Decoding Cable Categories: From Cat5e to Cat8

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We dive into the world of network cabling, answering 20 questions about Cat5e, Cat6, and Cat6A cables in a fast-paced, information-packed session to help you make better cable choices.

• Cat5e vs Cat6: Cat6 offers more bandwidth (250MHz vs 100MHz) and headroom for future applications
• Cat6 can handle 10Gbps up to 37-55 meters, while Cat6A supports 10Gbps to the full 100 meters
• The "A" in Cat6A stands for augmented, doubling frequency from 250MHz to 500MHz
• Shielded cabling is usually only needed in high-EMI environments and requires proper grounding
• Use the "John Deere rule" – it's better to install higher category cable now than replace it later
• Plenum-rated cable is required by code for air handling spaces but costs more
• Never buy "copper-clad aluminum" (CCA) cable – it's unsafe and may void insurance
• Cat8 is designed for data centers, not homes – Cat6A is sufficient for future-proofing residences
• Professional installations should include certification testing as documentation

Make sure you follow proper cable selection and installation practices to create reliable, future-ready networks that will serve your needs for years to come.

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Chuck Bowser RCDD TECH
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