Nippon Labs Cat8 Slim Ethernet Cable, 30AWG U/FTP, 40Gbps 2000MHz RJ45 Patch Cord

This is a slim Cat8 U/FTP patch cord built to cut congestion in a Cat8 environment. It carries up to 40Gbps at 2GHz for 25GBASE-T and 40GBASE-T links, and it is fully backward compatible with Cat5, Cat5e, Cat6, Cat6a and Cat7 equipment. The distinguishing feature is its 4.5 mm outside diameter, described in the source as almost half that of a standard Cat8 cable, so bundles stay smaller and more air moves through the rack.

Specifications

• Category: Cat8, UL rated
• Frequency: 2GHz (2000 MHz)
• Max data rate: up to 40Gbps
• Applications supported: 25GBASE-T and 40GBASE-T
• Conductor: 4 pair 30AWG stranded pure copper
• Shielding: U/FTP, foil shield on each pair
• Connectors: RJ45 plug with 50 micron gold plated contacts
• Jacket: CM rated PVC
• Wiring: T568B standard
• Outside diameter: 4.5 mm
• Backward compatible: yes, with Cat5, Cat5e, Cat6, Cat6a and Cat7
• Lengths: 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 5 and 10 ft
• Colours: gray, red, white, yellow, green, black, blue, orange, purple

Good for

• Data center switch to server interconnections, where cable bulk behind the rack is already restricting airflow
• Small or mid level enterprise LAN equipment rooms running 25GBASE-T or 40GBASE-T links
• Desk and AV connections to a PC, laptop, printer, modem, TV box or games console, where a thin cord routes more easily

FAQ

Do I actually need Cat8? Cat8 is built for 25 and 40 Gigabit over short runs, up to 30 meters, which in practice means switch to switch and switch to server links inside a rack or a small equipment room. For ordinary Gigabit or 10 Gigabit runs across a building, Cat6 or Cat6A is the right choice and costs less.

Will it work with my existing gear? Yes. Cat8 uses the same RJ45 connector and is backward compatible, so it runs at whatever speed your router, switch or console supports. You will not see 40 Gigabit unless both ends have 40 Gigabit ports.

What does U/FTP mean, and is it shielded enough? U/FTP means each pair has its own foil shield with no overall braid around the bundle. The per pair foils are what control crosstalk between pairs, and dropping the braid is what keeps the cable thinner than S/FTP. At 4.5 mm outside diameter this is the thinnest option here, which is what you want in a high density rack where airflow matters.

How is this different from the 28AWG S/FTP Cat8? Same 40Gbps and 2GHz ceiling. This one uses 30AWG conductors and per pair foil only, so it is thinner and easier to bundle. The S/FTP version adds an overall braid shield, which is the better pick if the run sits in a particularly noisy electrical environment.