For a gigabit network, which cable type should be used?

For a gigabit network, the most suitable cable type is Cat 5E. This category of Ethernet cable is designed to support data rates of up to 1 Gbps (gigabits per second) at distances up to 100 meters. Cat 5E enhances the specifications of the original Cat 5 standard by including improvements that reduce crosstalk and system noise, which helps maintain performance standards suitable for gigabit networking.

While Cat 5E can effectively handle gigabit speeds, it’s important to note that higher categories like Cat 6 and Cat 6A are also capable of supporting gigabit networks and can even extend performance at higher frequencies and over longer distances. However, for the specific requirement of achieving gigabit speeds, Cat 5E is often the minimal standard recommended, balancing performance and cost.

In contrast, the original Cat 5 cables do not reliably support gigabit speeds, which is why they are not the best choice. Opting for higher categories can provide future-proofing and improved performance, but for the immediate goal of establishing a gigabit network, Cat 5E stands out as an appropriate and widely utilized option in various installations.