Cat6 vs Cat8: Don't Waste Money on Networking

Marketing numbers always go up, but in networking, bigger isn't always better for home use.

The Reality of Home Speeds

Most home internet connections are 1Gbps or less. Even with fiber, you rarely exceed that.

• Cat6: Supports 1Gbps up to 100m, and 10Gbps up to 55m.
• Cat6a: Supports 10Gbps up to 100m (due to better shielding).
• Cat8: Supports 25/40Gbps. Designed for data centers.

The Stiffness Problem

Cat7 and Cat8 cables require heavy shielding (S/FTP). This makes them incredibly stiff and difficult to route around corners or under carpets. For 99% of users, a high-quality Cat6 cable is more flexible, cheaper, and performs identically.

Technical References

• TIA/EIA-568: Commercial Building Telecommunications Cabling Standard.