Answers to common questions about network cable types, Cat5e vs. Cat6 vs. Cat6A performance, plenum and riser ratings, PoE support, installation best practices, and how to order structured cabling from Ramcorp Wire & Cable.
Network Cable Types
What is the difference between Cat5e, Cat6, and Cat6A cable?
The main differences are bandwidth and crosstalk performance. Cat5e supports up to 1 Gbps at 100 MHz bandwidth. Cat6 supports up to 10 Gbps at 250 MHz bandwidth but only for runs up to 55 meters at 10G speeds. Cat6A supports 10 Gbps at 500 MHz bandwidth for the full 100-meter channel distance. Cat6A also has improved alien crosstalk (AXT) performance, making it the standard for new commercial installations, data centers, and any environment planning for 10 Gigabit Ethernet. See our Network Cable Guide for a detailed comparison.
Is Cat5e still acceptable for new installations?
Cat5e reliably supports Gigabit Ethernet (1 Gbps) and is still widely used in residential and light commercial applications where 10G is not required. However, for new commercial installations, most specifications now call for Cat6 or Cat6A to support future bandwidth demands, PoE applications, and Wi-Fi 6/6E access points. The cost difference between Cat5e and Cat6 has narrowed significantly, so Cat6 is generally the better value for new builds.
What is Cat8 cable and do I need it?
Cat8 is rated for 25 Gbps and 40 Gbps at up to 2,000 MHz bandwidth, but is limited to 30-meter channel lengths. It is designed primarily for short-distance data center switch-to-switch connections, not general-purpose horizontal cabling. For most commercial and industrial installations, Cat6A provides the best balance of performance, distance, and cost. Cat8 is not necessary for typical office, campus, or building structured cabling projects.
What is shielded (STP/FTP) vs. unshielded (UTP) network cable?
UTP (unshielded twisted pair) relies on the twist rate of the conductor pairs to reject interference and is the standard for most North American installations. STP and FTP cables add metallic foil or braided shields around individual pairs (FTP) or the entire cable (STP) for improved electromagnetic interference rejection. Shielded cable is recommended in industrial environments with heavy electrical noise, near VFDs, welding equipment, or high-voltage power lines. Shielded installations require shielded connectors, patch panels, and proper grounding to be effective.
What is a patch cable vs. a solid cable?
Solid conductor cable uses a single solid copper wire per conductor and is designed for permanent horizontal runs from the patch panel to the wall jack (structured cabling). Stranded (patch) cable uses multiple fine copper strands per conductor, making it more flexible for short patch cords between wall jacks and devices or between patch panels and switches. Solid cable has slightly better transmission performance over distance; stranded cable handles repeated flexing without conductor fatigue.
What is a network cable riser rating?
CMR (Communications Multipurpose Cable, Riser) rated cable is designed to prevent fire from spreading between floors in vertical shaft installations. CM (Communications Multipurpose) rated cable is the general-purpose rating for horizontal runs within a single floor. CMP (Communications Multipurpose Cable, Plenum) rated cable is required in air-handling spaces. The hierarchy from lowest to highest fire rating is: CM < CMR < CMP. Higher-rated cable can always be substituted for a lower rating, but not the other way around. See our Plenum vs. Riser Cable Guide for details.
What is plenum-rated network cable?
CMP (plenum) rated network cable uses a fire-retardant jacket and low-smoke insulation materials approved for installation in air-handling spaces — the areas above drop ceilings and below raised floors used for HVAC air return. Building codes require plenum-rated cable in these spaces because standard PVC jackets produce toxic smoke when burned. Plenum cable costs more than riser (CMR) cable but is mandatory wherever air handling plenums exist. See our plenum cable products.
Performance & Specifications
How far can I run network cable?
The TIA-568 standard limits a permanent link to 90 meters (295 feet) of horizontal cable, with up to 10 meters (33 feet) of patch cords at each end, for a total channel length of 100 meters (328 feet). This applies to Cat5e, Cat6, and Cat6A. Exceeding this distance causes signal degradation, increased bit error rates, and potential link failures. For distances beyond 100 meters, use fiber optic cable or a network switch to create a new segment.
