Which category cable supports 1 Gbps at 100 meters and up to 10 Gbps at 55 meters?

Which category cable supports 1 Gbps at 100 meters and up to 10 Gbps at 55 meters?

• A. Cat5e
• B. Plenum-Rated Cable
• C. Cat6
• D. Cat6a

Answer: (C)

This question tests how Ethernet copper categories define performance by distance and speed. Cat6 is designed to handle higher frequencies than Cat5e, giving reliable 1 Gbps up to 100 meters and still supporting 10 Gbps up to roughly 55 meters. That exact combination matches the stated distances: 1 Gbps at 100 meters and up to 10 Gbps at 55 meters. Cat5e can reach 1 Gbps at 100 meters but does not reliably support 10 Gbps at 55 meters. Cat6a can handle 10 Gbps up to 100 meters, which is more capable than the 55-meter constraint. Plenum-rated refers to the jacket’s flame characteristics, not the category’s speed/distance, so it isn’t the correct choice for this requirement.

This question tests how Ethernet copper categories define performance by distance and speed. Cat6 is designed to handle higher frequencies than Cat5e, giving reliable 1 Gbps up to 100 meters and still supporting 10 Gbps up to roughly 55 meters. That exact combination matches the stated distances: 1 Gbps at 100 meters and up to 10 Gbps at 55 meters. Cat5e can reach 1 Gbps at 100 meters but does not reliably support 10 Gbps at 55 meters. Cat6a can handle 10 Gbps up to 100 meters, which is more capable than the 55-meter constraint. Plenum-rated refers to the jacket’s flame characteristics, not the category’s speed/distance, so it isn’t the correct choice for this requirement.