Ethernet cables: All you need to know about the 5 different types

Ethernet cables have been around since 1973. Their popularity has surged after the World Wide Web came into existence, and with increasing digitisation. They are used to connect devices within a local area network called LAN for internet access, and communication between desktops and laptops, routers, and networking devices. Ethernet cables consist of twisted pairs of copper wires or fibre optic strands encased in a protective sheath.  

When you think of home networking, a wireless connection is more convenient, but it has a few drawbacks compared to the ethernet cable. The latter offers a more reliable and robust connectivity with high-speed data transfers, low latency, and reduced interference. They are ideal where a consistent and secure connection is a necessity, like in offices and data centres for handling huge requirements, or at home for uninterrupted entertainment.  

Types of Ethernet cables

Even with wireless technology, ethernet cables are indispensable in today’s digital infrastructure. There are various kinds of ethernet cables, each having different specifications and use cases. They are ranked very much like software versions.   

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In this article, we’re going to be exploring the different types of ethernet cables.

1. Cat5 

2. Cat5e

3. Cat6

4. Cat7

5. Cat8

1. Cat5

Cat refers to a category in ethernet cables. The Cat5 cable is now nearly three decades older, first released in 1995. It offers internet speeds up to 100Mbps and is suitable for basic needs. Cat5 is ideal for small home and office networks. However, the cables are on the decline due to the emergence of advanced options. But it still remains an affordable solution for basic requirements.  

2. Cat5e

Soon after the Cat5’s release, Cat5e emerged as an enhanced version. It supports speeds up to 1Gbps and also reduces interference. They are still commonly found in many current networks.  

3. Cat6 and Cat6a

Cat6 arrived at the start of the 21st century with significant upgrades over the previous version. The cable runs at up to 250Mhz and offers speeds up to 10Gbps over shorter distances of up to 55 meters (or 330 feet). Meanwhile, Cat6a is an upgraded version where the ‘a’ stands for Augmented. It is capable of supporting the same speed but over longer distances. Both Category 6 and 6a have better insulation and reduce interference in environments with heavy network traffic.  

4. Cat7

The Cat7 ethernet cable supports speeds up to 10Gbps but at a higher frequency of 600Mhz. It is required at data centres and server rooms where reliable and fast connection is paramount, consistently. The augmented version of the Cat7 bumps the frequency and speeds to 1Ghz and 40Gbps respectively, but maxes out at a distance of 165 feet. These ethernet cables feature shielding to reduce any electromagnetic interference.  

5. Cat8

Cat8 is the latest ethernet cable technology. It offers unparalleled network speeds up to 40Gbps over distances up to 30 meters. This type of ethernet cable features robust shielding around the wiring for a stable connection. They are better suited for industrial environments and future-proofing networks. 

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It’s important to understand the various types of ethernet cables before setting up a reliable and efficient network, whether at home or the office. The most important factors include speed requirements, the maximum distances the cable needs to cover, and lastly, the environment with network interference level. We hope this helps you invest in the right one, that can meet your connectivity requirements at all times.