FAQs
Do I need Category 6 cabling?
Consider what protocols you may wish to run over your cabling.
Category 5e cabling will support Gigabit Ethernet (1000BASE-T) over a 100m channel – Category 6 is not required for this but would provide additional headroom.
Category 6 UTP cabling may support 10 Gigabit Ethernet (10GBASE-T) up to 55 m, or 100 m in the case of shielded media, but it is not certain to do so. Mitigation techniques – such as separating cords or replacing connectors – may be required to meet alien crosstalk transmission parameters.
It may be appropriate to consider Augmented Category 6 (Category 6A) if reliable support for 10GBASE-T is required.