Yes, there is outside Cat 8 cabling designed for use in outdoor environments.
Yes, there is outside Cat 8 cabling designed for use in outdoor environments.
Next year I plan to install Cat 8 wiring for my home, since it won’t be used much after installation. I’m avoiding re-plastering the walls because it would be expensive, but I haven’t found any available Cat 8 cables from outside sources. Anyone know if such cables exist and where I can purchase them?
You're asking about the right choice for your network. If you just need Gigabit speeds, Cat6 is sufficient. For future needs expecting 10Gbps, consider Cat6a.
Consider fibre-optics for long-term network security. Yes, you'll require SFP or SFP+ ports, though gbps converters are now affordable.
It seems most of this group isn’t familiar with what we’re discussing. Of course I grasp the point that not everyone shares our perspective. We aim for excellence, always striving to be superior. We refuse to accept anything less than top-notch unless it’s unavoidable. I plan to upgrade my system each year—PC or Mac. I dislike sharing a single machine with many people who’ve been using the same setup for years. Change excites me; progress is essential.
I apologize if this initial tone seems harsh. I simply can’t tolerate those who resist new M1 processors because they prefer stability over evolution. It’s frustrating to see some of us still relying on older setups after five to seven years. I value quality and design, not just convenience. Eventually, adaptation is necessary.
My point is clear: the current focus is mainly on supporting core infrastructure and servers, mostly indoors. The military may have different requirements. I doubt we’ll reach widespread home internet speeds of 20+ gigabits in the next two decades with today’s Cat6 standards. Even 10 gigabits in the next ten years seems unlikely with 6a or newer tech.
Occasionally we need to embrace practicality and avoid excessive obsession. The optimal path would be adopting 6a or one of the latest Cat6 models for maximum range without signal loss—unless you use repeaters or boosters. A fresh Cat6 or a new fiber variant with upgraded RJ connectors is likely on the horizon within the next two decades.
Alternatively, consider Cat 10 fiber optics or other fiber options with updated Cat end connectors and different RJ interfaces. If you’re determined to have the best, contact the manufacturer or relevant organizations directly—perhaps even IEEE or a university tech department. You could also shield your setup with protective materials like tubing or metal casings.
You may install any cable outside as long as it's enclosed within a tube or conduit. Use the typical small PVC pipe (about 1 cm in diameter) commonly found for electrical wiring and feed your desired network cable through it. Available in flexible or rigid forms, you'll need to shape it or employ corner pieces around bends—though I’d rather keep it neat.
You might choose hybrid fiber coaxial cables since they offer greater durability and reduced interference. Alternatively, using pure coaxial cables is an option, which can be larger or similar to your usual standard version. These may be fully coaxial or designed for dual data transmission. The typical approach involves replacing or adapting the existing cable, altering its manufacturing and materials, possibly modifying the copper core for power delivery in repeaters or boosters. These solutions aren't ready-made kits, nor are they exclusive to classified projects like Area-51.