You've seen the Cat designations, Cat5e and Cat6 and Cat6a. If you work in more powerful internet settings you might even be familiar with Cat7. The general rule is that a higher number is a newer technology and can support higher data rates.
  • Cat5 operates at 100 MHz and can transfer data at speeds up to 1000 Mbps.
  • Cat6 works at 250 MHz and can get up to 1 Gbps.
  • Cat7 ups the ante substantially with 600 MHz and 10 Gbps rates.
CAT 8 provides better frequency characteristics, therefore supporting higher speeds of data. It is capable of supporting bandwidths of up to 2 GHz (2000 MHz) for up to 100ft of cabling and supports 25Gbps/ 40Gbs speeds. Specifications:-Cable Type: Category 8 (Cat8)-Bandwidth: Support up to 2000Mhz -Data Transfer Speed: 40Gbps -Jacket Material: Environmental PVC -Connectors Type: 24K Gold-plated RJ45 (8P8C)-Conductors Material: 24 AWG stranded 100% oxygen-free copper -Construction: S/FTP (Shielded Foiled Twisted Pair)