Cable Category
The Category of a cable is often shortened to The Cat. Network cables are divided into categories based mainly on bandwidth (measured in MHz), maximum data rate (measured in megabits per second) and shielding.
Cat 5
Cat5 cables are slower compared to modern-day hardware requirements.
You should use Cat5 cables only if you have older hardware that demands outdated hardware.
Cat6
Cat6 cabling support up to 10 Gbps and frequencies of up to 250 MHz.
Cat6 cables are more tightly twisted and feature two or more twists per centimeter. It only supports 37-55 meters when transmitting 10 Gbps speeds.
Cat7
Cat7 has the ability to transmit up to 40 Gb at 50 meters and 100 Gb at 15 meters.
Cat7 ethernet cable offers extensive shielding to decrease signal attenuation. It is relatively stiff in comparison to previous generations of cabling.
Cat7 type of cable is suited for use in Data centres and large enterprise networks. However, Cat7 has not been approved as a cable standard for telecommunications.
Cat 5e
Cat5e is one of the most popular cabling types of an ethernet cable used for deployments because of its ability to support Gigabit speeds at a cost-effective price.
Cat 5e can support up to 1000 Mbps speeds, which is flexible enough for small space installations.
Therefore, it is widely used in residential areas. Cat5e is one of the least expensive cabling options available in the market.
Cat6a
Cat6a ethernet cable supports bandwidth frequencies of up to 500 MHz.
Cat6a cabling is thicker compared to Cat6, making it less flexible. That is why Cat6a is more suited for industrial environments at a lower price point.
Cat8
Cat8 cable is designed for operations of up to 2000 MHz.
Cat8 cables work with 25/40GBASE-T Gigabit Ethernet; this reduces power consumption and is designed for bandwidth-intensive data centre applications.
Cat8 is ideal to use where the distances between units are short.
Cat8 cables are backward compatible with previous Categories of ethernet cables.
Our Preferred Cable
Presently Tech Network Cabling advise Cat 6a to use in Structured cabling however we would look to use the desired cable depending on the type of connection required and budget