Cat5, Cat6, Cat7: Ethernet Cables Explained

These days when you talk connectivity, it’s wireless this and wireless that but those who know where the party’s at stick to old-school Ethernet cables. Ethernet cables (Cat5, Cat6, Cat7) are the darling of gamers and professionals alike and are more suited for uninterrupted streaming of media and whatnot, given that the connection is more consistent and stable.

There’s a variety of Ethernet cable types out there i.e Cat1, Cat2 all the way to up Cat5, Cat6, Cat7 and above. To let the cat out of the bag, Cat actually stands for Category and the higher the digit, the better it gets (less interference, higher bandwidth speeds, e.t.c.) with each new generation.

Anything below Cat5 is pretty much obsolete but they still have their uses. For instance, the very first Cat1 was typically used as telephone/landline cable to provide voice communication. Later generations of these Ethernet cables were repurposed to carry data once the bandwidth speeds increased past a certain threshold. As such, the Cat5e cable has become the defacto Ethernet cable of choice with good reason although it has now been superseded by Cat6, Cat7 and Cat8. Let’s take you through the ranks:

Cat5

Much as Cat5 itself is also obsolete at this point, it was the best we had on offer back in the day. It was an Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP) cable supporting throughput speeds of 10/100 Mbps at a maximum distance of 100 meters. Cat5 was superseded by much more improved standard, the Cat5e.

Cat5e

Next in line is the Cat5e. The ‘e’ in Cat 5e stands for enhanced and as such, this Ethernet cable adheres to more stringent standards than its counterpart. Among its many enhancements, Cat5e was designed to reduce crosstalk (signal interference from other wires). Much as Cat5 and Cat5e both come with a maximum bandwidth of 100 MHz, Cat 5e was the first Gigabit Ethernet cable with transmission speeds of 1,000 Mbps / 1 Gbps.

Cat5e is the most commonly used for residential and commercial establishments which want a wired connection. It’s the most cost-effective option as well and its advantage over later standards is that the cables are soft enough for neat wiring around walls.

A new standard set by the IEEE P802.3bz standard will increase the speeds of Cat5e by 5 times to 5 Gps over existing cables. That means you don’t even have to replace your cabling for faster speeds.

Cat6

Cat6 cables can support ridiculous transmission speeds of up to 10 Gps at a maximum bandwidth of 250MHz, but this is limited to a distance of 37~55 meters. Longer distances capping at 100 meters and the speeds are knocked down to earth back to 1 Gbps which isn’t too shabby.

Another thing of note is that Cat6 cables are more tightly wound than Cat5e and sport thicker shielding to mitigate issues with Near End Crosstalk (NEXT) and Alien Crosstalk (AXT). On the downside, this thickness makes it cumbersome to bend around corners and the thick wires are more difficult to terminate. Also, Cat6 is a little more expensive than Cat5e.

Cat6a

If you thought Cat6 was impressive, Cat6a does one better. Cat6a, where the ‘a’ stands for Augmented, maintains superfast transmission speeds of 10 Gbps over distances of up to 100 meters. What’s more the bandwidth frequencies are doubled to 500 MHz.

Cat6a cables are thicker and shielded to eliminate Near End Crosstalk (NEXT) and Alien Crosstalk (AXT). Such cables are ideal for industrial application but not so when it comes to residential deployment due to their inflexibility.

Related: 10G Ethernet makes streaming and sharing files over local network much faster

Cat7

Cat7 support higher bandwidths (at 600MHz) than Cat6 and are capable of reaching transmission speeds of up to 40 Gbps at 50 meters and a whopping 100 Gbps at modest distances of up to 15 meters (think router to device). The speeds drop to 10 Gbps for distances of up to 100 meters. Cat7 use a modified GigaGate45 connector to take full advantage of higher performance features. The GigaGate45 cable is backwards compatible with regular Ethernet ports.

Cat7 features extensive shielding to reduce signal degradation with both the individual pairs and also an additional shielding over the entire cable. The end result is a stiffer cable than previous generations. It also comes with a higher price tag. Cat7 is best suited for use in data centers.

Cat7a

The augmented Cat7 (Cat7) specification is just about the highest Ethernet cable money can buy as of this moment. However, it isn’t so different from the regular Cat7, only that it offers 1000 MHz Bandwidth which is double what you get with Cat7. The other bells and whistles are just about the same but that one thing gives it a comparative advantage.

Cat8

The Cat8 standard is still in the works and may not be available till 2019. CAT8 is expected to support bandwidths of up to 2000 MHz for up to 30 meters and transmission speeds of 25Gbps / 40Gbps speeds at distances of up to 30 meters.

