CAT cable: differences between the numbers explained

Despite WLAN, the network cable is far from dead. When buying, you must decide on a certain quality. This is specified in CAT. We show you what you need to know.

The CAT specification determines the performance of the network cable.

CAT is the abbreviation of "category", meaning category. The designation is therefore not difficult to understand.

CAT cables: differences in signal rate and protection against interference sources

In the normal case, you will encounter cables with CAT 5, CAT 6 and CAT 7 or Cat 8 when buying. The following properties apply:

• CAT 5 is the time-honored standard with signal rates of a maximum of 100 MHz and is suitable for most applications at home without any problems.
• CAT 6 is significantly higher quality, the maximum frequency is 250 MHz and the cable is better protected against external influences thanks to sheathing. With the length of the cable, however, the transmission speed decreases.
• CAT 7 is the second highest level. With CAT 7, frequencies of up to 600 MHz are possible thanks to gold-plated contacts, and the excellent insulation makes interference as good as impossible. CAT 7a cables even create frequencies up to 1000 MHz.
• CAT 8, however, are mainly used in the professional field. These cables achieve twice as high operating frequencies as CAT 7, but can only be used on short distances. Due to the twisted pair standard used, interference with CAT 8 cables have no chance.

Which CAT cable is the right one for you depends on the intended use, because the highest quality is not always necessary. Due to the fairly low prices, however, it offers itself in case of doubt to simply choose the higher CAT number.