In this article
For a new installation, DataRoad's recommendation is simple: CAT6 as a minimum and CAT6A whenever the budget allows. The reason lies in 10 Gigabit — CAT6A guarantees it up to 100 metres, CAT6 only over short distances — and in the fact that the cable is a small fraction of the total cost of the job. Whatever the category, structured cabling is only worth what its certification proves.
The three categories side by side
| Category | Performance | When it makes sense |
|---|---|---|
| CAT5e | Gigabit (1 Gbps) | Basic needs; today it is the bare minimum |
| CAT6 | Gigabit with headroom; 10 Gbps only over short distances | A good balance between cost and performance |
| CAT6A | Reliable 10 Gbps up to 100 metres, better immunity to interference | New installations designed for the future |
What changes in practice: 10 Gigabit
The decisive difference is the distance over which each cable sustains 10 Gbps. CAT6A covers the full typical run of an office; CAT6 does not. For anyone installing from scratch today, CAT6A avoids reopening walls in a few years' time.
Look at the total cost, not the price per metre of cable
Most of the cost of an installation is labour: pulling cable and making terminations. The cable itself accounts for little. Saving on the category only to have to reinstall later is the worst possible deal.
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Certification: proof that the cable performs
Every outlet should be tested with dedicated equipment and accompanied by a report demonstrating its performance. Without certification there is no way of knowing whether the cable delivers what the category promises — and diagnosing any future problem becomes guesswork.
Frequently asked questions
Does a small company need CAT6A?
For new installations, it usually pays off. The difference compared with CAT6 is small in the total cost of the job and prepares the network for 10 Gbps for many years.
Can categories be mixed in the same network?
They can, but the network is then limited by its weakest link. In a refurbishment, the most consistent approach is to standardise at least the main runs.
How long does good cabling last?
A certified CAT6 or CAT6A installation is designed to last more than a decade, spanning several generations of switches and equipment.
Installing or renewing your cabling?
DataRoad - IT Services and Consulting designs, installs and certifies CAT6A structured cabling and fibre optics for businesses. See also network infrastructure and cabling, business Wi-Fi in Lisbon and IT consulting.
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