Cat5, Cat6, Cat7: Which one to buy?

Other than Cat5, Cat6, Cat7 and their Augmented variants experience sequential price increases. The cables are thicker and are a headache to bend over corners. They are also overkill as current hardware doesn’t support transmission speeds exceeding 1 Gbps. Of the lot, the most cost-effective and most widely used for residential and commercial Ethernet cable is without a doubt the Cat5e. Cat5e is also the most flexible for laying around turns and corners. At transmission speeds of 1 Gbps, Cat5e makes more sense to have. The reason for this is that most routers, motherboards and Ethernet modems support up to 1 Gbps.

The announcement by the IEEE P802.3bz standard to increase the speeds of Cat5e by 5 times to 5 Gps over existing cables further cements the Cat5e standard as the most robust when you factor in price and prevalence.

Featured Image: www.quickanddirtytips.com/

Sydney Mugerwa is a seasoned consumer tech writer based in Kampala, Uganda, with a passion for reviewing the latest gadgets and smart devices. From smartphones and wearables to smart home products and cameras, Sydney breaks down the complexities of consumer tech, making it easy to understand through detailed reviews and how-to guides. His mission is to simplify tech jargon and help readers make informed decisions in the ever-evolving world of technology.

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Talkio Mobile , Uganda’s newest telecommunications service provider, is excited to announce a groundbreaking partnership with Banana Life Investments, a leading chain of mobile phone and retail shops. This strategic alliance aims to bring Talkio’s innovative telecom services closer to Ugandans.

This collaboration will leverage Banana Life Investments’ extensive retail network of 26 stores strategically located across Uganda in major malls, towns, and cities to provide customers with unparalleled convenience. Through this partnership, Talkio Mobile will offer its full suite of services, including SIM cards, airtime, and exclusive product offerings at any Banana Life Investment location.

This partnership is more than a business initiative—it’s a shared commitment to transforming lives. By integrating Talkio Mobile’s forward-thinking services & nationwide reach with Banana Life Investments’ retail footprint, the two brands are setting a new standard for customer convenience and inclusivity.

READ ALSO: 5 Things You Need to Know About Talkio Mobile: New Telecom Company in Uganda

“This partnership aligns perfectly with our mission of connecting Ugandans to innovative and transformative telecom solutions,” said Vianne Allan Ahura, CEO of Talkio Mobile. “By leveraging Banana Life Investments’ trusted presence and nationwide footprint, we are not only expanding our agent network but also bringing our services closer to the communities we serve. This collaboration ensures that our online customers can now enjoy a seamless offline experience right at their doorstep. Together, we are empowering Ugandans with the tools they need to stay connected, grow their businesses, and unlock new opportunities.”

Solomon Ssemuyaba, the assistant general manager at Banana Life Investments, echoed this sentiment: “We are proud to join hands with Talkio Mobile to deliver innovative, customer-centric solutions. This partnership represents our shared vision of fostering a connected future for Uganda. Together, we are redefining what convenience and accessibility mean for our customers.”

The partnership goes beyond retail distribution, introducing joint initiatives aimed at value addition and personalized service. Customers can expect seamless access to:

• SIM Card Sales : Available at all Banana Life Investments locations.
• Talkio phone number bookings : Book your preferred Talkio number at any Banana Life Investments location.
• Airtime Services : Recharge easily through in-store purchases.
• Customer Support : Friendly and knowledgeable staff trained to assist with Talkio Mobile products and services.

Additionally, the two companies plan to launch promotional campaigns and expand services to even more locations, ensuring no Ugandan is left behind in the digital transformation.

Solomon Obwot is a tech writer based in Kampala, Uganda, with extensive experience in the local tech startup ecosystem. He covers the latest news and analysis on consumer tech, writes in-depth smartphone reviews, and conducts insightful interviews with industry experts. Solomon is also a passionate podcaster, sharing his knowledge and engaging in discussions about Africa’s rapidly growing tech landscape. Send emails to [email protected]

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The Mobile World Congress (MWC) Barcelona , the world’s largest exhibition for the mobile industry, has just concluded. This annual event gathers leading technology brands to unveil groundbreaking mobile, AI, and digital solutions innovations. At MWC 2025, TECNO showcased a range of AI-driven products, reinforcing its commitment to cutting-edge technology.

