Cat8 Flat Cable

Cat8 Flat Cable: Core Features and All-Scenario Guide
A quick overview: Cat8 flat cable is a flat-shaped patch cord with dual shielding of S/FTP/U/FTP, a 2000MHz bandwidth, and a 40Gbps rate. Its core advantage lies in its ultra-thin and flat design, making it easy to hide wiring. It is suitable for short-distance high-speed scenarios (≤30 meters) in home, office, and gaming Settings. Compared to round cables, it saves more space but has slightly weaker vertical bending performance.
I. Basic Definitions and Core Performance
Cat8 flat cable is a flat-shaped category 8 network cable that complies with ISO/IEC 11801 and TIA-568-C.2 standards. It is specially designed for short-distance high-speed transmission of 25G/40GBASE-T. It adopts a double-shielded structure of independent shielding for each pair and overall shielding (S/FTP or U/FTP). The bandwidth reaches 2000MHz and it supports a maximum rate of 40Gbps (≤30 meters).
Remarks on technical indicators of parameter items
The bandwidth of 2000 MHZ (2GHz) is four times that of Cat6A
Short-distance high-speed design with a transmission rate of 40Gbps (≤30m)
Solid oxygen-free copper conductor for wire gauge 22-28AWG (common 24/26AWG)
The shielding type S/FTP (each pair of aluminum foil + braided total shielding)/U/FTP (each pair of aluminum foil + aluminum foil total shielding) has extremely strong anti-interference ability
The RJ45/GG45 connector shield must be reliably connected to the shield layer
Minimum bending radius parallel to the flat surface: approximately 10× wire diameter; Vertical flat surface: Approximately 20× wire diameter flat structure characteristics
Ii. Flat Line vs. Round Line: Key Differences (Core Watershed)
Selection suggestions for comparison dimensions of Category 8 Flat wire (Cat8 Flat) and Category 8 Round wire (Cat8 Round
The shape structure is flat and strip-shaped, with a thickness of less than 3mm and a width of 8-12mm. It is cylindrical and has a diameter of 7-9mm. The flat wire is suitable for wiring under gaps or carpets
The flexibility of wiring: parallel flat surfaces are easy to bend, while vertical ones are more difficult to bend in all directions. Round lines are suitable for complex routing
It occupies extremely low space and can be closely attached to the wall or furniture. It is relatively high and requires more space to be reserved. Flat lines are suitable for scenarios with limited space
It has excellent anti-interference ability (double shielding), but the flat structure has slightly inferior high-frequency balance (double shielding). The circular symmetrical structure has better EMC and is preferred in strong interference environments
The compressive performance is strong in the parallel direction and weak in the vertical direction, with uniform compressive resistance in all directions. In scenarios with frequent trampling, choose a circular line
The heat dissipation performance is large in surface area, providing better heat dissipation. It is relatively compact, but has slightly poorer heat dissipation. In long-term high-load scenarios, flat wires are superior
The edges are prone to wear and tear, so it is necessary to pay attention to protecting the surface evenly. The better wear resistance, the round line is preferred in harsh environments
The production process is complex and the price is slightly higher. With standardized production, the cost is slightly lower. If the budget is limited, choose a round line
Iii. Detailed Explanation of Shielding Structure: The Core Guarantee for Anti-Interference
The shielding structure of Cat8 flat wire directly determines its anti-interference ability and signal integrity:
S/FTP (Preferred) : Each pair of twisted wires is independently shielded with aluminum foil + an overall high-density braided shielding layer (coverage rate of 85%-95%), providing 360° all-round anti-EMI /RFI protection, with extremely strong crosstalk suppression capability, suitable for high-frequency and high-speed scenarios
U/FTP: Each pair of aluminum foil shielding + total aluminum foil shielding, slightly lower cost, excellent anti-interference ability, suitable for general high-speed scenarios
The key point is that the shielding layer must be reliably connected to the shielding shell of the crystal head and well grounded; otherwise, it will reduce the anti-interference effect and even introduce noise
Iv. Gold Application Scenarios (Maximizing the Advantages of Flat Wire
Home audio-visual/e-sports
Concealed wiring from TV cabinet to router/game console (along the corner, under the carpet)
4K/8K video transmission, low-latency gaming (PS5/Xbox), and reduced network lag
Office environment
Tidy wiring from the desk to the computer to avoid messy cables
Connect the equipment in the meeting room to keep the space looking beautiful
Business display
Hidden wiring for exhibition/store equipment to enhance the display effect
Network connection of multimedia kiosks and digital billboards
Special Space
Short-distance interconnection (≤30 meters) in small computer rooms/cabinets
For wall wiring that cannot be grooved after decoration, it can be concealed through door gaps or skirting boards
V. Key Precautions for Purchase and Use
Length control: Strictly limited to within 30 meters (25G/40GBASE-T specification); otherwise, performance will drop sharply
Certification priority: Select products that have passed the Fluke test and comply with the ISO/IEC 11801 Class I standard
Shielding integrity: Ensure that the shielding layer is reliably connected to the shielding housing of the crystal head and avoid damaging the shielding layer during termination
Bending specification: Avoid excessive bending of vertical flat surfaces to prevent the displacement of internal conductors and affect performance
Sheath material
Indoor: PVC (Economical and durable)
Outdoor/Special environment: LSZH low Smoke zero halogen (flame retardant and environmentally friendly), UV-RESISTANT PVC (UV resistant)
Vi. Selection Decision Tree (Quick Matching Requirements)
✅ select Cat8 flat wire:
It requires short distance and high speed (≤30 meters, 40Gbps) with limited space
Pursue concealed wiring (under carpets, in corners, behind furniture)
It is mainly used in home, office and e-sports scenarios
⚠️ choose carefully:
For long-distance transmission (> 30 meters), switch to Cat6A round cables
Strong electromagnetic interference environment (industrial/computer room) → Cat8 round cables are preferred
Frequent bending (multi-directional routing) is required → Select Cat8 round lines