Category 6 cable (Cat 6) is a standardized twisted pair cable for Ethernet and other network physical layers that is backward compatible with the Category 5/5e and Category 3 cable standards. Fiber cables, the best performance cable, are gaining popularity. Check out our detailed list of networking tools and their functions to better understand how cables fit into your network. Ethernet cables evolved from Cat3 to Cat8, each improving in speed, bandwidth, and shielding. Choosing the right cable ensures reliability, reduced interference, and future-proof. When it comes to choosing the best cabling solution for networks, two options are most often chosen: category 6 twisted pair cables (CAT 6) and fiber optics.