Ethernet CAT 6A cabling for 1 GbE & 10 GbE (future switch) - Where to buy?

Toggle sidebar Toggle sidebar
rcald2000

rcald2000

Splendid
Nov 3, 2009
5,558
146
28,990
I have an inexpensive 8-port TP-LINK branded gigabit layer 2 switch in my living room. I believe that the old patch cable I installed years ago was fine for FastEthernet but probably not for 1 GbE. Is my assumption that Cat 6A cabling will be appropriate, since I want to future-proof for when I upgrade my switch to a faster speed? And what's a great place to buy Ethernet cable from? I will probably just buy 8 standard length (non-custom) cables for now, unless you guys suggest otherwise.
 
Solution
InvalidError
Plain standard-compliant cat5e is enough for 1GbE up to the full 328', no need for cat6a there. For 10GBase-T, even plain cat6 should be good enough for up to about 160', which should be more than enough for any remotely typical home.

If you want to go beyond 10Gbps, you will need cat7 or fiber.
Sort by date Sort by votes
USAFRet

USAFRet

Titan
Moderator
Mar 16, 2013
171,456
17,916
184,590
"Future-proof" is useless thinking of house wiring.

A few short years ago, 'future-proof' meant you were supposed to pull cat 7 or fiberoptic through your house.

The best 'future-proof'? Conduit.
In a few years, pull a whole new (cheap) wire through that pipe. Whatever standard exists at that time.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
InvalidError

InvalidError

Titan
Moderator
May 18, 2007
23,815
5,265
108,890
Plain standard-compliant cat5e is enough for 1GbE up to the full 328', no need for cat6a there. For 10GBase-T, even plain cat6 should be good enough for up to about 160', which should be more than enough for any remotely typical home.

If you want to go beyond 10Gbps, you will need cat7 or fiber.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
Solution
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Latest posts

Moderators online

Share this page

COMPANY
RESOURCES
FOLLOW
Top Bottom