Local Area Network (LAN) cables play a vital role in ensuring stable, fast, and secure data transmission. With the rise of smart offices, data centers, and FTTH (Fiber to the Home) applications, choosing the right LAN cables is critical to meeting network performance needs. Below are the differences between common LAN cable categories and their key specifications.
Common LAN Cable Categories
The most widely used LAN cables are classified according to their performance levels, including data rate, bandwidth, and shielding.
Cat5e (Category 5e):
This is a common LAN cable type suitable for Ethernet networks with transmission rates up to 1 Gbps.
Cat6 (Category 6):
Higher performance than Cat5e, supports higher transmission rates and lower crosstalk, suitable for handling requirements such as large-capacity data transmission and video streaming.
Cat6a (Category 6a):
Improved on the basis of Cat6, supports higher frequencies and higher transmission rates, suitable for networks with 10 Gbps Ethernet and above.
Cat7 (Category 7):
Provides higher performance and anti-interference capabilities, supports higher frequencies and transmission rates, suitable for data centers and environments requiring strict anti-interference.
Cat8 (Category 8):
The latest LAN cable standard, supports higher transmission rates and larger bandwidths, and is usually used to support networks with 40 Gbps or higher rates.
LAN Cable Comparison
Key specifications and characteristics of different LAN cable categories
Cat5e
Max Speed
1 Gbps
Max Bandwidth
100 MHz
Shielding
UTP
Max Distance
100 meters
Application Scenario
Home and Small Office Networking
Cat6
Max Speed
1 Gbps (100 m)
10 Gbps (55 m)
Max Bandwidth
250 MHz
Shielding
UTP/FTP
Max Distance
100 meters
Application Scenario
Business Network and HD Video Transmission
Cat6a
Max Speed
10 Gbps
Max Bandwidth
500 MHz
Shielding
U/FTP or F/UTP
Max Distance
100 meters
Application Scenario
Enterprise network, high-speed transmission
Cat7
Max Speed
10 Gbps
Max Bandwidth
600 MHz
Shielding
S/FTP
Max Distance
100 meters
Application Scenario
Data centers that require high anti-interference
Cat8
Max Speed
25~40 Gbps
Max Bandwidth
2000 MHz
Shielding
S/FTP
Max Distance
30 meters
Application Scenario
High-speed applications such as data centers and server interconnection
Main Technical Specifications
Key technical parameters that define LAN cable performance
Data Rate
The maximum data rate that a LAN cable can support is determined by its internal structure and manufacturing standards. For example, Cat5e supports up to 1 Gbps, while Cat8 supports up to 40 Gbps.
Bandwidth
Higher bandwidth allows for faster and more reliable data communication. Cat8 cables, for instance, support up to 2000 MHz.
Maximum Transmission Distance
Under standard conditions, cables in the Cat5e to Cat6a categories support a maximum transmission distance of 100 meters (90 meters of solid line + 10 meters of jumper); while Cat8 has a maximum length of 30 meters due to its higher operating frequency, which is suitable for short-distance high-speed interconnection in data centers.
Shielding
The anti-interference ability of a cable is closely related to its shielding structure. Common shielding methods include:
- UTP unshielded twisted pair: common in Cat5e and Cat6
- FTP overall shielding: improves anti-interference ability
- S/FTP shielding per pair + total shielding: used for high-end applications such as Cat7 and Cat8
Impedance
The impedance of standard LAN cables is generally 100 ±15 ohms to ensure stable transmission of network signals.
Flame Rating
Depending on the installation environment:
- • PVC: general use, basic flame retardant
- • LSZH: low smoke zero halogen
- • Plenum / Riser Rated: for specific fire protection requirements
Conductor Size
The commonly used wire diameter is 23 AWG to 26 AWG. The smaller the value, the thicker the wire core and the stronger the signal transmission capability.
Standard certification
- • TIA/EIA-568 (American standard)
- • ISO/IEC 11801 (International standard)
- • RoHS, CE, UL and other certifications
How to Choose the Right LAN Cable?
Home/Small Office
Cat5e or Cat6
Recommended for basic networking needs
Medium & Large Enterprises
Cat6a
Balances performance and flexibility
High-Density Data Centers
Cat7 or Cat8
For high-speed and anti-interference needs
Custom LAN Cable Solutions
If you need to customize LAN cable solutions according to actual scenarios, Sopto Technology provides a full range of Cat5e~Cat8 high-quality network cable products and supports OEM/ODM services. If you need selection advice or quotation support, please contact our professional team.
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