Copper cabling
Copper network cabling uses twisted pairs and RJ45 connectors for Ethernet links from Gigabit to 40 Gigabit. The category number sets the maximum speed and distance: Cat5e for 1G, Cat6 and Cat6a for 10G, and Cat8 for 25G and 40G over short runs. Pick the category for the fastest link you expect to run over that cable, not just today’s speed.
Request a QuoteWhich category supports which speed
These are the standard ratings for twisted-pair Ethernet. Real links also depend on the quality of the cable, the connectors and the installation.
- Cat5e: 1 Gb/s (1000BASE-T) up to 100 meters. Fine for legacy and low-speed access runs.
- Cat6: 1 Gb/s up to 100 meters, and 10 Gb/s (10GBASE-T) only over shorter distances of about 55 meters.
- Cat6a: 10 Gb/s up to 100 meters. The usual choice for new structured cabling that needs headroom.
- Cat8: 25 Gb/s and 40 Gb/s (25GBASE-T and 40GBASE-T) up to 30 meters, designed for short switch-to-server runs inside the data center.
Shielded or unshielded
Unshielded twisted pair (UTP) is the common, flexible and lower-cost option. Shielded cables (STP, FTP or S/FTP) add a foil or braid that reduces crosstalk and interference, and are common at higher categories such as Cat6a and Cat8. Shielded cabling needs shielded connectors and proper grounding to deliver its benefit.
Patch cords and permanent links
Patch cords are the short, flexible cables between a device and a patch panel or wall jack. Permanent links are the solid-core runs behind the walls or overhead. Using a lower-category patch cord on a higher-category link limits the whole channel to the lower category, so keep the categories consistent end to end.
Planning for the next upgrade
Permanent cabling outlasts the switches it connects, so it is usually worth installing one category above what you need today. A Cat6a run laid for 1G access ports can carry 10G later without being pulled again, while a Cat5e run cannot. Patch cords are cheap to replace, but the cable in the wall or overhead tray is not.
When to use copper, DAC or fiber
Twisted-pair copper is convenient for access ports and anywhere RJ45 equipment is already installed. For switch-to-switch and server links at 10G and above in the data center, many teams use DAC cables or fiber instead, because they draw less power per port. See our DAC and AOC and fiber patch cable pages if you are comparing.
What to include in your quote request
- Category (Cat5e, Cat6, Cat6a or Cat8)
- Shielded or unshielded
- Patch cord or bulk and permanent-link needs
- Lengths and colors
- Quantity