Network Cable Category - Cat 5e, 6, 6A, 7 or 8?
The cable category determines the data rate, maximum length and PoE capability of your cabling. This guide shows how to choose between Cat 5e, Cat 6, Cat 6A, Cat 7 and Cat 8 by bandwidth, distance and power delivery, and when shielding pays off.
View network cablesWhich category delivers which data rate?
The category of a twisted-pair cable sets its bandwidth and maximum data rate. Cat 5e carries 1 Gbit/s, Cat 6 reaches 10 Gbit/s over short runs, and Cat 6A delivers 10 Gbit/s across the full 100 m. Cat 8 runs at 2000 MHz for up to 40 Gbit/s, but only up to 30 m in the data centre.
Cat 7 and Cat 7A are fully shielded classes (Class F/FA) at 600 to 1000 MHz, used in practice for 10 Gbit/s. Higher categories are backward compatible: a Cat 6A cable works on a 1 Gbit/s port just as it does on a 10 Gbit/s port.
How do length and PoE affect the choice?
Distance is a hard limit. Classic copper cabling is designed for a 90 m permanent link plus 10 m of patch cords, giving 100 m in total. Cat 6 loses reach for 10 Gbit/s before that limit, while Cat 8 is intended only for short server-to-switch runs up to 30 m.
For Power over Ethernet, conductor cross-section and heat dissipation matter. Under IEEE 802.3bt (PoE++, Type 4) up to 90 W is supplied at the port and around 71 W at the device. Thicker AWG 23 conductors and shielded cables reduce heating inside the bundle and keep the voltage drop low.
- Up to 100 m office run at 1 Gbit/s: Cat 5e or Cat 6 is enough.
- 10 Gbit/s across the full 100 m: choose Cat 6A.
- Server-to-switch up to 30 m at 25/40 Gbit/s: Cat 8.
- PoE++ at 90 W: use AWG 23 minimum, shielded, for good heat dissipation.
- Large cable bundles: shielded variants lower the temperature rise.
Shielded or unshielded - which fits?
Shielding protects against electromagnetic interference. U/UTP is unshielded and inexpensive, while F/UTP and S/FTP add foil and braid screens. In noisy industrial settings, on long runs parallel to power cables, or at 10 Gbit/s and above, a shielded cable is the safe choice.
Shielded cables must be terminated cleanly to a common earth point at both ends, otherwise the screen acts as an antenna. Check the outer jacket too: LSZH material is halogen-free and low-smoke and is required in public buildings.
Patch cords, installation cable and connectors to match the category.
Browse the rangeFrequently asked questions
Is Cat 6 enough for 10 Gbit/s?
Only over short runs. Cat 6 typically supports 10 Gbit/s up to around 55 m, less under interference. For the full 100 m at 10 Gbit/s, Cat 6A is the right choice.
When is Cat 8 worth it?
Cat 8 is built for data centres and delivers 25 to 40 Gbit/s, but only up to 30 m. It is not suited to office runs up to 100 m, where Cat 6A remains the standard.
Which category do I need for PoE++?
PoE++ under IEEE 802.3bt with up to 90 W works from Cat 5e, but for low heating AWG 23 conductors and shielded cables such as Cat 6A S/FTP are recommended.
Are higher categories backward compatible?
Yes. A Cat 6A or Cat 7 cable runs fine on 1 Gbit/s ports. The actual data rate is always set by the weakest link among cable, outlet, patch panel and port.
Looking for the right network cable?
We supply installation and patch cable from Cat 5e to Cat 8, shielded and unshielded, with matching connectors and accessories.
Standards compliant
Cables tested to ISO/IEC 11801 and EN 50173.
Ready for PoE
AWG 23 and shielding for PoE++ per 802.3bt.
Fully qualified
10 Gbit/s over the full 100 m run with Cat 6A.
Expert advice
Our team helps you pick the right category.