Network tool
Cable & Ethernet Recommender
Get the right Ethernet cable category for your speed and distance.
Recommended cable
Cat6 (recommended) or Cat5e (sufficient)
Cat5e is technically sufficient for 1 Gbps, but Cat6 is the minimum anyone should install in new construction. The price difference is minimal; Cat6 provides better crosstalk performance, supports 10G at shorter runs, and doesn't strand you when you upgrade switches.
Copper Ethernet category quick reference
| Category | Max speed | Max length | 10G? | PoE+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cat5e | 1 Gbps | 100 m | No (not reliably) | Yes (up to 90W PoE++) |
| Cat6 | 10 Gbps | 55 m for 10G; 100 m at 1G | Yes, ≤55 m | Yes |
| Cat6A | 10 Gbps | 100 m | Yes — full length | Yes (better thermal) |
| Cat8 | 40 Gbps | 30 m | Yes (40G) | Yes — data center use |
Frequently asked questions
When does it make sense to use fiber instead of copper Ethernet?
Fiber is the right choice when runs exceed 100 meters (copper's practical limit), when you need immunity from electrical interference (near HVAC, generators, or industrial equipment), or when you're running 10 Gbps+ between network closets or buildings. For in-suite horizontal runs under 100m, Cat6A copper is typically the better value.
Is Cat6 a meaningful upgrade over Cat5e for a typical office?
For runs under 55 meters at 10 Gbps, Cat6 is sufficient and less expensive than Cat6A. For a full 100-meter 10 Gbps run — or if you want headroom for future upgrades — Cat6A's tighter twist and shielded design is the better long-term investment, especially when you're already paying labor to pull the cable.
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