Cable Category Issues

Testing Permanent Links

verify that the cable type is appropriate for the application
- E.g., 10 GbE Ethernet will not run 80 m over Cat 5e link
verify that unshielded cable has not been installed where shielded or screen cable would be more suitable
- could cause lower speed or many checksum errors and link resets

Cat 5e supports Gigabit Ethernet and is an acceptable link for workstations
- most new installations and upgrades would use Cat 6 or better
Cat 6 can support 10 Gbps up to 55 m
Cat 6A can support 10 Gbps over 100 m
- bulkier than Cat 5e
- TIA/EIA standards recommend Cat 6A for healthcare facilities, PoE 802.3bt installs, and horizontal connections to wireless access points
Cat 7 is screened/shielded and supports 10 Gbps over 100 m
- not recognized by TIA/EIA
- appears in ISO standards
- must be terminated with GG45 or TERA connectors
Cat 8 is intended for use in datacenters only for short patch cable runs that connect top-of-rack between adjacent appliances
- ISO defines two variants:
  - 8.1 (class I) = TIA/EIA Cat 8
    - uses RJ45
  - 8.2 (class II) must use outer shielding or screening
    - uses GG45 or TERA connectors
Ensure cable jacket type is suitable for use
- use plenum-rated cable in plenum spaces
- use riser-rated cable in riser spaces