Why cabling matters
When organisations consider their networking options, most of the focus tends to be placed on the first of the switches and WiFi access points – the main components that provide users with access to the network and through which all network traffic is moved.
The cabling that connects these devices to the servers and external connections through which applications and services are accessed is often given little thought until it’s needed. But cabling can make a huge difference to the performance and reliability of a network.
The simple rule with cabling is – yes, you guessed it – you tend to get what you pay for.
CAT5E(enhanced) supports up to 1Gbps over distances of up to 100 meters, which is its standard and most reliable operating range. It’s cost-effective and suitable for most current networks, but offers limited capacity for higher speeds such as 10Gbps compared to CAT6 or CAT6A, making it less future-proof for long-term upgrades.
CAT6cabling is widely used in modern network deployments and supports 1Gbps comfortably, with the ability to handle 10Gbps over shorter distances of up to around 50 meters, depending on installation quality. While typically unshielded like CAT5E, CAT6 features improved internal construction to reduce interference and crosstalk. It offers a strong balance between cost and performance.
CAT6A(augmented) builds on this by supporting 10Gbps over the full 100-meter channel length, matching the maximum structured cabling standard. It also provides better protection against interference, making it a more robust and future-ready choice for new infrastructure where long-term performance and upgrade flexibility are priorities.
To support our customers’ efforts to future-proof their networks, we have developed our own CAT6A cabling to provide ultra-robust and reliable performance. As well as providing higher speeds, Zyxel Networks CAT6A cables will carry the full 90W required for PoE++, making it easier to deploy advanced devices such as WiFi 7 access points and security cameras.
For more details, please contact us or get in touch with your nearest Zyxel Networks partner.
