Hello everyone! I see that in 2025 there is a huge selection of Ethernet cables, and I can’t figure out which ones are really worth using. For example, there is CAT5e, CAT6, CAT6a, CAT7 and now even CAT8. How do I even figure out these types, especially if I want to buy something not only for my home, but also for the office, where high speed and stability of the connection are required? I read that CAT6 is ideal for working with gigabit Internet, but when I look at CAT6a and CAT7, I begin to doubt whether it is worth overpaying for them if I mainly just watch movies and play games? And what about CAT8, is it really necessary for normal use? How do I choose the right one so as not to overpay and not buy something that does not meet my needs?

Hello! Many people ask themselves, How long can and Ethernet Cable be? I agree, the choice of Ethernet cables today is truly overwhelming, and it is important not only to focus on the price, but also to understand exactly what you need this cable for. Let me start with the fact that although most people still use CAT5e or CAT6, in fact, CAT6 and newer categories are already actively replacing older types. So if you plan to work with gigabit Internet or you just want a “reserve” for the future, then it is better to go for CAT6 and higher. The CAT6 category is a good option if you are connecting regular devices and you have a standard Internet package. It is quite suitable for most home needs, including games and HD movies. But if you have devices with 10-gigabit Internet support at home or you plan to increase the Internet speed in the future, then CAT6a will be much better, since it already supports 10 Gbps at a distance of up to 100 meters. Such a cable is less susceptible to external interference and can maintain a more stable connection over longer distances. Now about CAT7 and CAT8. These cables may seem attractive due to the declared characteristics, but in practice, they are not suitable for everyone. CAT7 is mainly used for data centers or in situations where protection from external interference is needed (for example, in industrial areas). It supports speeds of up to 10 Gbps, but over short distances. For home use, CAT7 may be excessive, especially if you do not need such high-speed connections. In turn, CAT8 is generally a solution for professionals, because its maximum speed can reach 40 Gbps, which is far beyond the needs of ordinary users.

Hmm, interesting discussion! I also once thought that all these categories of cables were greatly overpaid, but then I learned that the quality of the signal and the speed of the Internet really depend on the choice of cable. I recently updated the cable to CAT6, and the speed improved, especially noticeable at distances when you need to transmit data over several dozen meters. It is important to remember that a high-quality cable can slightly increase productivity, but here you also need to take into account the equipment. For example, if you have an old router or computer, then even the coolest cable will not give the expected increase.