CAT8 S/FTP Shielded Ethernet Patch Cable - Snagless, 40 Gbps This professional-grade Cat8 S/FTP double shielded patch cable delivers blazing 40 Gigabit Ethernet performance for next-generation data center applications. Certified to 2 GHz bandwidth with dual-layer S/FTP shielding—individual foil on each twisted pair PLUS an overall braided shield—this cable provides maximum EMI/RFI protection and alien crosstalk elimination for ultra-high-speed connections. The snagless molded boot protects RJ-45 connectors during frequent patching. Designed for ultra-short connections in server racks, top-of-rack switches, high-performance desktops, test benches, and next-generation network equipment requiring 25GBase-T or 40GBase-T connectivity. Backward compatible with Cat6A/6/5e devices at lower speeds. Key Features Certified 40 Gbps performance supports 25GBase-T and 40GBase-T for next-generation networks 2 GHz bandwidth exceeds Cat6A specifications for ultra-high-speed data transmission S/FTP double shielding features foil per twisted pair PLUS full braided outer shield Maximum EMI/RFI protection eliminates electromagnetic and radio frequency interference Superior alien crosstalk elimination critical for 40G performance in dense installations Snagless molded boot design protects RJ-45 latch during frequent patching and cable management Flexible 24 AWG stranded copper pure copper conductors ensure low insertion loss and easy routing Optimized for short runs ideal for rack-to-rack, switch-to-server, and desktop connections Backward compatible works with Cat6A, Cat6, and Cat5e devices at appropriate speeds UL listed and ETL verified meets stringent safety and performance standards ANSI/TIA-568-D.2 compliant certified to latest Cat8 industry standards RoHS compliant environmentally responsible manufacturing Gold-plated contacts ensure corrosion resistance and optimal conductivity Multiple lengths available optimized for short-run applications Color-coded options for professional cable management Ideal Applications Next-generation data center connections (25G/40G) Top-of-rack (ToR) switch to server connections High-performance server-to-server links Storage area network (SAN) connections Switch stacking and backbone connections High-frequency trading and financial systems Test benches and network labs Desktop workstations with 25G/40G NICs Short-run connections requiring maximum speed Future-proof infrastructure investments Any application requiring speeds beyond 10 Gbps Environments requiring maximum shielding and performance Technical Specifications Cable Type & Performance Category: Cat8 (Category 8) Shielding Type: S/FTP (Screened Foiled Twisted Pair) Individual foil shielding per twisted pair Overall braided shield covering entire cable Data Rate: 25GBase-T (25 Gbps), 40GBase-T (40 Gbps) Speed Support: 10/100/1000 Mbps, 2.5GBase-T, 5GBase-T, 10GBase-T, 25GBase-T, 40GBase-T Bandwidth: Up to 2000 MHz (2 GHz) Maximum Distance: 30 meters (optimized for short runs) Wiring Standard: T568B EMI/RFI Protection: Dual-layer shielding (foil + braid) Alien Crosstalk: Superior suppression for 40G performance Physical Construction Conductor Material: Bare copper, stranded Conductor Gauge: 24 AWG Outer Jacket Material: PVC (Indoor rated) Outer Diameter: 8.0 ± 0.2 mm Boot Type: Snagless molded design Insertion Loss: Minimized for optimal signal transmission Connectors Connector Type: RJ-45 (8P8C) male, fully shielded, on both ends Contact Plating: Gold-plated for corrosion resistance and optimal conductivity Boot Protection: Snagless molded tab protects clip Connector Shielding: Metal shielded housing with 360° protection Category Rating: Cat8 rated connectors Available Options Multiple short lengths available (optimized for 30m or less) Multiple color options for cable organization Compliance & Standards Indoor rated (PVC jacket) RoHS compliant UL listed ETL verified ANSI/TIA-568-D.2 Cat8 compliant Backward compatible with Cat6A, Cat6, Cat5e Installation Notes This Cat8 S/FTP patch cable represents the cutting edge in copper Ethernet technology, delivering unprecedented 40 Gigabit speeds over copper infrastructure. Cat8 is specifically designed for short-run, high-performance applications in data centers and professional network environments. Cat8 Performance Advantages: Cat8 delivers significant performance improvements over Cat6A: Bandwidth: 2000 MHz vs. 500 MHz for Cat6A (4x improvement) Speed: Up to 40 Gbps vs. 10 Gbps for Cat6A (4x improvement) Frequency range: Optimized for 25G and 40G applications Future-proofing: Ready for next-generation network equipment 30-Meter Distance Limitation: Cat8 cables are certified for distances up to 30 meters (approximately 100 feet). This makes them ideal for: Rack-to-rack connections in data centers Top-of-rack switch to server links Switch stacking within the same room Desktop connections in the same area Test bench and lab environments For runs exceeding 30 meters, Cat6A cables should be used for 10G applications. S/FTP Double Shielding: The S/FTP construction provides maximum interference protection essential for 40 Gbps transmission: Individual Foil Shielding (F): Each twisted pair wrapped in aluminum foil Overall Braided Shield (S): Woven metal braid surrounds all pairs This dual-layer approach is critical for Cat8 because: 40 Gbps signals are extremely sensitive to interference High frequencies (2 GHz) require maximum shielding Alien crosstalk must be completely eliminated EMI/RFI protection ensures signal integrity Backward Compatibility: While optimized for 25G and 40G, Cat8 cables are fully backward compatible: With Cat6A devices: Operates at 10 Gbps With Cat6 devices: Operates at 1 Gbps (Gigabit Ethernet) With Cat5e devices: Operates at 1 Gbps This makes Cat8 a future-proof investment that works with current equipment while providing an upgrade path to 25G/40G. When to Choose Cat8: Cat8 is the right choice when: You need speeds beyond 10 Gbps (25G or 40G) Connections are 30 meters or less Maximum shielding and interference protection are required Future-proofing for next-generation equipment is important Server-to-switch or switch-to-switch high-speed links are needed Critical Installation Requirements: For optimal Cat8 performance: Both devices must support 25GBase-T or 40GBase-T Shielded RJ-45 ports with proper grounding are essential Cat8-rated connectors, patch panels, and keystones throughout Proper grounding and bonding per TIA-568 standards Keep runs within 30-meter specification 24 AWG Stranded Construction: The 24 AWG stranded copper provides: Excellent flexibility for patch cable applications Low insertion loss for optimal signal transmission Durability for frequent connection cycles Pure copper for maximum conductivity Professional Quality Features: UL Listed and ETL Verified: Rigorous testing for safety and performance ANSI/TIA-568-D.2 Compliant: Meets latest Cat8 standards Gold-plated contacts: Long-term reliability Snagless boot: Protects locking tab in professional installations RoHS Compliant: Environmentally responsible Next-Generation Applications: Cat8 cables enable emerging technologies: 25G Ethernet for high-performance servers 40G Ethernet for switch backbones Multi-Gig NAS and storage connections High-frequency trading systems requiring minimal latency 8K video production and streaming Scientific computing and research applications Plug in, patch, and experience server-grade 40 Gigabit speed with minimal cable presence—Cat8 delivers the ultimate in copper Ethernet performance for demanding professional environments. C8MB Data Sheet