The category number sets the ceiling: Cat5e carries a gigabit, Cat6 leaves headroom, and shielded Cat8 SFTP cables are built for 40 Gbit/s links in a server room. For a home router, Cat6 is usually enough. The shortest lead is 25 cm and suits connecting devices standing side by side; shielded cable is worth choosing when the run goes a long way alongside power cables.
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The category number sets the ceiling: Cat5e carries a gigabit, Cat6 leaves headroom, and shielded Cat8 SFTP cables are built for 40 Gbit/s links in a server room. For a home router, Cat6 is usually enough. The shortest lead is 25 cm and suits connecting devices standing side by side; shielded cable is worth choosing when the run goes a long way alongside power cables.