As more and more households cut the cord and rely on streaming services for their entertainment needs, ensuring a smooth streaming experience is paramount.
With 4K and 8K content becoming increasingly common, you’ll want the fastest possible network connection to avoid buffering or lag.
But is upgrading to a Cat8 Ethernet cable really going to make that much of a difference over a standard Cat5e or Cat6 cable? Let’s take a look.
What is a Cat8 ethernet cable?
A Cat8 cable is the newest standard for Ethernet cabling. It can transfer data at speeds up to an impressive 40 gigabits per second (Gbps), handling bandwidth-intensive tasks with plenty of headroom to spare.
Key features:
- Bandwidth: Cat8 has a maximum rated bandwidth capacity of 2,000 megahertz (MHz), nearly double that of Cat6a.
- Speed: With speeds up to 40 Gbps, Cat8 provides over 4 times the throughput of standard Cat5e and Cat6 cables.
- Shielding: This cable has heavy shielding, which helps reduce electromagnetic interference from outside sources.
- Distance: You can expect effective cable runs of around 30 meters before the signal quality degrades, giving you plenty of flexibility for wiring.
Pros of Cat8 ethernet cable
With bandwidth capabilities well beyond previous standards, Cat8 cables offer some clear advantages for networking applications compared to older cabling types. Let’s explore some main pros of upgrading to this future-proof solution.
Maximum speed
Cat8 cables are designed to support data transfers up to an impressive 40Gbps. This ensures you have ample throughput headroom for even the most intensive tasks now and in the future.
Reliability
Cat8’s heavy shielding and advanced signal processing make it highly resilient against interference. You can depend on it to deliver pristine throughput over maximum length without drops, lags, or other reliability issues marring the user experience.
Future-proofing
While 10GbE is common now, 40GbE and beyond will become more mainstream in the coming years. Installing Cat8 gives confidence that bandwidth availability will never be an issue, even as requirements increase.
Drawbacks of Cat8
While Cat8 cables offer compelling benefits, they do have a few limitations compared to other common standards.
Cost
The price of Cat8 equipment and installation is still higher than that of older technologies. This premium must be justified by specific application needs rather than just future-proofing. For most small home networks, the added expense outweighs any benefits.
Compatibility
Not all networking gear supports the full 40Gbps speeds yet. You need a compatible infrastructure to take full advantage of Cat8’s capabilities. For those with legacy equipment, an upgrade may be needed to achieve maximum throughput.
Overkill for home use
Unless you have a massive smart home with many concurrent high-bandwidth applications, the demands of a typical residence will be met easily with cheaper standards like Cat6a. For most, Cat8 is completely overkill.
Types of Cat8 ethernet cables in the market
With Cat8’s enhanced capabilities come different cable varieties tailored for specific needs. Let’s examine a few popular options available in the market:
Cat8 S/FTP cables
These feature braided shielding around each twisted pair set and the overall cable. This robust construction provides top-level protection against electromagnetic interference in demanding industrial environments, making them ideal for situations with strong sources of EMI.
Cat8 F/UTP cables
It has a similar construction as standard UTP but is rated for higher frequencies and is more cost-effective than S/FTP versions with shielding. This cable is a good choice for commercial spaces and large home runs where EMI is less of a concern.
Cat8 bulk cables
These plenum-rated bulk cables are perfect for installing inside walls or conduits during new construction. They are less flexible than patch cables but more cost-effective for permanent hardwiring throughout a building.
Who needs a Cat8 ethernet cable for streaming?
Here are a few types of setups that could truly benefit from using a Cat8 Ethernet cable for streaming media:
Those with demanding home networks
If your home is very large and filled with smart devices, security cameras, and multiple people streaming simultaneously, your network will see heavy usage. With so much bandwidth needed at once, a Cat8 cable ensures zero lag or buffering, no matter how much traffic is happening.
Power users with unique needs
If you perform intensive tasks like working from home while others stream or if pushing network capacity to its limits is essential, Cat8 gives you headroom for many years of development.
Professionals with complex infrastructure
If your work involves networking, you may have needs beyond a typical residence. Cat8 supports advanced applications with many concurrent high-bandwidth connections between switches, eliminating any risk of bottlenecks.
Early adopters wanting future-proofing
Installing Cat8 now lets you know your network will easily handle 8K streaming and beyond. This lets you upgrade other devices without worrying about cabling constraints.