Which cat cable do you require?
Which cat cable do you require?
Cat6 and Cat6a support frequencies extending up to 250 MHz and reaching 500 MHz. Pricing depends on length and manufacturer, typically ranging from $0.40 to $0.60 per foot, which is roughly 20% more than Cat5e. Costs also vary with length and brand, generally 20-35% greater than Cat6. The maximum cable length is 100 meters for slower speeds (up to 1,000 Mbps), while faster speeds are possible over shorter distances. For Gigabit Ethernet, the limit is 55 meters, with 33 meters recommended in areas with high crosstalk. Overall, 100 meters across all setups works well for Gigabit Ethernet. Common conductor gauges include 22-24 AWG wire and 16-20 AWG wire. Theoretical top speed is 10 Gbps over 33-55 meters (110-165 feet) of cable, and 10 Gbps over 100 meters (330 feet) for Cat6.
Just in case you're not familiar: Cat6e is a made-up standard created by cable makers. It lacks a clear definition and specific requirements. Cat6a is an upgrade to Cat6. Cat6a builds on Cat6, enhancing certain features for faster data over longer ranges. Avoid purchasing cables marked as "Cat6e." For performance, you can safely use Cat5e, Cat6, Cat6a, or Cat7.