Shopping for ethernet cables and wondering if you should splash out on Cat8? I get it, the specs look impressive, and we all want the best for our home network. But here's the honest truth: Cat8 is massive overkill for pretty much every home in Australia.
Let me explain why, and what you should actually be buying instead.
What's the Deal with Cat8 Anyway?
Cat8 cables were built for data centres and server rooms; places where massive amounts of data fly around at ridiculous speeds. They can handle up to 40 Gbps, which sounds incredible until you realise your home network probably can't even use a fraction of that.
Here's the thing: your internet speed comes from your ISP, not your cable.
Got a 100 Mbps NBN plan? A Cat8 cable won't magically turn it into a 1000 Mbps connection. That's not how it works.
So When Does Cat8 Actually Help?
Cat8 only makes a difference for local network stuff, like if you're:
- Moving huge video files between computers in your house
- Running a proper home server setup
- Doing professional video editing with network storage
- Hosting game servers (and I mean serious ones)
But for regular internet browsing, Netflix, gaming on your PlayStation, or working from home? You won't notice any difference between Cat6 and Cat8. None.
The Problems with Cat8 Nobody Talks About
It's Expensive
We're talking 3-5 times the price of Cat6a. If you're wiring up a whole house, that adds up fast.
It's Thick and Stiff
All that shielding makes Cat8 cables about as flexible as a garden hose. Try routing that through your walls or around tight corners—not fun. My mate tried to use Cat8 in his home office renovation and ended up swapping to Cat6a because he couldn't get the cables where he needed them.
Your Router Probably Can't Use It
Most home routers have 1 Gbps ports. Some fancy ones have 2.5 Gbps. Cat8 can do 40 Gbps, but what's the point if your router can't?
It's like buying a Ferrari and only being allowed to drive it in a school zone.
The Distance Thing
Cat8 only works at full speed for 30 metres. Cat6a? 100 metres. If you've got a bigger house or need to run cable to a granny flat, Cat8 is actually worse.
What Should You Actually Buy?
Let me break this down based on real situations:
Most Aussie Homes: Get Cat6
If you've got:
- NBN up to 1 Gbps
- Standard streaming, gaming, and browsing needs
- A family with multiple devices
- A normal budget
Cat6 is perfect. It'll handle everything you throw at it, costs way less, and you won't lie awake wondering if you're missing out on anything (because you're not).
Want to Future-Proof? Go Cat6a
Planning ahead or got faster internet coming? Cat6a is the sweet spot:
- Handles 10 Gbps easily
- Works over 100 metres
- Will last you 15-20 years minimum
- Not stupidly expensive
This is what I'd recommend for anyone building a new house or doing serious renovations. It's the Goldilocks option not too basic, not overkill, just right.
Actually Need Cat8? You'd Know
The only people who genuinely need Cat8 are:
- Professional video editors with massive network storage
- People running actual server racks at home
- Those rare cases where you're moving terabytes of data around locally
If you're reading this article to figure out if you need Cat8, you probably don't. People who need it already know they need it.
Here's What Actually Matters
Forget the cable category wars for a second. What really makes a difference:
- Proper installation - No sharp bends, done right the first time
- Quality connectors - Cheap ends on expensive cable is dumb
- Australian compliance - Make sure it meets AS/CA S008 standards
- Using the right length - Don't buy 20 metres if you need 3
I've seen people spend hundreds on Cat8 and then terminate it poorly or buy dodgy patch panels. That's like putting premium fuel in a car with a hole in the tank.
The Bottom Line
Save your money. Seriously.
For 95% of homes: Cat6 is all you need.
Want to future-proof properly: Cat6a won't let you down.
Only go Cat8 if you're in that tiny 5% with genuine high-performance needs (and you'd already know if you are).
Your Netflix won't buffer any less on Cat6. Your Teams calls won't be clearer on Cat8. Your gaming won't be smoother. The only thing that'll be different is your bank balance.
