CAT6a vs CAT8 Ethernet cable: A Decision-Making Guide
When it comes to internet technology standards, the Ethernet cable plays a very integral part. It is considered the life line that links devices together within a network be it large or small. But with all the different types of Ethernet cables out there, how do you choose which is best for your needs. In this article we will be focusing specifically on the more robust Cat6a and Cat8 Ethernet cables.
What is Cat6a?
The Cat6a or Category 6 Augmented cable is the improved version of the Cat6. The Cat6a is a more robust Ethernet cable that comes in shielded and unshielded versions. It is designed with a thicker insulated jacket and tighter twisted wires that provide added protection against electromagnetic interference for both shielded and unshielded alike. Some Cat6a cables come with a plastic divider or “spline” that helps to physically separate the twisted pairs from each other further protecting it from noise and crosstalk. However, the thicker insulation does make it heavier and more rigid when routing under carpets, around corners or tight spaces.
The Cat6a is capable of handling higher frequencies and speed over longer distances making it twice as fast as the Cat6. Cat6a cables support data rates of 10 Gbps up to 100 meters (328 feet) with a bandwidth frequency of up to 500MHz.
Cat6a cables are great to use for modern offices and larger home networks where there is other cables, components or equipment that might cause interference with previous categories of Ethernet cables.
What is Cat8?
The Cat8 is the successor to the Cat6a cabling. It is the latest generation of Ethernet cables and offers higher data transfer rates and bandwidth frequency out of all the categories produced today.
The Cat8 cable provides data transfer speeds up to 40Gbps over 30 meters (98 feet), which is faster than the Cat7 and 4x faster than the Cat6a. Cat8 also supports a bandwidth frequency up to 2GHz which is also 4x faster than the Cat6a. This makes the Cat8 suitable for data centers, server rooms and networks where ultra-high speed data transmission is required.
With that being said, the Cat8 also has limitations. Its higher bandwidth can only be achieved with shielding and shorter cable lengths making it unsuitable for longer cable runs as the signal degrades over longer distances.
In addition, the Cat8 is more expensive and less flexible than the Cat6a cable. This is due to the Cat8 cables shielding being thicker and more rigid making it more challenging to install. But overall, the Cat8 is quickly becoming the new “go- to” cable for larger networks.
Cat6a vs Cat8 Comparison
When it comes to the Cat6a vs Cat8 cables, their construction is pretty much the same with eight copper conductors twisted into four pairs and both use the T568A or T568B wiring standards when terminating. But they do have some differences as well, such as speed, transmission frequency and cabling length. Also, the Cat6a cables come either shielded and unshielded, whereas the Cat8 only comes shielded. Both are backwards compatible to previous versions so they can easily be integrated into existing network infrastructures.
CAT6A vs CAT8 Comparison chart
| CAT6A | CAT8 | |
|---|---|---|
| Data Transmission | 10GBASE-T | 40GBASE-T / 25GBASE-T |
| Speed | 10 Gbps over 328FT | 40 Gbps over 100FT 25 Gbps over 328FT |
| Frequency | up to 500MHz | up to 2000MHz |
| Construction | UTP / FTP | SFTP |
| Connector Type | RJ45 | RJ45 |
| Backward Compatibility | yes | yes |
| POE | 60W / 100W | 200W |
| Application | Data center Large office | Data center Large office |
| Price | $ | $$ |
Transmission Frequency
The Cat6a supports bandwidth frequency up to 500MHz, whereas the Cat8 supports an impressive 2GHz.
Speed and Cabling Length
Cat6a has a longer maximum cable length of 100 meters (328 feet) with data transmission speeds up 10 Gbps compared to Cat 8 which is 30 meters (98 feet). This makes the Cat6a suitable for most residential and commercial installations. The Cat8 is best used for data centers and server rooms. However, the decision between using the Cat6a or Cat8 depends on your specific requirements as far as speed, budget and availability go.
Shielding
The Cat6a cable comes either shielded or unshielded. Cat6A unshielded cable is constructed of a durable insulated PVC jacket and has four twisted pairs of wires that are insulated and color-coded. This cable is great for home or small businesses where there is less electromagnetic interference such as power lines or heavy machinery.
The Cat6a shielded cable also has four twisted pairs with added shielding within the cable. This shielding further protects against electromagnetic interference and crosstalk and ensures data integrity and higher performance. The Cat6a is a great choice for larger residential and commercial applications.
The Cat8 cable only comes in a shielded version. The Cat8 cable has four twisted pairs of wire that are individually shielded which provide maximum protection against electromagnetic interference, crosstalk and noise. The Cat8 shielded cable is an excellent choice for industrial environments.
Future-Proof with Cat8
The Cat8 cable was designed with the future of network advancements in mind. This makes the Cat8 more appealing when it comes to future-proofing. As technology continues to improve at record pace, you’ll find the Cat8 is a superior choice. With its shielding capabilities and ability to handle higher-frequencies and greater transmission speeds, you’ll be ahead of the curve as the digital world continues to advance.
For many installers, the Cat6a cable is the most cost-effective when compared to the Cat8. The Cat6a is widely used and available most anywhere. On the other hand, the Cat8 is relatively new and considered a premium cable. With its advanced features, the Cat8 tends to be more expensive. If you are looking for superior performance and have the budget, the Cat8 would be an excellent choice.
CAT 6A or CAT 8: Which Cable Should You Choose?
The choice between Cat6a and Cat8 all boils down to your network needs and budget. The Cat6 provides high-speed connections over longer distances and is reliable and less expensive. However, if you’re looking for superior high-speed connections over shorter distances, then Cat8 will be the more appropriate choice.
We recommend you consult with a professional if you are unsure which cable to choose or do a comprehensive research of both cables to make the best decision for your network needs.
CAT6A or CAT 8 Cable for Power Over Ethernet (PoE)
For Power Over Ethernet (PoE) applications, Cat6a is an excellent choice, providing sufficient power delivery while being mindful of your budget. However, if you aim to future-proof your setup, investing in Cat8 cables may be advantageous due to their enhanced capabilities.
CAT6A or CAT 8 Cable for Streaming
When it comes to streaming, Cat6a cables offer reliable performance within a reasonable budget. Nevertheless, if you seek to ensure seamless streaming experiences and prepare for future advancements, opting for Cat8 cables might be the better long-term investment.
CAT6A or CAT 8 Cable for Gaming
In gaming scenarios, both Cat6a and Cat8 cables offer excellent performance, with Cat8 boasting remarkable speeds. If budget allows, choosing Cat8 cables can provide the best gaming experience, ensuring minimal latency and optimal data transmission.