What is the difference between 1G, 2.5G, 5G, and 10G Ethernet?
These refer to the data transmission speed of the Ethernet connection. 1G (1 Gbps) runs on Cat5e or better. 2.5GBASE-T and 5GBASE-T (defined in IEEE 802.3bz) are designed to run over existing Cat5e and Cat6 cabling at intermediate speeds without re-cabling. 10GBASE-T (10 Gbps) requires Cat6 (limited to 55 meters) or Cat6A (full 100 meters). The multi-gig standards (2.5G and 5G) are increasingly used for Wi-Fi 6/6E access point uplinks over existing cable plants.
What is crosstalk and why does it matter?
Crosstalk is unwanted signal coupling between adjacent conductor pairs within a cable (NEXT — near-end crosstalk) or between adjacent cables in a bundle (alien crosstalk — AXT). Higher crosstalk degrades signal quality and limits achievable data rates. Cat6A's improved construction (tighter twist rates and/or internal separators) reduces both NEXT and AXT, which is why it can reliably support 10 Gbps over the full 100-meter channel — something Cat6 cannot do at that distance.
What is PoE and what cable do I need for it?
PoE (Power over Ethernet) delivers DC power and data over the same network cable, eliminating the need for separate power wiring to devices like IP cameras, wireless access points, VoIP phones, and access control systems. Standard PoE (802.3af) delivers up to 15.4W, PoE+ (802.3at) up to 30W, and PoE++ (802.3bt) up to 60W or 90W. All Cat5e, Cat6, and Cat6A cables support PoE, but Cat6A is recommended for high-wattage PoE++ deployments because its improved thermal performance and bundle handling reduce the risk of performance degradation in dense cable bundles.
Does PoE affect cable performance?
Yes, in large bundles. PoE current generates heat inside the cable, and temperature rise increases insertion loss. When many PoE cables are bundled together in conduit or cable trays, the cumulative heat can push conductor temperatures above the cable's rated operating range, degrading data performance. Cat6A handles this better than Cat5e or Cat6 because of its larger conductor gauge and improved construction. TIA TSB-184-A provides guidelines for derating PoE cable bundles based on bundle size and ambient temperature.
Installation Best Practices
Can network cable be run next to power cables?
TIA-568 and industry best practices recommend maintaining separation between network cable and unshielded power cables to reduce electromagnetic interference. Per TIA and industry best practices: maintain 12 inches of separation from unshielded power lines under 480V, or 6 inches if the power cable is in grounded metal conduit. If cables must cross, cross at a 90-degree angle. Shielded (STP/FTP) network cable or running network cable in grounded metallic conduit improves noise rejection in challenging environments.
What is the maximum pull tension for network cable?
TIA-568 specifies a maximum pulling tension of 25 pounds-force (110 N) for 4-pair UTP cable. Exceeding this stretches the conductors, changes the twist rate, and degrades crosstalk performance — often without any visible damage. Use proper cable pulling techniques: pull from the cable reel (not a coil), use a cable pulling grip, maintain consistent tension, and never use network cable as its own pull rope.
What is the minimum bend radius for network cable?
The minimum bend radius for 4-pair UTP cable is 4 times the cable's outer diameter (approximately 1 inch for standard Cat6). For 4-pair shielded cable, the minimum is 8 times the outer diameter. Sharp bends deform the conductor pairs, change the twist geometry, and increase crosstalk — degrading performance that may not show up until the link is tested. Maintain proper bend radius at wall plates, patch panels, J-hooks, and cable tray transitions.
Should I use keystone jacks or patch panels for termination?
