Heat Resistant Cables
Ağustos 1, 2023
What is NB-IoT?
Ekim 23, 2025
What is Ethernet?
Ethernet is a technology that allows devices in local area networks (LANs) to communicate with each other. It is one of the most commonly used network technologies and enables data exchange between devices such as computers, printers, modems, and routers. Ethernet is a wired connection type and offers high-speed data transfer.
Who Invented Ethernet?
Ethernet was invented in the early 1970s by Robert Metcalfe and his team at Xerox PARC (Palo Alto Research Center). Metcalfe patented Ethernet in 1973, and over time, the technology became widely used around the world.
Ethernet LAN Cable Categories
Category 1 (CAT1) Ethernet Cables
CAT1 cables were primarily used for basic telephone communication and voice transmission. They are not Ethernet-related cables but were used in old telephone networks. They are unsuitable for data transmission and are almost entirely obsolete today.
Category 2 (CAT2) Ethernet Cables
CAT2 cables were typically used in old token ring networks and supported data speeds of up to 4 Mbps. They are not suitable for Ethernet and are outdated for modern networks.
Category 3 (CAT3) Ethernet Cables
CAT3 cables were used in 10BASE-T Ethernet networks to provide data transmission speeds of up to 10 Mbps. While commonly used in the past, they have now been largely replaced by higher categories. These cables are often found in old telephone lines or legacy LAN setups.
Category 4 (CAT4) Ethernet Cables
CAT4 cables were used in token ring networks and supported data transfer speeds of up to 16 Mbps. They are rarely used today and are much slower compared to modern network standards.
Category 5 (CAT5) Ethernet Cables
CAT5 cables support data transmission speeds of 100 Mbps and were widely used for 100BASE-TX Ethernet standards. However, they have been largely replaced by CAT5e and higher categories. They are effective for distances up to 100 meters.
Category 5e (CAT5e) Ethernet Cables
CAT5e (Enhanced Category 5) cables are an improved version of CAT5 and support data speeds of up to 1000 Mbps (1 Gbps). They also feature improved shielding to reduce electromagnetic interference. CAT5e is one of the most commonly used cables today and is ideal for gigabit Ethernet connections.
Category 6 (CAT6) Ethernet Cables
CAT6 cables support data speeds of up to 10 Gbps and are designed for higher-performance networks. The maximum length for 10 Gbps speeds is typically limited to 55 meters. CAT6 cables feature better insulation and reduced signal loss, making them suitable for gigabit networks and high-speed applications.
Augmented Category 6 (CAT6A) Ethernet Cables
CAT6A (Augmented Category 6) offers higher performance compared to CAT6, supporting 10 Gbps speeds over distances of up to 100 meters. With enhanced insulation, they are more resistant to electromagnetic interference and are often used in large data centers and high-bandwidth networks.
Category 7 (CAT7) Ethernet Cables
CAT7 cables support data transmission speeds of up to 10 Gbps over 100 meters. Compared to CAT6A, they offer more advanced shielding and operate at higher frequencies (600 MHz). They use twisted copper pairs and are preferred for networks requiring high reliability.
Augmented Category 7 (CAT7A) Ethernet Cables
CAT7A is an upgraded version of CAT7, supporting data speeds of up to 40 Gbps over 50 meters, and up to 100 Gbps over 15 meters. The frequency range can go up to 1000 MHz, making them ideal for high-performance data centers and future-proofing networks.
Category 8 (CAT8) Ethernet Cables
CAT8 cables support data speeds of 25 Gbps or 40 Gbps over distances of up to 30 meters. They operate at a frequency of 2000 MHz and are primarily used in data centers, server rooms, and environments requiring high-speed networks. CAT8 is a relatively new category and is more expensive than others.
Category 8.1 (CAT8.1) Ethernet Cables
CAT8.1 cables support 25 Gbps and 40 Gbps speeds over short distances (up to 30 meters). These cables are compatible with RJ45 connectors and are typically used in professional data centers.
Category 8.2 (CAT8.2) Ethernet Cables
CAT8.2 cables provide similar data speeds as CAT8.1 but offer better shielding and signal protection. They also support 25 Gbps and 40 Gbps speeds but may use specialized connectors instead of RJ45. They are preferred in high-frequency and high-performance applications.
