What is the standard of CAT8 network cable?

Category 8 network cable is the latest generation of double-shielded (SFTP) network jumper.

It has two wire pairs, can support a bandwidth of 2,000MHz , and has a transmission rate of up to 40Gb/s , but its maximum transmission distance is only 30m , so it is generally used for Connection of servers, switches, patch panels and other equipment in short distance data centers.

The standard of CAT8 network cable

The relevant standards of Cat8 network cables were officially released by the TIA TR-43 Committee in 2016 , as follows:

Compliant with IEEE 802.3bq 25G/40GBASE-T standard, which specifies the minimum transmission rate of CAT8 network cable, which can support 25 Gbps and 40 Gbps network wiring.

Complies with ANSI/TIA-568-C.2-1 standard, which specifies the channel and permanent link of Cat8 eight network cable, and includes the limitation of resistance unbalance, TCL and ELTCTL .

Comply with ANSI/TIA-1152-A standard, which specifies the measurement and accuracy requirements of CAT8 network cable field tester.

Comply with the ISO/IEC-11801 standard, which specifies the channel and permanent link of the I/II CAT8 network cable.

CAT8 Ethernet cables:

CAT8 Ethernet cables is a copper cable integrated wiring system with:

a maximum transmission bandwidth of 2000MHz and a transmission rate of 40Gbps.
Wire gauge is: 22AWG (0.64mm)
The cable structure is: S/FTP;
Wire pair aluminum foil shielding, braided net total shielding.
Permanent link wiring distance should not exceed 24 meters, and channel wiring should not exceed 30 meters.
Mostly used in data centers.

ISO and TIA definition on CAT8 Ethernet cable:

ISO definition:

the transmission performance of CAT8 network cable in ISO 11801-2017.
CAT8 Ethernet cable are named as CLASS I and CLASSII.

TIA definition:

The transmission performance of CAT8 network cable is defined in TIA 568D.
CAT8 Ethernet cable is named as CAT8.1, CAT8.2.

What performance should CAT8 network cable reach?

CAT8 network cable are due to transmit data up to 40Gbps.

Actually many cable manufacturers are unwilling to produce CAT8 network cable due to high costs and limited market.

Sum up:

CAT8 Ethernet cable only for datacenter, rare for consumer market.
Don’t forget wire gauge is: 22AWG (0.64mm)
Actually many cable manufacturers are unwilling to produce CAT8 network cable due to high costs and limited market.
CAT6 Ethernet cable is enough for most business or home uses currently.