Cat5 cables were the best option for wired networking (also called Ethernet) for a long time. But since the release of Cat6, ...

A lot home networks use an older CAT5 or CAT5e cable. Nowadays, however, it's worth swapping to a CAT6 network cable, especially if you've got fast internet.

However, the distinctions between CAT 6, CAT 7 and CAT 8 cables are more nuanced. Here’s what you need to know: CAT 6 is the sixth generation of ethernet cabling used in enterprise and home networks.

While Cat5e and Cat6 cables look exactly the same from the outside, it is what’s inside that makes the difference. Selecting the best solution for a network system can seem like a daunting task.