Ethernet Cable Categories: Cat5e vs Cat6 vs Cat6a
The Cat number names a cable's performance grade; Cat5e handles gigabit, Cat6a carries 10 Gbps over a full 100 meter run, and Cat6 only on short runs.
By Andrian ChengContributing writer.
On this page
The short answer
"Cat" is short for category. It names a performance grade for twisted pair copper cable, set by the cabling standards ANSI/TIA-568 and ISO/IEC 11801. A higher category is tested to a higher signal frequency, which leaves room for faster Ethernet.
- Cat5e: fine for gigabit (1 Gbps) and 2.5 Gbps Ethernet.
- Cat6: a little more headroom, and 10 Gbps on short runs.
- Cat6a: 10 Gbps over the full standard run length.
- Cat8: 25 or 40 Gbps, but only over short links, mostly in server rooms.
Of the 1,156 network cables listed on Wiki Shopping on October 26, 2026, the categories stated most often are Cat6 (308 cables) and Cat6a (227 cables), followed by Cat8 (29) and Cat5e (24).
The categories side by side
| Category | Tested up to | Fastest common use | Run length for that speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cat5e | 100 MHz | 1 Gbps and 2.5 Gbps | 100 m (330 ft) |
| Cat6 | 250 MHz | 10 Gbps | 55 m (180 ft) |
| Cat6a | 500 MHz | 10 Gbps | 100 m (330 ft) |
| Cat8 | 2,000 MHz | 25 and 40 Gbps | 30 m (about 100 ft) |
The frequency figures come from the ISO/IEC 11801 classes; the speed and length pairs come from the Ethernet over twisted pair standards. Cat7 and Cat7A also appear in the ISO standard (600 MHz and 1,000 MHz), but no common Ethernet speed in the table needs them.
Cat5e vs Cat6
For a home network running at 1 Gbps, both work over the same 100 meters, and you will not see a speed difference. Cat6 starts to matter when you want 10 Gbps: it supports that speed on runs up to 55 meters, while Cat6a is needed for a full 100 meter run. If you are buying new cable for a wall or ceiling run that you do not want to replace, a higher category leaves room for faster gear later.
Cat6a gets its full 10 Gbps reach from better protection against crosstalk between neighboring cables (called alien crosstalk), which is also why it is tested to twice the frequency of Cat6.
How long can an Ethernet cable be?
For every copper Ethernet speed up to 10 Gbps, the standard length is 100 meters (330 feet) per segment, with the cable rated for that speed. In a building, that 100 meters is usually split into up to 90 meters of solid cable in the wall plus up to 10 meters of patch cords at the two ends.
For a longer distance, put a switch in the middle, which starts a new 100 meter segment, or use fiber optic cable. On Wiki Shopping, 385 network cables are fiber optic cables.
What else is on the label
- Jacket rating: riser (CMR) and plenum (CMP) cables meet fire rules for runs inside walls and air spaces. Outdoor cables resist sun and moisture.
- Shielding: UTP is unshielded; STP or FTP adds foil, which helps near motors or power lines.
- Solid or stranded: solid copper suits long runs in walls; stranded bends better as a patch cord.
How we count
Category counts are the Wiki Shopping filter pages for network cables, read from our database on October 26, 2026. A cable is counted when its store listing states a category. Cables that do not state one are left out, and the counts change as listings are added or removed.
Shop by spec
Network Cables
Ethernet, Cat6
- Snagless design for network adapters, hubs, switches, routers, modems, patch panels and other networking applications
- Standard RJ45 connectors and unshielded twisted pair wires
- Conductor (Qty. 4 twisted pair) 24AWG - Stranded Bare Copper
- Wiring Scheme - TSB 568B (AT&T 258A)
Direct attach (SFP), 10 Stated speed
- 10GBE DIRECT ATTACH CABLE: RUCKUS 10G-SFPP-TWX-P-0101 is a 10 Gigabit Ethernet direct attach SFP+ to SFP+ passive copper cable, 1m long, as listed in the RUCKUS Ethernet Optics data sheet ordering information.
- TWINAX PASSIVE COPPER, IEEE 802.3AK: The RUCKUS key standards table lists the 10G-SFPP-TWX-P cables as direct attach SFP+ Twinax passive copper cables to IEEE 802.3ak, offered in 1m, 3m and 5m lengths. This part is the 1m version.
- STACKING ON RUCKUS ICX: Listed by RUCKUS for both stacking links and Ethernet data links on ICX 7150, ICX 7250, ICX 7450 and ICX 8200 switches, so on these models it is supported as a stacking link or as a data link.
- DATA LINKS ON ICX AND SMARTZONE: Listed for Ethernet data links (not stacking) on RUCKUS ICX 7550, ICX 7650, ICX 7750, ICX 7850 and ICX 8100 switches and on the RUCKUS SmartZone SZ144.
- NO DOM, 1M LENGTH: Digital Optical Monitoring is listed as No for the 10G-SFPP-TWX-P cables. RUCKUS offers them in 1m, 3m and 5m lengths and as 8-packs; this part number is the 1m cable.
Ethernet, Cat6a
- Supports 10 Gigabit Ethernet and 550MHz bandwidth for reliable high-speed networking and data-intensive applications
- Flexible design simplifies installation in tight spaces and helps with clean, professional cable management
- Constructed with 30AWG stranded pure bare copper conductors to ensure superior conductivity and consistent signal quality
- Complies with TIA/EIA-568-C.2 standards for performance and compatibility in residential, office, and data center environments
- U/FTP shielding design minimizes electromagnetic interference and crosstalk for cleaner, more stable connections
Ethernet, Cat6
- Ultra-slim 0.149-inch diameter
- Reduces congestion in high density spaces
- Component-tested for optimized channel performance
- Snagless narrow profile boot design