Have you ever wondered what the CAT 5, CAT 6, CAT 7, and CAT 8 labels on Ethernet cables mean? No, we're not talking about actual CAT 5, CAT 6, CAT 7, and CAT 8, but rather categories that make a difference in the speed and quality of your connection.
What does CAT mean on Ethernet cables?
The label CAT In Ethernet cables, it represents "category" and defines the cable's standard and technical specifications. The number that follows (5, 6, 7, 8) indicates the cable's generation and performance, from physical characteristics to the maximum speed it supports.
Additionally, each category has different wiring configurations, cable thickness and coiling, and some even include internal plastic tubing to improve performance and reduce interference.
As with USB cables, each new category of Ethernet cable improves speed and efficiency, ideal for gamers and users who require stable, fast connections to avoid lag and interruptions in their network.
CAT Speeds and Categories: Which Cable Should You Choose?
CAT 5 and CAT 5e: Basic speed for home and office
The cables CAT 5, born in the early 2000s, offer up to 100 Mbps at 100 MHz, sufficient for basic tasks. Its improved version, CAT 5e, can reach speeds of up to 1 Gbps (1000 Mbps) at 100 MHz, improving stability and reducing interference.
These models are still used in small offices, schools, and for connecting common devices such as printers or hubs, thanks to their ability to cover most basic networking needs.
CAT 6 and CAT 6a: the choice for gamers and professionals
The cables CAT 6 They offer speeds ten times faster than CAT 5e, reaching up to 10 Gbps at 250 MHz. They also feature improved shielding to prevent electromagnetic interference, making them ideal for video conferencing, cloud computing, and professional environments such as hospitals or government agencies.
If you are looking for even more stability, the CAT 6a They support the same transfer speeds but double the frequency to 500 MHz, improving performance on networks with high data demands and avoiding lag on high-load connections.
CAT 7 and CAT 8: for advanced needs and specialists
CAT 7 It allows transfers of up to 10 Gbps at 600 MHz, but it was originally designed for GG45 or TERA connectors, which are less common than the usual RJ45 connectors. If you use CAT 7 with RJ45 connectors, its speed is reduced to CAT 6 levels. Therefore, it is less popular in typical installations.
On the other hand, the CAT 8 represent the maximum current speed, with transfers from 20 to 40 Gbps using 2 GHz signals. They are perfect for data centers, financial institutions, research laboratories and television studios that require the latest in network performance.
Although its use is spreading in the gaming world due to its extreme speed, it's still an investment that many don't need, unless you're looking for a "secure future" in your Ethernet connection.
Which Ethernet cable should I choose for PC gaming? 🎮
If you are looking for the maximum theoretical speed, without a doubt the CAT 8 It is the top option. However, for most gamers a cable CAT 6 either CAT 6a It's more than enough. These cables support up to 10 Gbps, which is the current limit of the most powerful Ethernet cards on the market, such as the Asus XG-C100C.
In fact, a speed of 1 Gbps already guarantees lag-free gameplay and smooth streaming in most online games. So, choose a cable that combines good performance with a good price and durability.
Remember that actual speed also depends on the router or modem you use: it's no good having an ultra-fast cable if your basic equipment limits the transfer rate to less than the cable can handle.
Tips for choosing the right Ethernet cable
Before purchasing, determine the length you need to avoid excess cable lengths that could compromise connection quality. Each category has maximum recommended limits; for example, CAT 6 cables can reach up to 100 meters without losing performance.
In short: For home use or small offices, CAT 5e is sufficient. For gamers and professionals who require fast, stable connections, CAT 6 or CAT 6a is ideal. If you want to prepare for the future or have specific requirements, CAT 8 is the best investment.
