Most people treat Ethernet cables like shoelaces, grab the cheapest and hope they don’t snap. We get it. Who has time to decode the alphabet soup of CAT5e, CAT6, CAT7, and CAT8?
But the wrong cable can drag down your new internet setup faster than you can say “upload failed.” The culprit? CAT5e cables can choke your expensive fiber internet connection down to a trickle.
And here’s the kicker: with more workplaces rolling out 10 Gigabit Ethernet networks, not just for backbone infrastructure but even directly to desks, older cabling systems like CAT5e and CAT6 are being phased out in favour of high-performance options. The future is fast, and your cables need to keep up.
The thing is, most people think of cables in the same way they think of extension cords: as something that transports power from point A to point B. However, network cables function more like the arteries of your company. If you get them wrong, everything suffers.
Because, trust us, it’s much easier to get this right the first time than to explain to your team why the internet keeps cutting out during important video calls.
Key Takeaways
| Category | Max Speed | Max Bandwidth | Max Distance (at full speed) | Shielding | Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CAT5e | 1 Gbps | 100 MHz | 100 metres | UTP (mostly) | General office networking |
| CAT6 | 1 Gbps (up to 55m at 10 Gbps) | 250 MHz | 100m @ 1 Gbps / 55m @ 10 Gbps | UTP or STP | VoIP, small servers, video streaming |
| CAT7 | 10 Gbps | 600 MHz | 100 metres | Always shielded (S/FTP) | Data centres, EMI-prone environments |
| CAT8 | 25–40 Gbps | 2000 MHz | 30 metres | Fully shielded (S/FTP) | High-performance data centres, server rooms |
What Are CAT5e, CAT6, CAT7, and CAT8 Cables?
Before we compare, let’s quickly define each type of Ethernet cable category and what it’s designed to do:
CAT5e (Category 5 Enhanced)
It’s an improved version of the original CAT5 cable (which you shouldn’t use anymore, seriously, don’t). CAT5e can handle up to 1 Gbps, which is perfectly fine for most basic office network setups.
It’s unshielded, which means it’s more susceptible to interference, but in a typical office environment, that’s rarely a problem. The “e” stands for “enhanced,” and the main enhancement was better protection against crosstalk, basically, signals from other cables interfering with yours.
CAT6 (Category 6)
CAT6 Ethernet cables are where things get interesting. It can handle the same 1 Gbps as CAT5e over the full 100-meter distance, but it can also do 10 Gbps only up to 55 meters.
The construction is tighter and more precise than CAT5e, with better insulation between the wire pairs, and is built for better performance.
CAT7 (Category 7)
CAT7 cable is the oddball of the bunch. It’s always fully shielded, which makes it excellent for noisy electrical environments, and it can handle 10 Gbps easily. But here’s the catch: it doesn’t use standard RJ45 connectors.
Instead, it uses proprietary GG45 or TERA connectors, which means it might not play nicely with your existing equipment without adapters. It’s also not officially recognised by some standards bodies, which makes it a bit of a wild card.
Planning a network upgrade? Don’t let the wrong Ethernet cable bottleneck your performance. Speak with our cabling specialists to future-proof your setup. Contact us now.
CAT8 (Category 8)
CAT 8 cable is the heavyweight champion, but it’s built for a very specific job. It can handle faster speeds, 25 to 40 Gbps, but only over short distances (30 meters max).
It’s fully shielded and built like a tank, but it’s designed for data centers and server rooms where you need maximum performance over short patch runs. For most businesses, it’s overkill and unnecessarily expensive.
Differences Between Cat 5e vs Cat 6 vs Cat 7 vs Cat 8 Patch Cords
1. Shielding and Crosstalk Prevention
- CAT5e has no shielding, making it more susceptible to electromagnetic interference.
- CAT6 cable improves insulation; CAT6a cable includes shielding to handle interference in dense environments.
- CAT7 Ethernet cables include full S/FTP shielding for exceptional EMI resistance.
- CAT8 offers superior shielding designed for high-performance environments.
2. Bandwidth and Frequency
- CAT5e: Up to 100 MHz, suitable for basic tasks.
- CAT6: Up to 250 MHz (CAT6a up to 500 MHz), ideal for busy networks.
- CAT7: Up to 600 MHz, built for data-heavy, interference-prone areas.
