Whether you are a gamer, a content creator, or a remote worker, having a fast and stable internet connection can make all the difference. One way to ensure that you are getting the best possible connection is to invest in a high-quality ethernet cable. And with CAT 8 on the rise, many folks are on the hunt for the best CAT 8 ethernet cables out there.
That’s exactly what we will be talking about today. In this article, we’ll help you understand what CAT 8 ethernet cables are, how they improve upon the previous generation of ethernet cables, and shed a light on the best use cases for the same. We will also take a look at some of the best CAT 8 Ethernet cables available right now.
But first, you might want to check out the following:
- Save a buck by opting for these CAT 7 Ethernet Cables instead.
- Connect Ethernet to your laptop using one of these USB to Ethernet Adapters.
What is CAT 8 Ethernet Cable?
IEEE has established the Cat8 or Category 8 as a standard for wired connections, specifically ethernet. The CAT 8 cable is faster in terms of data transfer speeds compared to previous standards. What’s more, is that it also maintains backward compatibility with all previous standards.
The STP design, found in all ethernet cables, shields and twists each copper wire in pairs to reduce electromagnetic interference from the surrounding environment. However, CAT 8 cables have an even better design, with each twisted pair of cables having its own separate foil protection layer. This feature eliminates minor interference and crosstalk caused by the cables inside the jacket.
As a result, CAT 8 ethernet cables can deliver data at the highest speeds possible and are currently more reliable than any other previous-generation ethernet cables.
CAT 8 Ethernet Cable Specifications
The modern CAT 8 ethernet cables are designed to support speeds of up to 40 Gbps and can operate at frequencies of up to 2GHz. They also make use of shielded twisted pair (STP) construction, which protects against electromagnetic interference and crosstalk. Here are the basic specifications of an ideal CAT 8 Ethernet cable:
| Connectors | RJ45/RJ45 |
| Booted | Yes, Ferrari-Style, Snagless |
| Shielded | Pair Foil Shielded/ 4 Pair Braided Shield |
| AWG | 24AWG |
| Bandwidth | Up to 2000MHz |
| Jacket | PVC Jacket |
| Conductor | Stranded |
| Contact Gold-plating | 50 Micron |
| Backward Compatible | Yes |
| Max Data Transfer Rate | 40 Gbps |
Comparing CAT 6, 7, and 8
The maximum data transfer speed supported by CAT 6 cables is 10 Gbps over short distances of up to 55 meters, making them the most commonly used Ethernet cables for home and small office networks. With a maximum frequency of 250 MHz, they are capable of delivering reliable connectivity.
On the other hand, CAT 7 cables can support speeds of up to 10 Gbps over longer distances of up to 100 meters. They are more resistant to crosstalk and interference than Cat6 cables, with a maximum frequency of 600 MHz. They are ideal for larger office networks and data centers.
CAT 8 cables are currently the fastest and most advanced ethernet cables available, with a maximum speed of up to 40 Gbps over short distances of up to 30 meters. They are designed to reduce interference and crosstalk even further than Cat7 cables and tout a maximum frequency of 2 GHz.
CAT 8 Ethernet Cable Use Cases
CAT 8 ethernet cables are best suited for high-bandwidth applications that demand fast and reliable connectivity. They are specifically designed to reduce interference and crosstalk, providing a stable and reliable connection. As such, they are best suited for use in data centers that need to transfer large amounts of data quickly and efficiently. Apart from that, these cables can also be used for other tasks such as gaming, video streaming, and transferring large files.
Now that we have that cleared out, let’s take a look at some of the best CAT 8 ethernet cables which you can buy.
1. DbillionDa Store Weatherproof Ethernet Cable
- Length: 1.5ft to 150ft | Cable type: Round
- Best for: Streaming, Outdoor Installation
The cable employs double shielding and gold-plated RJ45 connectors for its construction, which should help to ensure a stable and fast connection. The cable is also rated for up to 40Gbps transfer speeds and is designed to be weatherproof and UV-resistant. This makes it a reliable choice for outdoor use too.
Apart from outdoor installation, the cable is quite sturdy and can be installed underground as well. As such, servers that run their cables under the flooring will find the unit extremely useful.
