Ethernet Evolution: From 10BASE-T to 100 Gigabit
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How Ethernet went from 10 Mbps over coax to 100 Gbps over Cat8, and why it still beats Wi-Fi for reliability.
## Ethernet Speed Timeline
| Year | Standard | Speed | Cable |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1983 | 10BASE5 | 10 Mbps | Thick coax |
| 1990 | 10BASE-T | 10 Mbps | Cat3 (RJ45) |
| 1995 | 100BASE-TX | 100 Mbps | Cat5 |
| 1999 | 1000BASE-T | 1 Gbps | Cat5e |
| 2006 | 10GBASE-T | 10 Gbps | Cat6a |
| 2016 | 2.5/5GBASE-T | 2.5/5 Gbps | Cat5e/6 |
| 2020 | 25/40GBASE-T | 25/40 Gbps | Cat8 |
## Why Ethernet Still Matters
Even with Wi-Fi 7, Ethernet offers:
- **Zero interference** — no congestion from neighbors
- **Consistent latency** — critical for gaming and video calls
- **Full duplex** — upload and download simultaneously at full speed
- **Power over Ethernet** — power IP cameras and access points
## Which Cable to Buy
- **Cat5e**: Good for Gigabit (most homes)
- **Cat6**: Better shielding, future-proof
- **Cat6a**: Required for 10 Gbps, recommended for new installs
- **Cat8**: Overkill for homes, used in data centers