Both. In a proper structured cabling installation, horizontal cable runs terminate at keystone jacks (at the wall outlet) and at a patch panel (in the telecom closet or server room). This creates a permanent link that can be managed with patch cords on both ends. Punch-down termination is preferred over field-terminated RJ45 plugs for permanent links because it provides more consistent performance. RJ45 plugs should only be used on patch cords, not permanent horizontal runs.
Do I need to test network cable after installation?
Yes. Every permanent link should be certified with a cable tester (such as a Fluke DSX or equivalent) to confirm it meets the performance requirements of the specified category (Cat5e, Cat6, or Cat6A). Testing verifies wire mapping, length, insertion loss, NEXT, return loss, and other parameters. A "pass" result on a channel test gives confidence that the link will support its rated speed. Testing also documents the installation for warranty purposes — most cable manufacturers require certified test results to activate their system warranties.
Applications
What network cable do I need for a Wi-Fi 6E access point?
Wi-Fi 6E access points support multi-gig uplinks (2.5 Gbps or higher) and PoE++ power. Cat6A is recommended for future-proofing because it supports 10 Gbps at the full 100-meter distance and handles higher PoE wattage with better thermal performance. If your existing cable plant is Cat6, it will support 2.5G and 5G speeds (per IEEE 802.3bz), but Cat6A is the best investment for new AP drops to avoid re-cabling when access point speeds increase.
What network cable is used in data centers?
Data centers primarily use Cat6A for copper horizontal cabling between switches, servers, and patch panels. Cat6A supports 10GBASE-T at the full 100-meter distance, which is the standard for server connections and top-of-rack switching. For switch-to-switch backbone connections, fiber optic cable (OM4 multimode or single-mode) is standard due to its higher bandwidth and longer distance capability. See our Data Centers industry page for more on cable selection.
Can I use network cable for IP security cameras?
Yes. IP cameras connect via standard network cable (Cat5e, Cat6, or Cat6A) and receive both data and power through PoE. A single cable run from the network switch to the camera replaces the separate coax video and power cables required by analog systems. Cat6 or Cat6A is recommended for new camera installations to support higher-resolution cameras and future upgrades. Maximum run length is 100 meters (328 feet) per TIA-568 standards.
What cable do I need for VoIP phones?
VoIP phones require standard network cable (Cat5e or better) with PoE support from the network switch. Cat5e is sufficient for voice since VoIP uses minimal bandwidth, but most modern installations use Cat6 or Cat6A for all drops to maintain a uniform cable plant and support future upgrades. Each phone requires its own dedicated cable run to a PoE-capable switch port. Many VoIP phones include a built-in 2-port switch, allowing a desktop computer to share the same cable run.
Buying Network Cable from Ramcorp
Can I buy network cable by the foot?
We sell some network cable by the foot and others with low minimum length requirements. Availability depends on the specific cable type and fire rating. For larger projects, we can supply full manufacturer boxes (typically 1,000 feet) at volume pricing. Contact our sales team to confirm cut-to-length availability for the network cable you need.
What types of network cable does Ramcorp stock?
We stock Cat5e, Cat6, and Cat6A in plenum (CMP), riser (CMR), and general-purpose (CM) ratings, in both UTP and shielded configurations, from major U.S. manufacturers. We carry standard colors and can source specialty colors for large orders. Browse our network cable products or contact our sales team for availability on specific types.
Do you carry pre-terminated patch cables?
We primarily sell bulk network cable for structured cabling installations. For pre-terminated patch cords, contact our sales team to discuss availability and custom lengths. Most structured cabling projects use bulk cable terminated in the field with keystone jacks and patch panels, with factory-made patch cords used only for equipment connections.
Do you ship network cable internationally?
Yes. We ship wire and cable to businesses in countries permitted by U.S. export laws. Most network cable is classified EAR99, which allows export to most destinations without a license. See our International Orders & Shipping page and EAR99 Export Guide for details on export documentation and compliance.
Have a question not answered here? Contact our sales team — we respond within one business day.
Disclaimer: This information is for general reference only. Always follow TIA-568 standards, local codes, and manufacturer specifications for your cabling installation.