Network Cable Standards
It's important to use high quality network cables in order to prevent issues with reliability, bandwidth and network speed.
Ethernet (RJ45) cables have specific standards that specify their capabilities.
Understanding these standards is key in deciding which cables to buy.
Why the Network Cable Standards Matter
Any network that uses physical cables relies on them to function perfectly at all times.
Each standard has it's own set of capabilities and limitations.
It's important to keep future needs in mind in order to avoid expensive upgrades later.
Network Cable Standards overview
Cat 5E
- Bandwidth: 100 MHz
- Maximum Data Rate: 1 Gbps (Gigabit Ethernet)
- Maximum Distance: 100 meters
Cat 6
- Bandwidth: 250 MHz
- Maximum Data Rate: 10 Gbps
- Maximum Distance: 100 meters (for 1 Gbps), 55 meters (for 10 Gbps)
Cat 6A
- Bandwidth: 500 MHz
- Maximum Data Rate: 10 Gbps
- Maximum Distance: 100 meters
Cat 7
- Bandwidth: 600 MHz
- Maximum Data Rate: 10 Gbps
- Maximum Distance: 100 meters
Cat 8
- Bandwidth: 2000 MHz
- Maximum Data Rate: 40 Gbps
- Maximum Distance: 30 meters
Things to consider
Keep in mind that data rates are expressed in Gigabits whereas download speeds are usually expressed in Gigabytes.
Since there are 8 bits per byte, the actual expected transferspeed between devices is the data rate divided by 8.
Next, consider what the network will be used for.
If you have a fiber connection it may be worth considering Cat 6 cables to futureproof your network.
Local network connections between high bandwidth devices (servers, NAS systems, etc) could benefit from better cables.
Though keep in mind that network speeds are bound by the lowest common denominator.
This means that every device (modem, router, switch, network card, etc) in the chain must support your target data rate in order to reach the desired speed.
