Why Buying Category 8 Ethernet Cables Might Not Be a Good Idea

TLDRBuying the fastest ethernet cables on the market, like Category 8 cables, may not be worth it for most home users. The maximum speed of 40 Gbps is far beyond the capabilities of current home internet connections, and the high cost of compatible equipment makes it impractical. Additionally, Category 8 cables are thicker and less flexible, making them more difficult to install. Many cables being marketed as Category 8 are not built to the proper specifications, leading to performance issues. Instead, it is recommended to use Category 5e, 6, or 6A cables based on your specific needs.

Key insights

💨Most home internet connections in the US are currently only 8 Gbps, so the maximum speed of Category 8 cables (40 Gbps) is unnecessary.

💲Category 8 cables are more expensive compared to commonly used Category 5e and 6 cables.

💪To take full advantage of Category 8 cables, you would need compatible equipment such as network cards and routers that support higher speeds.

⚠️Many Category 8 cables being sold online are not built to the proper specifications and may not perform well with home networking equipment.

🔍Before purchasing Category 8 cables, consider your internet speed, equipment compatibility, and cable installation requirements.

Q&A

Are Category 8 cables faster than Category 6 cables?

—Yes, Category 8 cables have a maximum speed of 40 Gbps, while Category 6 cables have a maximum speed of 10 Gbps.

Can I use Category 8 cables with my existing equipment?

—Using Category 8 cables requires compatible equipment that supports higher speeds, such as network cards and routers. Some equipment may not support Category 8 cables.

Why are Category 8 cables more expensive?

—Category 8 cables are built to higher specifications and require more advanced materials, resulting in higher production costs.

Do Category 8 cables require special installation?

—Category 8 cables are typically thicker and less flexible compared to other Ethernet cables, which can make installation more challenging. It is important to consider cable routing requirements before purchasing.

Where can I buy reliable Category 8 cables?

—When purchasing Category 8 cables, it is recommended to buy from reputable retailers or manufacturers to ensure that the cables meet the proper specifications and performance standards.

Timestamped Summary

00:00Buying the fastest Ethernet cables, like Category 8 cables, may not be worth it for most home users.

00:34Category 8 cables offer a maximum speed of 40 Gbps, which is impressive but unnecessary for current home internet connections.

01:16To take full advantage of Category 8 cables, you would need compatible equipment that supports higher speeds, which can be expensive.

01:40Many Category 8 cables being sold online are not built to the proper specifications and may not work well with home networking equipment.

04:09It is recommended to use Category 5e, 6, or 6A cables based on your specific needs instead of Category 8 cables.

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