Cat8 Cable for 25G/40GBASE-T Networks
It is not new that with the increasing demand for bandwidth, it is essential to choose the right wiring for rapidly-advancing data centers, server rooms, and other areas, in preparation for future necessities. It is a modern standard that Cat8 cable is a new alternative for facilitating 25GBASE-T and 40GBASE-T networks. Now, you should be asking; what is a Cat8 cable, what are 25GBASE-T and 40GBASE-T systems, and why is Cat8 suitable for 25GBASE-T and 40GBASE-T network?
What is a Cat8 cable?
Cat8 (Category 8) is the next-generation twisted-pair copper wiring standard, which ANSI/TIA-568-C.2-1, in 2016, specified. This cable has a 2GHz (2000MHz) frequency function, facilitating higher bandwidth while shielding is minimised. It can support a distance of 30 meters of cabling, while it operates in a two-connector arrangement. It has two connector types; Class I (RJ45) and Class II (Non-RJ45). Besides, the Cat8 cable has backward compatibility with all the former RJ45 cabling and equipment. And, since its design facilitates 25GBASE-T and 40GBASE-T applications, it is ideal for small or medium enterprise LANs, particularly for switch-to-sever interconnections of data centers.
Note: FS Cat8 has its gauge as 28 AWG, while there are also 22 AWG, 23 AWG, 24 AWG and 26 AWG in the market.
25G/40GBASE-T Overview
The developer of 25GBASE-T, IEEE 802.3 Task Force 802.3bq, is one of the standardised BASE-T technologies of IEEE, which use twisted-pair wiring to support close to 25Gbps data transmission. While it is backward compatible with 10GBASE-T devices, it is forward compatible with 40GBASE-T, as BASE-T mechanisms facilitate auto-negotiation, determining the capacities, which the other end of the link supports.
IEEE 802.3 Task Force 802.3bq is also the developer of 40GBASE-T (40 Gbit/s on 4-twisted pairs cable). 40GBASE-T had been authorised before 20GBASE-T. However, 20GBASE-T came into the IEEE 802.3 802.3bq (40GBASE-T) task force to create standard sheathing 25G/40GBASE-T specifications to meet the demands of bandwidth.
Why Choose Cat8 Cable for 25G/40GBASE-T Network?
In the server interconnect applications, 25G/40G Ethernet is potentially high in demand. Typically, data centers use Twinax DAC assemblies, or fiber optic cables such as OM3 and OM4 to facilitate 25G/40G operation. Nonetheless, while Twinax DAC assemblies have a limited transmission distance of 5 meters, fiber optics require other components like fiber transceivers to function, making it more costly to employ. So, the latest Cat8 cable for Ethernet is potentially the most suitable substitute. Below are some benefits of using Cat8 cables for the 25G/40GBASE-T network.
1. Trouble-free migrations to superior bandwidth
Just like we discussed earlier, patch cords share a similar RJ45 interface, and so, it allows upgrades to be performed. Cat8 patch cords make room for fast and unproblematic supplemental migrations of network speed starting from 1G to 10G, 25G, and 40G.
2. Simple deployment
As it is a part of the BASE-T system, the Cat8 is a plug-and-play cable; it can be withdrawn in the field, just like other wiring types, which are easy to operate.
3. Cost saving
Twisted-pair copper cables have continually been the most efficient alternative for Ethernet networks, as copper is quite cheap, and Cat8 is also part of this category of cables. So, Cat8 copper cables, while operating on 25G/40GBASE-T networks, are more effective than Twinax DAC for less than 5 metre transmissions, while they are significantly less expensive than fiber optics for less than 30 meters transmission distance.
Besides, different from fiber optics, the Cat8 does not need additional hardware devices to deploy the 25G/40G. Plus, it has a limited range of 30 meters, requiring less power, and thus, since it can facilitate the 25G/40GBASE-T network without overheating, additional costs are not spent in that field.
Conclusion
As there will continue to be a rapidly increasing demand for higher bandwidth and network components, there is an escalating significance of the Cat8 in the wired-networking field. Moreover, it will be particularly significant in data centers, using 25G/40G systems and beyond.