Reference Guide for Ethernet Category Standards
Ethernet cable standards, or "Categories," are defined by their data rate, bandwidth, and distance capabilities. Using the correct category of cable is essential to support your network's speed requirements. This table outlines the key specifications for each standard.
| Standard (Name) | Maximum Bandwidth | Maximum Distance | Maximum Data Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| CAT1 | 0.4MHz | 1Mbps | |
| CAT2 | 4MHz | 4Mbps | |
| CAT3 | 10MHz | 10Mbps | |
| CAT4 | 20MHz | 16Mbps | |
| CAT5 | 100MHz | 100 metres | 100Mbps |
| CAT5e (Class D) | 100MHz | 100 metres | 1Gbps |
| CAT6 (Class E) | 250MHz | 100 metres (55 metres for 10Gbps) | 1Gbps / 10Gbps (limited distance) |
| CAT6a (Class Ea) | 500MHz | 100 metres | 10Gbps |
| CAT7 (Class F) | 600MHz | 10Gbps | |
| CAT7a | 1000MHz | 10Gbps | |
| CAT8 | 1600-2000MHz | 40Gbps |
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