
Cat8 braided network cable is a double-shielded (S/FTP) network patch cord that complies with ISO/IEC 11801 and IEC 61156-5 standards, specifically designed for 25G/40GBASE-T high-speed Ethernet. It adopts a double shielding structure of independent shielding for each pair of twisted wires and an overall braided shielding layer to maximize the ability to resist electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radio frequency interference (RFI).
Ii. Core Performance Parameters
Technical index description of parameter items
The bandwidth of 1600-2000 MHZ is eight times that of Category 6 network cables (250MHz) and more than three times that of Category 7 network cables (600 MHZ)
The maximum transmission rate is 40Gbps, supporting 25G/40GBASE-T Ethernet applications
Designed for short-distance high-speed transmission with a maximum transmission distance of 30 meters, it is suitable for short link connections in data centers
The common 21-24AWG solid bare copper conductor for wire gauges ensures the stability of signal transmission
The shielding structure is S/FTP (double shielding), with each pair of wires shielded by aluminum foil and an overall braided shielding layer
Iii. The Key Role of Braided Shielding Layer
Super strong anti-interference: The braided layer (usually aluminum-magnesium alloy wire or tin-plated copper wire) provides 360° all-round shielding, effectively isolating external electromagnetic interference and internal crosstalk between pairs (NEXT)
Signal integrity: Reduce signal attenuation and distortion to ensure data accuracy during high-speed transmission at 40Gbps
Enhanced durability: The braided layer strengthens the mechanical strength of the cable, and its tensile and bending resistance is superior to that of ordinary non-braided shielded wires
Flexible adaptation: The braided shielding can adjust the coverage rate according to requirements (commonly 85%-95%), balancing the shielding effect with the flexibility of the cable
Four. Three mainstream structural types
Basic type: Each pair of shielding (aluminum foil)+ braided total shielding + outer sheath
Enhanced type: Each pair of shielding (aluminum foil)+ aluminum foil total shielding + braided total shielding + outer sheath (most commonly used, with the best shielding effect)
Simplified type: Each pair of shielding (aluminum foil)+ total aluminum foil shielding + outer sheath
V. Application Scenarios
Data center: Short-distance high-speed connection (≤30 meters) among servers, switches, and storage devices, 40GBASE-T applications supporting EoR/TOR architecture
Enterprise computer room: High-density cabling environment, requiring the connection of core network devices with anti-interference capabilities
High-end e-sports and audio-visual: e-sports devices with low latency requirements, 4K/8K video transmission, and professional audio equipment connection
Industrial control: Factory automation with severe electromagnetic interference, robot control, and PLC system connection
Vi. Comparison with Other types of network cables
Category, bandwidth rate, shielding type, maximum distance, applicable scenarios
Cat5e 100MHz 1Gbps UTP/STP 100m home basic network
Cat6 250MHz 10Gbps UTP/STP 55m small and medium-sized enterprise network
Cat6A 500MHz 10Gbps UTP/STP 100m enterprise Gigabit network
Cat7 600MHz 10Gbps S/FTP 100m professional audio and video, industrial control
Cat8 2000MHz 40Gbps S/FTP (braided shielded) 30m data center, 25G/40G high-speed network
Vii. Key Points for Selection and Use
Certification selection: Give priority to products that comply with ISO/IEC 11801 and UL Subject 444 standards
Shielding integrity: Ensure that the coverage rate of the braided layer is ≥85%, and the shielding layer is reliably connected to the shielding shell of the crystal head during termination
Length control: Strictly control within 30 meters. For distances exceeding this limit, it is recommended to use optical fibers or active optical cables
Environmental adaptation: Select different sheath materials (PVC, LSZH low smoke zero halogen, CM flame retardant, etc.) based on the usage environment
Category 8 braided cable, with its 2000MHz bandwidth, 40Gbps rate and super strong braided shielding capability, has become an ideal choice for short-distance high-speed network connections, especially suitable for data centers and high-end application scenarios with extremely high requirements for transmission performance and anti-interference ability.
