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As of mid-2025, Cat 9 cables remain just a concept, not a product that can be purchased. In fact, industry standards only define Ethernet categories up to Cat 8. Cat 8 is the fastest current standard (up to 40 Gbps at 30 m), and no official Cat 9 spec exists yet. In practical terms, this means there’s no release date or timeline for Cat 9 cables.
In short, Cat 9 isn’t real today, and it’s unclear exactly when (or if) it will emerge.
What Difference Will Cat 9 Bring?
Since Cat 8 already delivers 25–40 Gbps over short runs, Cat 9 would have to go beyond that. In theory, Cat 9 might aim for even higher bandwidth (e.g., 50+ Gbps) or better interference shielding.
However, experts note that Cat 8 already pushes the limits of a 4-pair RJ45 cable. Any Cat 9 design may require additional wire pairs or a new connector type to exceed 40 Gbps. It would likely require extremely tight twisted-pair shielding and maybe new cable materials to handle higher frequencies.
In practice, that means a Cat 9 cable would be heavier, more expensive, and likely geared only to very specialized uses (e.g., data centers).
Furthermore, there is currently low demand for Cat 9 in the industry. The existing Cat 8 standard already supports 25G/40G Ethernet over copper cables.
For most networks, Cat 8 (or even Cat 6A/Cat 7) is more than sufficient to meet current requirements. Cat 8 has “reached the maximum predicted performance limit of standard twisted-pair cable,” so “any future designs (such as Cat 9) may require additional pairs and/or a switch to parallel wiring, which would necessitate new connectors.”
In other words, Cat 8 is likely to remain the leading copper Ethernet cable for the foreseeable future.
What the Future Holds
So, when will Cat 9 cables actually appear? It’s hard to say. Since there are currently no relevant standards or drafts, no official timetable exists. Industry observers can only speculate.
If Cat 9 is ever developed, future cable technology might include:
- Higher bandwidth – Possibly supporting well above 40 Gbps (though exact targets are unknown).
- More robust shielding – Even tighter twisted pairs or new foil/braid combos to cut crosstalk at very high frequencies.
- New connector designs – Because reaching beyond Cat 8 may require more than four pairs or new pinouts, Cat 9 might move beyond the standard RJ45 jack.
- Advanced materials – Use of special dielectrics or pair configurations to carry higher-frequency signals longer distances.
These are all speculative. In fact, any development of Cat 9 is likely to be driven by data center or industrial demand, rather than ordinary households. Until then, we will continue to rely on Cat 8 and the ultra-high-speed promise of fiber optic technology.
Practical Alternatives Today
Since Cat 9 isn’t here, how should network builders plan? Use the fastest cables available today:
- Cat 8 Cable: This is the highest-rated copper Ethernet cable currently available. It supports 25–40 Gbps over distances of up to 30 meters, making it ideal for server rooms and data centers.
- Cat 7/Cat 7a: These can handle 10 Gbps at 100 m (Cat 7a even up to 1 GHz frequency) with extra shielding. They’re backward-compatible with Cat 6A hardware and offer a bit more noise protection.
- Cat 6A: Good for up to 10 Gbps over 100 meters. It’s the most common high-speed choice for homes and offices today. Cat 6A covers nearly all needs, unless you require tens of gigabits.
- Fiber Optic Cable: For truly massive bandwidth or long-distance applications, fiber is the go-to choice. Single-mode fiber routinely supports 100 Gbps+ over kilometers, far beyond what copper can do. If you’re running a backbone or future-proof link, consider fiber instead of waiting on copper.
In short, don’t wait for Cat 9 to be released—for high bandwidth requirements, we recommend upgrading to Cat 6A/Cat 8 or switching to fiber optics. These standards cover more than 90% of modern application scenarios.
For most homes and offices, even Cat 6A (10 Gbps) is usually sufficient. By adopting current proven solutions rather than chasing the non-existent Cat 9, you can save time and money.
Frequently Asked Questions
Cat 8 is the top copper cable, supporting 25–40 Gbps at short distances. For faster or longer runs, fiber optic is the recommended solution.
No. The official Ethernet standards only go up to Cat 8. Any product advertised as Cat 9 is unofficial or mislabeled.
There’s no official timeline. Industry groups have not started work on Cat 9. If demand for >40 Gbps copper grows, a draft could appear in the future, but for now, it’s speculation.
Don’t wait. Cat 6A, Cat 7, and Cat 8 cover nearly all current needs, while fiber optics handles ultra-high speeds and long distances.
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Alex Wang is the Marketing Manager at Romtronic, with a degree in International Business and over seven years of experience in the electronic cable and wire harness industry. He leads marketing efforts across North and South America, combining deep industry knowledge with strong sales experience.
In addition to overseeing global marketing strategy, Alex is also responsible for content development and editorial coordination, ensuring that Romtronic’s messaging remains clear, consistent, and engaging. His strength in market analysis and customer-focused approach helps clients make more informed purchasing and sales decisions.
