The difference between CAT6 - CAT7 - CAT8 and which is better?
mix fiber
mix fiber
13 June 2025

📌 1. Cat 6 cable

  • Maximum frequency : up to 250 MHz.
  • Maximum speed :
  • Up to 1 Gbps at 100 meters.
  • With some improvements (such as short runs), it can reach 10 Gbps but only for short distances (about 30-55 meters).
  • Features :
  • Suitable for regular home and office networks.
  • Less expensive than Cat 7 and Cat 8.
  • There is no additional insulation against interference (or very little).

📌 2. Cat 7 cable

  • Maximum frequency : up to 600 MHz.
  • Maximum speed :
  • Support up to 10 Gbps at a distance of up to 100 meters.
  • Features :
  • Fully insulated (S/FTP) for all wires, reducing electrical interference.
  • More suitable for advanced users or small businesses.
  • Not officially supported by IEEE or TIA in some aspects.

📌 3. Cat 8 cable

  • Maximum frequency : up to 2000 MHz (i.e. 2 GHz!).
  • Maximum speed :
  • Support up to 25 Gbps or 40 Gbps but at a very short distance (up to 30 meters max).
  • Features :
  • Primarily designed for use in data centers.
  • Requires compatible equipment such as 25/40G-enabled switches and routers.
  • More expensive and less common for home use.

✅ What is best for home internet users (between 300 Mbps to 1 Gbps)?

Answer: Cat 6 or Cat 6a is the best choice.

Why?

  • If your speed is up to 1 Gbps , Cat 6 is quite sufficient.
  • If you plan for a near future with higher speeds (up to 10 Gbps) within the home (such as a fast NAS or private indoor networks), choose Cat 6a (an evolution of Cat 6 with 500 MHz and 10G support at 100 meters).
  • Cat 7 is technically good but:
  • Relatively expensive.
  • Your home routers or switches may not support what you're using.
  • Cat 8 is not necessary for home use at this time, as it is intended for businesses and servers.


💡 Conclusion:

  • If your current speed is 300 Mbps to 1 Gbps :
  • 👉 Use Cat 6 or Cat 6a (best for the future).
  • Avoid Cat 8 unless you're working in a data center or need crazy indoor speeds.
  • Cat 7 is technically good but not necessary in most home situations.