Each network cable type works with one or more categories. These categories provide efficient and better results for different cable types and are divided into eight segments:

Cat1 – category one cables are used for wire telephones and modems. Unshielded twisted pair cables are the most common cable type in this category.

Cat2 – this category was widely used in the 1980s for telephones and ring networks.

Cat3 – in the early 1990s, category three cabling were ethernet cables composed of four twisted pairs of wires. They can be commonly found in older buildings.

Cat4 – this cabling, like Cat3, is commonly seen in old buildings. It was used for token ring purposes.

Cat5 – Category 5 cabling was introduced in the mid-1990s with a fast ethernet potential. It was used for its high speed and resistance.

Cat6 – category 6 provides a more significant data transfer rate than Cat5. It is used in commercial buildings that require extensive Gigabit ethernet. In 2009, Cat6a was introduced as an augmented version of Cat6.

Cat7 – this cabling provides a more potent core infrastructure. The Cat7a refinement is capable of transmitting 40 Gigabits. Cat8 – category 8 has its conductors wrapped in foil, allowing higher data rates.