 What is a cat 8 cable? With the development of fiber, many people assumed ethernet cables would soon become a thing of the past. Somehow, ethernet cables have managed to stay relevant in the world of technology. New developments arise every few years and they continue to push the envelope of traditional copper cables. So what is a cat 8 cable? The latest development is cat 8 ethernet cable or category 8 ethernet cable. This cable is an advancement of its predecessor cat 7. As a general rule, a higher number represents newer technology that can support higher data rates. In addition, other differences can be cost, bandwidth, and shielding. Difference between ethernet categories. Cat 5e and cat 6 cables. Cat 5e cables operate at 100 MHz and transfer data speeds of up to 1000 Mbps. Cat 6 cables operate at 250 MHz with speeds of up to 1 Gbps. Cat 6a cables will then take you on to 10 Gbps. Cat 7 cables. Category 7 cables perform at superior speeds in comparison to the previous cables. Cat 7 works at 600 MHz and can get up to 10 Gbps. This is a simplification, and these numbers are based on specific tests. There are variations on each cable and some arrangements that can boost or decrease the overall performance. Cat 8 cables. Cat 8 cables are far superior, they supersede all previous categories by a large margin. The cable reaches speeds of 25 Gbps, cat 8.1, to 40 Bbps, cat 8.2. Rated to a frequency of 2 GHz, the cable can reach an outstanding 2 billion signals, transfers, per second. The high speed means all cables' lengths are up to 30 M using a 2 connector channel made up of a high density shielded cable. In comparison to Cat 5 data transfers, Cat 8 is 250 to 400 times faster. Data cabling comparison chart. Cabling cost, differences. Much alike most things, higher performance costs more. At times this is purely economic issue, but in other scenarios, it's to do with the cost of production. This certainly applies when it comes to Ethernet cables. Generally, it comes down to shielding and twists. Higher frequencies require more twists in the cable pairs and the process is more expensive. Additionally, it becomes more difficult to shield higher frequencies from interference and crosstalk. As you go up the scale the cost of raw materials for shielding becomes more expensive. Bandwidth explained. The frequency of a cable determines how many ones and zeros can be sent across the cable in a second. For instance, a basic Cat 5 cable sends 100 million signals a second, 100 MHz. Cat 8 on the other hand uses an unprecedented 2 billion, 2 GHz, signals per second. The cable density and quality of shielding on a Cat 8 cable are on a whole different scale. This becomes obvious when you take into consideration that, Cat 8 is rated for data transfers 250 to 400 times faster than Cat 5. Cat 8 Ethernet cable advantages compared to OM3 multi-mode optical fiber. Cheaper alternative for channels less than 30 M. Backwards compatible with Cat 6 and Cat 6A. Auto negotiation supported. Mixed data rates on the same switch are enabled. Cat 8 Ethernet cable advantages compared to Twin Axial copper. Supports connections with same or adjacent cabinets. Backwards compatibility with RJ45 equipment. Auto negotiation supported. Cheaper alternative for direct attached copper applications of 5 meters or less. Mixed data rates on the same switch are enabled. For further assistance or a free survey, please email or call on the details below, and click like and subscribe if you have enjoyed this video.