In this article we will show you the differences between the network cables CAT 5, CAT 6, CAT 7 and CAT 8. In general, these terms describe the performance classes of network cables. But the differences are not only in the transmission rate.
The difference between CAT 5 and CAT 6 lies in the using and the frequency. CAT 5 and CAT 7 Ethernet cables are used in private homes. Whereas CAT 6 and CAT 8 are used in professional ways.
CAT 5: The most common Ethernet cable
CAT-5 cables are found in the vast majority of installations and are therefore considered standard.
CAT-5 cables achieve signal rates of up to 100 MHz and are therefore suitable for gigabit operation.
They are still laid in professional environments, although not as frequently as CAT 6 or CAT 7.
For home users, CAT-5 cables are completely sufficient in most situations.
CAT 5 is used everywhere and is considered the standard cable (c) Pixabay/Michael Schwarzenberger
CAT 6: The all-rounder
CAT-6 category cables are often used in the professional sector.
CAT-6 cables reach operating frequencies of up to 250 MHz. However, their transmission speed decreases the longer the cable is.
CAT-6 category cables are used throughout the public network infrastructure.
The CAT-6a standard even reaches operating frequencies of up to 500 MHz and is therefore suitable for 10 Gigabit Ethernet.
To comply with the standard, the cable must be specially protected against external influences such as secondary signals or noise.
CAT-6 cables are shielded to reduce secondary signals or noise (c) Pixabay/Adrian Malec
CAT 7: The ultimate solution for your home
The CAT-7 standard is the fastest and best shielded standard among network cables.
CAT-7 cables achieve an operating frequency of up to 600 MHz. The subcategory CAT-7a even manages up to 1,000 MHz.
All cables of the CAT-7 category have 4 separately shielded wire pairs in a complete shielding. This means that almost no secondary signals can reach the cable.
For network cables of the CAT-7 category there are exactly 2 different standardized connector types.
CAT 7 is interesting for home use and professionals (c) Pixabay/955169
CAT 8: For professional use
CAT-8 cables are used almost exclusively in the professional sector. For home users they are too expensive and not really worth it.
CAT 8 achieves twice the operating frequencies of CAT 7, but the cables can also be used for short distances only.
The standard is a twisted pair cable, which is completely shielded. Interference has no chance here.
There are two subcategories of CAT 8 cables, namely 8.1 and 8.2. CAT 8.1 is compatible with the normal Ethernet plugs. CAT 8.2 uses a plug that has been specially designed for professional use.
CAT 8 is often used in data centers (c) Pixabay/Colossus Cloud
