Not all Ethernet cables are the same. The category you choose directly affects speed, bandwidth, and performance. This quick guide helps you match the right cable to the right use case 👇
🔹 Cat5 – 100 MHz / 100 Mbps
Best for basic setups like IP cameras and legacy networks.
🔹 Cat5e – 100 MHz / 1 Gbps
A popular choice for home routers and small offices.
🔹 Cat6 – 250 MHz / 1 Gbps
Ideal for switch-to-switch links and modern office networks.
🔹 Cat6a – 500 MHz / 10 Gbps
Built for servers, virtualization, and high-performance LANs.
🔹 Cat7 – 600 MHz / 10 Gbps
Designed for data centers with strong shielding and low interference.
🔹 Cat8 – 2000 MHz / 25 Gbps
For high-speed devices and short-distance, ultra-fast connections.
Rule of thumb:
Higher cable category = higher speed, more bandwidth, and better performance (when paired with compatible hardware).
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