Networking & IT Tools
Ethernet Cable Category Lookup
Browse a reference table of Ethernet cable categories (Cat5 through Cat8) with their max speed, distance, and frequency rating.
| Category | Max speed | Max distance | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cat 5 | 100 Mbps | 100 m | 100 MHz |
| Cat 5e | 1 Gbps | 100 m | 100 MHz |
| Cat 6 | 1 Gbps (10 Gbps up to 55m) | 100 m | 250 MHz |
| Cat 6a | 10 Gbps | 100 m | 500 MHz |
| Cat 7 | 10 Gbps | 100 m | 600 MHz |
| Cat 7a | 10 Gbps (40 Gbps up to 50m) | 100 m | 1000 MHz |
| Cat 8 | 25-40 Gbps | 30 m | 2000 MHz |
Ratings are per the relevant TIA/ISO standard for solid-core cable run at full length — actual achievable speed and distance depend on cable quality, installation, and connected hardware.
How to use this tool
- 1Browse the table to compare cable categories.
- 2Match your needed speed and cable run length to a category.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need Cat6a or higher for a home network?+
For most home networks with gigabit internet, Cat5e or Cat6 is plenty — Cat6a and above mainly matter for 10 Gbps+ networking or longer runs with heavy interference.