The key launches included:

• CAMON 40 Series – AI-powered smartphones with One-Tap FlashSnap and advanced mobile imaging features.
• MEGABOOK S14 – The world’s lightest 14-inch OLED laptop, featuring AI-enhanced multitasking and Snapdragon® X Elite.
• MEGABOOK T14 Air & K15S – Lightweight ultrabooks with AI capabilities and extended battery life.
• TECNO AI Glasses Series – Smart eyewear integrating AI imaging, translation, and AR display.

Jan Stryjak, Associate Director at Counterpoint Research, shared, “In the past year, we have observed significant advancements in the field of AI. AI will continue to drive transformative changes in our daily lives. In this critical period for the economic development of emerging markets, TECNO’s AI technologies are unlocking potential for diverse needs.”

“The application of AI technologies is crucial and urgent in emerging markets. We’re committed to bridging the digital gap between emerging and mature markets,” said TECNO CMO, Laury Bai. “TECNO is taking a practical approach to make AI more accessible, ensuring users in emerging markets can access AI and cutting-edge technologies.”

Laury Bai, TECNO CMO

Driven by its commitment, TECNO has forged a robust partnership with MediaTek, establishing a joint AI laboratory dedicated to accelerating advancements in AI. At the event, James Chen, Vice President of Product and Technology Marketing at MediaTek, emphasized, “The synergistic R&D efforts between TECNO and MediaTek are set to democratize AI technology. Our collaboration powers a seamless, interconnected AI experience, bringing users a future of truly connected intelligence.”

James Chen, Vice President, Product and Technology Marketing at MediaTek

CAMON 40 Series Powered by AI One-Tap FlashSnap Revolutionizes Smartphone Snapshot Photography

TECNO’s Global Product Launch Officer, Olivier Mas, officially unveiled TECNO’s next-generation AI-driven products. Attendees at TECNO’s launch event witnessed the highly anticipated debut of TECNO’s new CAMON 40 Series, a device that embodies TECNO’s legacy of excellence in mobile imaging. Featuring One-Tap FlashSnap Mode and TECNO AI, the series sets a new benchmark in smartphone photography, delivering exceptional snapshot capabilities and AI-enhanced user experiences.

Olivier Mas, TECNO Global Product Launch Officer

The CAMON 40 Series exemplifies a commitment to innovation that transcends hardware and software, extending into strategic partnerships that deliver cutting-edge AI solutions to emerging markets. Matt Waldbusser, Managing Director of Global Solutions and Consumer AI at Google Cloud, remarked, “Our collaboration with TECNO on the CAMON 40 Series is a standout example. Leveraging Google Cloud’s capabilities, we’ve introduced groundbreaking features such as Ask Ella, AI Image Generator, AI Writing, and AI Translate. I am particularly impressed by the industry-leading and competitive edge of some of these innovations. For instance, TECNO’s AI supports text translation in 136 languages, voice translation in 44 languages, and photo translation in 51 languages. We are excited to further strengthen our partnership with TECNO, unlocking limitless potential to bring advanced yet practical AI capabilities to emerging markets in a convenient and secure manner.”

Matt Waldbusser, Managing Director of Global Solutions and Consumer AI at Google Cloud

The CAMON 40 Series’ innovative One-Tap FlashSnap leverages AI to enhance imaging capabilities, revolutionizing mobile photography. AI optimizes camera startup and continuous shooting for instant captures, while AI-powered multi-frame processing intelligently reduces noise and enhances details, delivering sharper, more refined images. Additionally, the BestMoment algorithm analyzes motion patterns, automatically selecting the optimal frames for precise, high-quality shots in dynamic scenarios, ensuring users an unparalleled mobile imaging experience.

TECNO CAMON 40 Demonstrates the Cutting-Edge FlashSnap Capability

To delve deeper into the imaging prowess of the CAMON 40 Series, TECNO invited Frédéric Guichard, CEO of DXOMARK, to share the image performance of CAMON 40 Pro. Frédéric highlighted, “The CAMON 40 Pro 5G has demonstrated exceptional imaging and performance capabilities in our rigorous evaluations. We’ve been particularly impressed with photo performance being the best for devices under 600$, and the 1st eligible device to our Smart Choice Label.”

Onsite photo of Frédéric Guichard, CEO of DXOMARK

Beyond its advanced rapid-capture functionality, the integration of TECNO AI further enhances the device’s capabilities. Intelligent imaging, a 360° AI Call Assistant, and productivity tools elevate creativity and efficiency. Powered by MediaTek’s latest chipsets, the series ensures smooth performance, fast processing, and extended battery life. With a sleek, durable, and water-resistant design, it seamlessly blends style with practicality for modern users.

