8 cable would perform the best. It will handle high-speed data traffic and function seamlessly.

Cat 8 cables may not be necessary for homes, where you don’t speed extremely high-speed networks. It may be useful in the case of working from home, which has become a normal thing since the onset of the pandemic.

Serious gamers can opt for Cat 8 Ethernet cables. A reliable wired network would assure an enjoyable gaming experience. Interference and attenuation are significantly reduced with the use of good-quality cables and infrastructure.  

The Conclusion

Ethernet cables play a pivotal role in the performance of the network. Production quality, material specs and quality assurance process are vital for ensuring seamless functioning. It would help in avoiding frequent defects, repair, and replacement. The repair/ replacement process may turn cumbersome and would affect your daily work. Procure cat 8 cables from trusted manufacturers and suppliers only.

Norden offers high-quality Cat 8 cables manufactured under meticulous supervision, ensuring the highest production standards. The cables from us are the perfect option for networking solutions at home, office, business centres and data applications. Cleared only after extensive testing, assessment and analysis, each of our products guarantees trouble-free functioning throughout.

To procure the best quality Cat 8 cables, do contact us now.