Cat5e vs Cat6 vs Cat6a: Which Ethernet Cable to Buy
Cat5e, Cat6 and Cat6a compared: bandwidth, 10 Gbps reach, shielding and when each category is the right choice for home or office cabling.
Home
Ethernet cables and network wiring
Cat5e to Cat8, distances, T568A and T568B, crimping, shielding, fire ratings, PoE, patch panels and planning a wired home or office.
Cat7 and Cat8 Cables: What They Are and Who Needs Them
Cat7 is ISO-only with GG45 or TERA connectors; Cat8 is a 30 m data-centre cable. Learn what each standard says and what to buy for home or office.
Ethernet Cable Categories: Cat5e to Cat8
Ethernet cable categories compared: Cat5e, Cat6, Cat6a, Cat7 and Cat8 rated frequency, speed and distance, plus which to buy for home, office and 10 Gbps.