CAT5e (Category 5 extended):
Main applications: 100BASE-T and 1000BASE-T networks
Features: Supports Gigabit Ethernet, provides better shielding than CAT5.

CAT6 (Category 6):
Main applications: 1000BASE-T and 10GBASE-T networks
Features: Supports 10 Gigabit Ethernet, offers better shielding than CAT5e, suitable for high-speed transmission over long distances.

CAT6a (Category 6 extended):
Main applications: 10GBASE-T networks
Features: Enhances the performance of CAT6, offering higher bandwidth and longer transmission distances, with improved shielding.

CAT7 (Category 7):
Main applications: 10GBASE-T networks
Features: Supports higher bandwidth and longer transmission distance, features strict shielding design, effectively resists external interference.

CAT8 (Category 8):
Main applications: 25GBASE-T and 40GBASE-T networks
Features: Supports higher bandwidth and faster transmission rates, but has shorter transmission distances, suitable for data centres and similar environments.