- CAT8: Up to 2000 MHz, ultra-high-speed applications over short distances.
3. Connector Compatibility
- CAT5e/CAT6/CAT6a: Use standard RJ45 connectors.
- CAT7: Uses GG45 or TERA connectors, not always backward-compatible.
- CAT8: Uses shielded RJ45 (Class I) or Class II connectors.
4. Cable Construction
- CAT5e is flexible and easy to install, but lacks robustness.
- CAT6 is stiffer due to tighter twists and better insulation.
- CAT7 & CAT8 are thicker and less flexible because of extra shielding.
5. Application Suitability
- CAT5e: Home setups and older networks.
- CAT6: Offices and SMEs with modern networking needs.
- CAT7: Industrial environments or data centres needing noise immunity.
- CAT8: High-performance server rooms with short patch runs.
What do These Cables Have in Common?
Despite the technical differences, all four cable types share some foundational traits:
- Twisted Pair Design: All use twisted pair copper cable wiring to reduce internal interference.
- Backward Compatibility: Each cable category is compatible with lower-speed standards, e.g., a CAT8 cable can still handle 1 Gbps if plugged into older hardware.
- RJ45 Support (mostly): CAT5e, CAT6, CAT6A, and CAT8.1 use RJ45 connectors. CAT7 can support RJ45, but often ships with GG45 or TERA connectors.
- Physical Appearance: Visually, these cables can be difficult to tell apart. Markings on the cable sheath are the most reliable way to identify them.
- Installation Guidelines: All follow similar installation standards (TIA/EIA), though shielded cables like CAT6A STP, CAT7, and CAT8 require grounding and more care during routing.
Don’t let outdated cables limit your business potential. Our team specialises in IT infrastructure upgrades and will help you choose the right cabling for your needs. Get in touch for a consultation.
How to Choose the Right Cable For Your Business?
Now that we’ve walked through the categories, let’s explore how to choose the right one for your business. It’s not just about grabbing the fastest cable. The best choice depends on a few key factors:
1. Your Present and Future Requirements for Bandwidth
You might be able to get away with CAT5e or CAT6 if you’re using simple office setups with minimal file sharing and web usage. However, 10 Gbps speeds are advantageous if you’re heading towards cloud storage, VoIP, remote desktop use, or virtual machines, making CAT6A the better long-term option.
2. Cable Lengths and Layout
CAT8 shines in short runs, but it quickly fades. CAT6A provides steady 10 Gbps performance over 70–100 metre runs if you’re cabling an entire office. In shorter runs, CAT6 can reach 10 Gbps, but after 55 metres, it rapidly slows down.
3. Installation Environment
Do your cables pass close to power lines, HVAC systems, or fluorescent lights? In these settings, shielded cabling (CAT6A STP, CAT7, or CAT8) provides enhanced protection against electromagnetic interference (EMI).
4. Interoperability with Current Equipment
There’s no reason to switch to CAT8 unless you’re replacing switches and NICs that support 25/40G Ethernet. Additionally, many devices will not natively support CAT7’s connectors, so be prepared for connector headaches if you’re installing it.
5. Cost and Ease of Installation
It is more difficult to bend, terminate, and pull thicker cables (CAT6A, CAT8) through conduits. Additionally, they cost more. CAT6 might be a good option if your setup is simple and you have a limited budget.
Final Thoughts: Which One Should You Use?
Choosing the right Ethernet cable for your business network isn’t about chasing the highest number on the box; it’s about finding a balance between performance, compatibility, and cost that aligns with how your business operates now and how it will grow in the next few years.
CAT6A continues to be the best compromise for the majority of contemporary offices. It works with standard RJ45 connectors, provides dependable 10 Gbps performance over full-length runs (up to 100 metres), and is powerful enough to manage video conferencing, cloud apps, VoIP, and remote work setups without breaking the bank.
Indeed, CAT8 is a powerful system, but it is designed for high-speed server rooms, data centres, or workspaces that require high performance for brief periods of time. CAT8 is probably overkill if you’re not investing in switches with 25G or 40G capabilities.
Still confused between CAT5e, CAT6, CAT7 and CAT8? You’re not alone. Let us assess your business needs and recommend the right cabling solution. Contact us for expert advice.
