What are patchcords and what do their categories mean?

There are network cables available on the market in different colors, lengths and categories. However, what does the patchcord category depend on, what does it matter and what are the differences between them? In short, the "CAT" category of a cable determines in what frequency range and with what bandwidth the cable operates.

Network cable categories are specified by the TIA/EIA organization and affect the performance of the cable. The most common categories are CAT5e, CAT6 and CAT6a, with a higher category usually meaning higher bandwidth and better signal quality.

Patchcords CAT5e are capable of handling bandwidths of up to 1 Gbps and are suitable for home computer networks, while patchcords CAT6 i CAT6a are designed for more demanding applications, such as corporate networks or server rooms. Patchcords CAT6 offer throughputs of up to 10 Gbps, while CAT6a up to 40 Gbps, making them ideal for transmitting large amounts of data.

In addition to bandwidth, network cable categories can also affect cable length, amount of interference and signal quality. Therefore, before buying a patchcord, think carefully about the purposes for which it will be used and choose the right category to ensure optimal network performance.

To make it easier to understand, twisted-pair cables are available in different shielding versions. The first of these is U/UTP, which means that the twisted pair has no shielding at all. It is the simplest type of cable and tends to be more susceptible to external interference and its own radiation. However, they are still used in many applications and are usually cheaper than other versions of cables.

The second version is S/FTP, which is shielded by an overall mesh and shielded pairs of wires (FTP). This makes the twisted pair more resistant to external interference, and the extra foil on the individual pairs reduces crosstalk between them. They are used more often in new large installations for safety reasons.

The third option is F/UTP, which is shielded only with foil, and the individual pairs of the cable are not shielded. This is a better option than unshielded cable, but twisted-pair cable with shielding of wire pairs and mesh braid along its length will certainly have greater resistance to interference.

In summary, choosing the right type of twisted pair depends on the needs of the specific application and the budget, as shielded twisted pair will usually be more expensive than unshielded ones.

Category 8 patchcord represents a breakthrough in the market and is a powerful step forward in the field of network cables. With a maximum throughput of 25 Gbps at 2000 MHz, this patchcord allows you to take full advantage of current network devices. Compared to its predecessor (CAT7), this cable is up to 1400 MHz faster, which provides a considerable reserve of bandwidth and ensures that it will be used for many years to come, even after the advent of even better network devices with parameters requiring huge speeds.

Category 8 patch cable will be an ideal solution not only in homes or businesses, but also in server rooms and data centers, where the connection sections are quite short and do not require the use of fiber optic cable. Compared to it, Category 8 twisted-pair cable is less prone to breakage when bending and retracting cables in cabinets and switchboards. Accordingly, patchcord category 8 is recommended for securing infrastructure in new buildings where very high throughput and network reliability are required.

Thanks to precise manufacturing with high-quality materials, spacetronik brand patchcords have gained a strong position among LAN cables on the market. They are fully compatible with any network device and resistant to mechanical damage. The plugs we use in patchcords, are ergonomic and easy to plug and unplug, while holding firmly to the socket, which is especially important in server rooms and RACK cabinets where there are a lot of wires.

In addition, modern design and a wide selection of colors and lengths have contributed to many customers - both residential and business - choosing our cables to build their networks. They are available in 7 different colors and 11 different lengths. Looking at the photo below, it's easy to see why it's important to have wires of different colors and arranged in order - it makes the job easier and allows you to locate potential faults faster.