MEGABOOK S14, the World’s Lightest 14-inch OLED Laptop, Inspires Creators and Game Lovers

The MEGABOOK S14 is TECNO’s first OLED laptop and the industry’s lightest 14-inch OLED laptop, featuring a 2.8K OLED display and incredibly weighing only 899g (31.7oz). The laptop is equipped with the outstanding power of the Snapdragon® X Elite compute platform, the flagship chipset for AI PCs from Qualcomm Technologies, and integrates TECNO’s world’s first self-developed edge-side large-scale AI model, to achieve AI-enhanced multitasking.

World’s Lightest 14-inch Laptop MEGABOOK S14

Specifically designed for next-gen AI productivity, TECNO AI enhances the Ella AI Assistant, AI-powered PPT generation, AI-driven image search, smart albums, and offline meeting transcription with multilingual support. The External Graphics Dock, equipped with a powerful NVIDIA graphic card, delivers scalable, high-performance capabilities for design, gaming, and content creation. The laptop’s 2.8K OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate ensures exceptional visuals, while DTS:X Ultra dual 2W speakers, Wi-Fi 6E, fingerprint login, and PC Manager optimize connectivity and user experience.

TECNO’s strategic partnership with Qualcomm Technologies was a highlight of the TECNO AI Ecosystem Product Launch event, demonstrating a shared vision for the future of AI PCs. Kedar Kondap, SVP & GM of Compute and Gaming at Qualcomm, took the stage to discuss the integration of Qualcomm’s cutting-edge PC chipset into the new MEGABOOK S14 laptop, underscoring TECNO’s commitment to delivering high-performance computing solutions.

Kedar Kondap, SVP & GM of Compute and Gaming at Qualcomm

In addition, TECNO also introduced several standout new products. The featherlight 999g (35.2oz) ultrabook MEGABOOK T14 Air, features high-speed storage and LPDDR5 memory, while the ultra-thin, all-metal MEGABOOK K15S, equipped with a powerful 70Wh battery and supported by a 65W PD GaN charger, offers a smarter and more long-lasting user experience. Both devices are empowered by TECNO AI with advanced AI capabilities such as AI Album and AI Voice Assistant, making them perfect companions for all aspects of life.

The Next Game-Changing Tech Innovation: See the World with the TECNO AI Glasses Series

TECNO’s new AI Glasses Series also took center stage with the introduction of TECNO AI Glasses Pro and TECNO AI Glasses, reimagining eyewear with cutting-edge imaging, intelligent interactions, and a sleek aesthetic. The TECNO AI Glasses feature an aviator design, while the Pro model showcases a browline style, both embodying timeless elegance and modern fashion.

TECNO AI Glasses Redefine the Way People See the Future

Equipped with a 50MP high-definition camera, the series integrates an OV50D sensor, a 100° ultra-wide-angle custom lens, and an AI ISP imaging chip, forming a mobile-grade imaging system. This system lets users capture stunning, high-resolution photos with advanced AI noise reduction and HDR capabilities. With real-time translation supporting over 100 languages, TECNO AI’s Ella empowers accurate translation even for less common languages, as well as voice control, AI-powered object recognition, and intelligent information summaries for ultimate convenience.

Additionally, the AI Glasses Pro features a MicroLED display with 7th-gen resin waveguide technology, offering a 30° field of view, over 1,500 nits of brightness AR display, and a lightweight, ultra-thin design. The AR display allows users to effortlessly enjoy features like translation display, navigation, information prompts, and teleprompting.

Equipped with a 250mAh battery, these glasses offer over 11 hours of music playback and 8 hours of mixed use with just 30 minutes of charging. An advanced ultra-linear speaker, bass enhancement, and spatial sound deliver an immersive audio experience, while Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.4 ensure seamless connectivity.

With these innovative launches, TECNO is setting new standards in mobile imaging and AI-enhanced technology, shaping a more connected and empowered future for consumers in emerging markets. Once again, TECNO has showcased its cutting-edge innovation on the global stage at MWC. With the brand essence of “Stop at Nothing”, TECNO’s relentless pursuit of innovation is making AI-powered technology more accessible, allowing consumers to experience the future ahead of time.

Solomon Obwot is a tech writer based in Kampala, Uganda, with extensive experience in the local tech startup ecosystem. He covers the latest news and analysis on consumer tech, writes in-depth smartphone reviews, and conducts insightful interviews with industry experts. Solomon is also a passionate podcaster, sharing his knowledge and engaging in discussions about Africa’s rapidly growing tech landscape. Send emails to [email protected]

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