Cat 8 vs. Cat 6 Ethernet Cable – Is newer always better?

Both the Cat 6 and Cat 8 ethernet cables are used to support high internet transmission speeds. The Cat 8 is the newer entrant in the cables market, but does that make it a better cable?

When choosing the kind of accessories to use along with our gadgets such as computer and gaming consoles, it is important to choose those that are highly compatible and those that can support the kind of performance we hope to achieve.The Cat 6 ethernet cable has been a favorite for many high speed internet users, especially in the home setting. On the other hand, Cat 8 users are not as widely spread, but this cable delivers impressive speeds and a great build. So, which one is better?

What are the differences between the Cat 6 and Cat 8 Ethernet Cables?

Feature	Cat 6 Ethernet Cable	Cat 8 Ethernet Cable
Maximum Transmission Speed	1000Mbps / 10Gbps	25Gbps/ 40Gbps
Maximum Transmission Length	100Meters	30Meters
Frequency	250MHz	2,000MHz
Cable Construction Type	Shielded and Unshielded	Shielded
Connector Type	Rj45	Class I – Rj45 Class II – Non-Rj45
	Check Price Here	Check Price Here

Cat 8 vs. Cat 6 Ethernet Cables – How do they compare?

Construction and Shielding

The heart of every ethernet cable, right from the very first one, is the copper wires found inside. Ethernet cables are charged` with the responsibility of transmitting data from the source, usually a router or modem, to the device where it is needed such as a computer or gaming console. This data is transmitted in the form of electromagnetic impulses, and this is where copper wires come in. when cut cross-sectionally, you will notice that every ethernet cable has a total of 8 copper wires.

In the Cat 6 cable, each of these copper wires is tightly covered with a thin layer of PVC casing. This prevents the copper wires from coming into direct contact with each other, a characteristic that prevents crosstalk from occurring. The 8 copper wires are then twisted in twos to form 4 pairs. Cat 6 cables come as either shielded or unshielded. The shielded twisted pair cables have a PVC casing around the twisted copper wires, a characteristic that adds structure to the cable and also reduces the chances of crosstalk. On the other hand, the unshielded cables come without this casing, making them somewhat weaker. However, each Cat 6 cable is fitted with a spline, a rigid plastic feature that runs the entire length of the cable to keep the wires from coming into direct contact. It also adds strength to the cable but reduces its flexibility.

The Cat 8 cable features a much stronger build. In place of a PVC casing around its twisted copper pairs, it has a strong aluminum foil that keeps the wires in place and prevents them from coming into direct contact. Additionally, it has an aluminum braided shield that adds a good deal of strength and durability to this cable. The outer jacket of the Cat 8 is also made using strong material, making it able to withstand heavy use.

The Cat 8 ethernet cable features a stronger build than the Cat 6 cable, making it the better one of the two.

Speed and Performance

The Cat 6 cable came as a drastic improvement to the previous Cat 5e which is a widely used ethernet cable, especially in homes. For starters, this cable came with the capacity to transmit at extremely high internet speeds. The Cat 6 bears the capacity to deliver speeds that peak at an impressive 10Gbps, but there is a catch. To sustain this speed, the cable must be no longer than 55 meters. Beyond this distance, the speed dramatically drops to a maximum throughput of 1000Mbps (10Gbps). With both speeds, this cable can comfortably be able to support such activity as 4K video streaming and high speed gaming. Additionally, it boasts a frequency of up to 250MHz.

When it comes to speeds, the Cat 8 ethernet cable impresses with its ability to support what would only be called lightning fast transmission. This cable gives users the ability to access a maximum throughput of a cool 40Gbps. However, it can only support this speed over a maximum distance of 30 meters. With such speeds, you will have no worry about high speed gaming and 4K video streaming on your devices. Additionally, it supports a 2000MHz (2GHz) frequency which only adds to its capabilities.

The Cat 8 ethernet cable boasts an impressive combination of speed and high frequency, setting itself on a much higher level than the Cat 6 cable where speed and performance are concerned.

Cat 8 vs. Cat 6 Cables – A comparison Overview

Cat 8 Ethernet cable

This cable embodies the definition of performance, speed and an excellent build. We really like that this cable has an incredibly strong build that gives it the ability to handle high intensity environments such as commercial settings that involve a lot of crisscrossing. Since copper wires are highly susceptible to crosstalk, this cable is reinforced with layer after layer of PVC and aluminum shielding. This characteristic also adds to the Cat 8 ethernet cable’s versatility, allowing for it to sustain heavy use even outdoors.

What we like more is its capacity to handle extremely heavy internet transmission, boasting a top speed of 40Gbps. This is largely made possible by its 2000MHz frequency. However, the Cat 8 is unable to transmit its high speeds over long distances, reaching a maximum distance of 30 meters. However, you can use it to support 4K video streaming and high speed gaming.

Pros

• Supports incredibly fast speeds
• Boasts a high frequency
• Has a strong and durable body

Cons

• It sustains its speed over a short distance of 30 meters

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Cat 6 Ethernet Cable Overview

After replacing the Cat 5e Ethernet cable, the Cat 6 steadily became one of the most widely used ethernet cables for high speed internet transmissions in the home front.

For starters, it came with a top transmission speed of 10Gbps, but this changes significantly when the cable length exceeds 55 meters. Beyond this distance, it delivers a speed on 1000Mbps (1Gbps). Notably, though, users can be able to accomplish such activity as high speed gaming and 4K video streaming.

The Cat 6 comes with two types of build. There is an unshielded type that lacks an inner protective casing around the twisted copper pairs, and there is a shielded type that comes with this shielding. All Cat 6 cables come with a spleen which adds structure and strength to the cable but reduces flexibility.

Pros

• Supports fast transmission speeds
• Comes with a spleen for improved structure and added strength
• Excellent for home transmissions

Cons

• Has low flexibility
• Speeds drop when distance exceeds 55 meters

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Verdict: So, which one is better; Cat 6 or Cat 8 ethernet cable?

The Cat 8 Ethernet cable boasts extremely fast transmission speeds and an incredibly strong build. Additionally, it supports a significantly higher frequency than the Cat 6 ethernet cable, and these characteristics make it a much better cable.

FAQS

1. Can I use the Cat 8 ethernet cable in the office?

You definitely can, but be certain not to exceed the 30 meters that allows for high transmission speeds

2. Is the Cat 6 cable backward compatible?

Yes, this cable is backward compatible