question

randy-s avatar image
randy-s asked

Cat 8 cable for Cerbo

I want to connect my Cerbo to my main network router in the boat. Wifi works but not as robust. All the doc I’ve read suggests just Cat6 cable would be ok; it’s a 25’ run. But at that length Cat 8 is almost as cheap. Is there any advantage to using Cat8? Or is there somehow even some disadvantage? Thx.

cerbo gx
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4 Answers
wkirby avatar image
wkirby answered ·

You can use CAT8 if you want to but there are no advantages. The link will still negotiate at 100Mbps.

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randy-s avatar image
randy-s answered ·

K, thx. If there are no advantages I’ll maybe just go with Cat 6.

4 comments
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wkirby avatar image wkirby ♦♦ commented ·
Even CAT5e would be more than adequate.
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benm avatar image benm wkirby ♦♦ commented ·

I have 2 MPPT -CAN that lost sometimes BMS connection. In same installation is a MPPT-ve-direct with NO problem.


I thinking maybe the CAT5e cable pick up EMI noise.


I like to test with shielded cat7.

Is the shield from the cat7 cable in Victron MPPT automatically connected to a Negative?

Or do I need to bring the shield outside the RJ45 and connect to negative?


I hope someone can answer this, because without proper connection from the shield problem can get worse.

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Kevin Windrem avatar image
Kevin Windrem answered ·

CAT-5 should be sufficient for 100 Mb. Anything "better" should work but as stated previously, no advantages.

Personally, I use CAT-6 UTP for all my network connections so I only need to deal with one cable type and one connector type.

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kevgermany avatar image
kevgermany answered ·

Think about the physical size of the cat 8 as well. I shot myself in the foot going up a cat and found the cabling too thick.

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