Cat 5e cable or cat 8 Ethernet cable.

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Cat 5e cable or cat 8 Ethernet cable.

This thread has been locked for further replies. You can start a new thread to share your ideas or ask questions.
Cat 5e cable or cat 8 Ethernet cable.
Cat 5e cable or cat 8 Ethernet cable.
2021-11-20 23:13:11 - last edited 2021-11-21 10:25:30
Model: Archer AX20  
Hardware Version: V2
Firmware Version: 2.1.2

Hi I'm new to TP link wifi router. I recently purchase archer ax20. Ethernet cable that come with tp router is cat 5e. Will it make any difference if I use Ethernet cable cat8 instead of cable cat 5e?

I have used the cat 8 cable from virgin media router to archer ax20, there's no increase in speed, but I think range of using has been extended. Do I have to use original white cable  cat5e? 
thank you in advance. 

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Re:Cat 5e cable or cat 8 Ethernet cable. -Solution
2021-11-21 10:00:29 - last edited 2021-11-21 11:27:29

@Jmaden Hi!

 

CAT 5e cable can provide speeds up to 1 Gb/s (1,000 Mb/s). If your internet speed is 1 Gb/s or less, CAT 5e cable is more than enough. It's also worth to keep in mind, AX20 doesn't support speeds that are higher than 1 Gb/s because of hardware limitations.

 

You can use any CAT 5e or better cable you want; you don't need to use the one you got with the router.

 

I hope this answers your question.

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Re:Cat 5e cable or cat 8 Ethernet cable. -Solution
2021-11-21 10:38:31 - last edited 2021-11-21 11:06:47

@Jmaden 

 

Exactly. While CAT 8 cable supports speeds way higher than 1 Gb/s, Archer AX20 is limited to 1 Gb/s because it only has gigabit ports. You would need the router and the network card that supports 40 Gb/s speeds to make full use of that CAT 8 cable. That type of cable currently only has use in data centers which need very fast connection in order to work.

 

If you get 50 Mb/s internet connection, CAT 5e is really more than enough. The issue here would be if you use 2 Gb/s internet or faster, then you'd need CAT 6 cable as it can provide speeds up to 10 Gb/s; and a new, faster router. :)

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Re:Cat 5e cable or cat 8 Ethernet cable. -Solution
2021-11-21 10:00:29 - last edited 2021-11-21 11:27:29

@Jmaden Hi!

 

CAT 5e cable can provide speeds up to 1 Gb/s (1,000 Mb/s). If your internet speed is 1 Gb/s or less, CAT 5e cable is more than enough. It's also worth to keep in mind, AX20 doesn't support speeds that are higher than 1 Gb/s because of hardware limitations.

 

You can use any CAT 5e or better cable you want; you don't need to use the one you got with the router.

 

I hope this answers your question.

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Re:Cat 5e cable or cat 8 Ethernet cable.
2021-11-21 10:25:15

@user30 

thank you much for the advise. So it's alright to use cable that comes with cat 5e. 
I purchased cat 8 cable just in case it will have better transfer. That means I can return this cat 8 cable since I have only 50mbs with virgin media and use cat 5e cable? 
thanks?

 

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Re:Cat 5e cable or cat 8 Ethernet cable. -Solution
2021-11-21 10:38:31 - last edited 2021-11-21 11:06:47

@Jmaden 

 

Exactly. While CAT 8 cable supports speeds way higher than 1 Gb/s, Archer AX20 is limited to 1 Gb/s because it only has gigabit ports. You would need the router and the network card that supports 40 Gb/s speeds to make full use of that CAT 8 cable. That type of cable currently only has use in data centers which need very fast connection in order to work.

 

If you get 50 Mb/s internet connection, CAT 5e is really more than enough. The issue here would be if you use 2 Gb/s internet or faster, then you'd need CAT 6 cable as it can provide speeds up to 10 Gb/s; and a new, faster router. :)

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Re:Cat 5e cable or cat 8 Ethernet cable.
2021-11-21 11:10:17
Hi, Thanks a lot for information. I totally understand now. I don’t think All domestic home have more than 500mbs speed. Maximum I can get from virgin media is 200mbs in my home area, that’s what they told me last time. 1gbs might be in commercial buildings only, if I’m correct? So I will return that cat 8 cable and use that cat 5e cable . Much appreciated for your help. Takecare.
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Re:Cat 5e cable or cat 8 Ethernet cable.
2021-11-21 11:25:08 - last edited 2021-11-21 11:26:42

@Jmaden 

 

Well, I'm not sure about UK's ISP offering, so I can't comment on that. But generally, what ISP can offer depends on what kind of infrastructure you have access to. Fiber internet can easily go up to 10 Gb/s and more, so it will always have higher speeds than classic twisted pair or coaxial cable.

 

Glad I could help. Have a nice day!

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