RFCopper Cabling Standards: Cat3, Cat5, Cat5e, Cat6, Cat7
copper cabling
cat3
cat5
cat6
cat7
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This document outlines the standards for copper cabling systems, specifically covering Cat3, Cat5, Cat5e, Cat6, and Cat7 cables.
| Copper Cabling Standard | Description |
|---|---|
| Cat3 | This is an unshielded twisted pair cable primarily suitable for voice communication. |
| Cat5 | An unshielded twisted pair cable used for speeds up to 100 megabits per second. It’s commonly found in buildings for data connectivity and consists of 4 pairs, or eight wires. |
| Cat5e | This enhanced version of Cat5 is an unshielded twisted pair cable ideal for Gigabit speeds, especially at shorter distances. It leverages standard cables and connectors to support the higher speeds. |
| Cat6 | This category of cable can carry data at Gigabit speeds up to a distance of approximately 100 meters. It can even support speeds up to 10 Gigabit per second for shorter distances. However, it’s typically about 30% more expensive compared to Cat5e. |
| Cat7 | Designed to support higher speeds over even longer distances. Cat7 supports 10 Gigabit per second speeds and features shielding around the entire cable, as well as around each individual pair of wires. |
