CAT cables, or Category cables, are network cables that are divided into different performance classes (CAT). We encounter them in everyday life mainly in communications, telecommunications, and computer technology.
CAT cabling is a type of twisted pair cabling consisting of individual copper wires.
Each performance class of CAT cable describes not only the transmission rate, but also the application for which the respective cable is best suited. We were previously familiar with these seven CAT variants:
- CAT-1-4: This cable is used exclusively for telephone applications (frequency range from 100kHz to 16MHz, up to 10Mbit/s)
- CAT-5/5e: The standard cable with a frequency of 100 MHz. However, CAT-5e has a higher transmission speed (1 Gb/s)
- CAT-6: This variant achieves a transmission speed of 1 Gb/s and a frequency of 250 MHz
- CAT-7: The CAT-7 cable is the most commonly used CAT and has up to 600 MHz and 10 Gb/s
- CAT-7a: This variant is significantly more powerful than the normal CAT-7 and has a higher frequency and faster transmission speed (100 Gb/s, 1,000 MHz)
The most powerful CAT-7a cable is now being replaced by the new CAT-8 variant, which offers even more performance than its predecessor. A Cat-8 cable is a typical S/FTP cable with four pairs of wires, each with its own foil shielding.
With up to 2000 MHz, the CAT-8 cable achieves twice the bandwidth and significantly higher transmission speeds than its predecessor. The CAT 8 cable is completely shielded, making it immune to interference and crosstalk.
So if you want to upgrade your home or office professionally, the new standard for high data rates is the right choice for you.
