Cat8 Ethernet Cable

Category 8 cabling supports 25 and 40 Gigabit Ethernet, the fastest twisted-pair grade standardized, but only across a 30-meter channel. That short reach reflects a narrow purpose: switch-to-switch and server-to-switch links inside a single data-center rack or adjacent racks, not general building wiring. For homes and offices, where gigabit and multi-gigabit links dominate, its bandwidth goes unused and the stiffer, heavily shielded cable is harder to route. Power over Ethernet up to 100 watts is still supported on the same conductors. RJ45 terminations keep it backward compatible with slower equipment. Cat8 patch cords cost $10 to $25.