2. UGREEN High-Speed Braided Cable
- Length: 3ft to 65ft | Cable type: Braided
- Best for: Gaming, Surveillance
The braided jacket design not only looks sleek but also provides additional protection for the cable, making it more durable and less prone to tangling. Speaking of which, due to its build design, the cable is a bit more difficult to bend or maneuver in tight spaces. However, this also means that it may be more durable and less prone to damage in the longer run.
One advantage of this cable is that apart from the 65ft variant, all other UGREEN CAT 8 Ethernet cables come with support for PoE. This basically means you don’t need an additional power supply while installing a PoE camera.
3. Boahcken Heavy Duty Cable
- Length: 3ft to 150ft | Cable type: Round
- Best for: Office Wiring, Hotels, Data Centers
The cable is double-shielded, which helps reduce EMI/RFI interference. As such, you can pair multiple cables together, without having to worry about loss in quality due to interference.
You also get high-quality connectors that are quite sturdy. And, although the cable can be used anywhere, it’s best recommended for big data centers, offices, or hotels. Essentially, Boahcken’s offering will shine in a setting with multiple cables running alongside one another.
4. Orbram Flat Ethernet Cable
- Length: 1.5ft to 200ft | Cable type: Braided+Flat
- Best for: Streaming
Not only do you get the protection of a braided cable here, but you also get the convenience of a flat cable. This allows you to route the cable through tough and narrow spots as well, without having to worry about breaking the cord. The braided nature also ensures that this CAT 8 cable doesn’t get tangled up.
In terms of performance, you get a bandwidth of up to 2000MHz, which is to be expected from a good CAT 8 ethernet cable. One thing to note, however, is that while the product name does state that it is good enough for outdoor usage, it doesn’t come with any sort of water or weather resistance. As such, we would advise you to look into it only for indoor usage.
5. DEEGO High-Speed Flat Network Cable
- Length: 6ft to 150ft | Cable type: Flat
- Best for: Home/Personal Use
Now just to be clear, most home users don’t have the internet connections to properly utilize the full bandwidth of CAT 8 cables anyway. To improve the quality of long-distance data transmission, the shielded CAT 8 Ethernet cord efficiently reduces EMI/RFI interference. It does so with the help of multiple shields to minimize packet loss rate, resulting in a fast and stable internet connection suitable for streaming smart TV, gaming, and downloading.
Also, the flat design of this cable allows you to easily run it across your home without mucking up the decor. And, at 30AWG, it’s one of the slimmest CAT 8 ethernet cables out there. More importantly, consumers love the fact that you still get amazing speeds and top-notch quality. Additionally, the package includes 20 cable clips for easy installation.
6. BUSOHE 5 Pack Multi Color
- Length: 1ft to 15ft | Cable type: Flat
- Best for: IT offices, workplaces, server management
The company’s cables are available in sizes ranging from 1ft to 15ft and are essentially patch cables used to connect your system to the office network hub. Of course, you would need to purchase these cables in bulk, and BUSOHE offers a pack of five for varied use cases.
The black cables with colored ends (Black, Red, Blue, Green, and White) make cable management and identification easier. Additionally, the flat design of the cord makes it easier to conceal it, or even run on any surface as it won’t tangle like typical round cords. If your network requires you to run multiple cables together and use them to transfer big data files, then you can definitely go for the BUSOHE CAT 8 ethernet cables.
FAQs about CAT 8 Ethernet Cables
Using a CAT 8 Ethernet cable can potentially lower ping if the cable has higher bandwidth and lower latency than the cable it is replacing. However, it’s important to consider that multiple factors affect ping. These include factors such as the quality of the internet connection, the distance between devices, and the network hardware used.
CAT 8 cables offer higher bandwidth and lower latency than lower-category cables. This makes them ideal for high-speed data transfer and low-latency applications such as online gaming and video streaming. However, if you don’t require such high speeds, a lower-category cable may suffice and be more cost-effective. Ultimately, your specific requirements and budget determine whether or not CAT 8 Ethernet cable is overkill.
Enjoy Blazing Fast Speeds with CAT 8 Connectivity
At the end of the day, investing in a high-quality CAT 8 ethernet cable is a smart move if you want to enjoy fast and reliable internet speeds. The products listed here offer excellent performance, durability, and value for money. Whether you’re a gamer, a content creator, or a remote worker, one of these cables is sure to meet your needs.
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Last updated on 17 March, 2023
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