Performance, characteristics, and design are parts of the major contributions to categorising networking cables. Each network cable type works with one or more categories to meet modern networking environments' diverse needs, providing efficient and better performance.
To establish connectivity and facilitate communication both within and between networked systems, network cables are essential. You already know the four types of Network Cables.
Now, having an understanding of the different categories of network cables is essential for designing, implementing, and maintaining robust network infrastructures.
The Different Categories of Network Cables
Category 1 (Cat1)
Voice telephone systems in homes and offices are most frequently wired with Cat1 cables. These cables feature an Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP) design, which is what the cables in this category have.
Category 2 (Cat2)
Category 2 cables support voice and data transmission at a speed of 4 Mbps and were used during the 1980s for IBM Token Ring Network.
Category 3 (Cat 3)
This category is one of the early generations of Ethernet cables invented in the 1990s. The Cat3 cable features a four-wire twisted pair design which supports a maximum frequency of 16 MHz and was the first cable to support 10BaseT Ethernet used for digital voice communications.
Due to its 16 MHz rate, the Cat3 cable is considered slow for modern networking setup but it can still be found in older network infrastructures.
Category 5 (Cat5)
Cat5 is the most common type of Ethernet cable and it was introduced in the mid-1990s with the potential of faster Ethernet (10BaseT and 100BaseT) reach. Cat5e is used to describe an enhanced Cat5 cable used in high speed and resistance infrastructure and supports Gigabit data transfer rate. The "e" in "CAT5e" stands for "Enhanced". Its higher data rate is achieved by increasing the number of twists, making it more resistant to crosstalk.
The Cat5e is used for Ethernet networks, VoIP systems, and SOHO (small office and home office) setups and utilises RJ45 connectors for connecting to hardware plus it is cost-effective. It boasts high-tech materials and champions streaming of high-definition content or engaging in video conferencing.
Category 6 (Cat6)
Compared to the Cat5e, the Cat6 cable provides higher bandwidth and data transfer of up to 1 Gbps over a longer distance (100m). Cat6 cable can support up to 10 Gbps speed over short distances and it is ideal for video streaming, gaming, and high data usage applications.
Introduced in 2009, Cat6 cables are available in both STP (Shielded Twisted Pair) and UTP (Unshielded Twisted Pair). It utilises a tighter twisted design which helps in reducing crosstalk and electromagnetic interference; making it a go-to choice for businesses and organisations requiring higher bandwidth for data-intensive tasks such as multimedia production and large-scale data transfers.
Category 6a (Cat6a)
The "a" in "Cat6a" stands for "Augmented" signifying an enhanced design that reduces alien crosstalk and ensures optimal performance for data transmission. Cat6a features a thicker cabling design, unlike the Cat6, making it less flexible and it also supports higher bandwidth frequencies of up to 500 MHz. Cat6a is more suitable for industrial applications due to its design and lower price point.
Data transfer speed of up to 10 Gbps over a distance of 100M is supported by Cat6a and it can be upgraded for future purposes.
Category 7 (Cat7)
Cat7 cables are designed to support even higher data transfer speeds and provide better resistance to interference compared to lower-category cables.
The performance characteristics of Cat7 and Cat6a are largely comparable. Cat7 cables have strong shielding and exclusive GG45 connectors. The proprietary nature of Cat7's standard and lack of support from IEEE and EIA have resulted in a relatively small installed base.
Cat7a (Category 7 Augmented) is a further refinement of Cat7, capable of 40 Gigabit speeds over 50 metres and 100 Gbps up to 15 metres.
Category 8 (Cat8)
Combating internet and interference speed boundaries, the Cat8 networking cable remains at the forefront of cutting-edge networking technology. With the ability to support higher data rates of up to 25 and 40 Gbps, Cat8 cables are crafted for the most demanding data centre and enterprise applications. Shielded for optimal performance, Cat8 cables are paving the way for the next era of high-speed networking.
Conclusion
The world of network cables is as diverse as the data it carries. From the reliable Cat5e to the cutting-edge Cat8, each category serves a specific purpose, ensuring that our interconnected world continues to thrive. As technology continues to evolve, so does networking. Having an understanding of these cable categories empowers you to make informed choices that drive innovation and connectivity into the future.
