Cat 8 Ethernet Cables

Tripp Lite by Eaton offers Category 8 (Cat 8) cables with lengths ranging from three feet (0.9 m) to sixty feet (18.3 m). All models support PoE and offer convenient snagless RJ45 connectors, integral strain relief, and a lifetime warranty.

Cat 8 is the latest IEEE standard in copper Ethernet cable. It represents a significant leap in data transfer speed over the earlier Cat 7 and Cat 6a cables. It uses standard RJ45 connectors and is backward compatible with previous standards. One of the key differences in Cat 8 cable is its shielding. As part of the cable jacket, a shielded or shielded twisted pair (STP) cable employs a layer of conductive material to protect the internal conductors from electromagnetic interference (EMI), resulting in faster data transmission speeds and fewer errors. Cat 8 cable goes one step further, wrapping each twisted pair in foil to virtually eliminate crosstalk and enable higher data transmission speeds. The result is a heavier, rigid gauge cable that is difficult to install in tight spaces.

Cat 8 is the fastest Ethernet cable yet. Its data transfer speed of up to 40 Gbps is four times faster than Cat 6a, while its support of bandwidth up to 2 GHz (four times more than standard Cat 6a bandwidth) reduces latency for superior signal quality.

Cat 8 cable supports Power over Ethernet (PoE) technology for delivering power and data over a single cable. Cat 8 cable can save space in crowded server rooms and simplify edge computing installations by eliminating or reducing the need for power cords. With a maximum range of 98 feet (30 m), Cat 8 cable can reach PoE devices like security cameras and wireless access points when they are not conveniently close to an AC power source.

Cat 8 Ethernet cable is ideal for switch-to-switch communications in data centers and server rooms where 25GBase-T and 40GBase-T networks are common. Its RJ45 ends will connect standard network equipment like switches and routers, allowing for 25G or 40G network upgrades that do not require a complete equipment overhaul. Shielded foil twisted pair (S/FTP) construction includes shielding around each pair of wires within the cable to reduce near-end crosstalk (NEXT) and braiding around the group of pairs to minimize EMI/RFI line noise in crowded network installations.