Ethernet Cables: Cat5e vs Cat6 vs Cat6a
Most homes do fine with Cat5e or Cat6. Higher categories help with longer runs and future-proofing.
Cat5e
- Up to 1 Gbps in most home setups.
- Good for short runs and basic needs.
Cat6 / Cat6a
- Better shielding and higher bandwidth.
- Preferred for 1–10 Gbps networks.
Which to buy
- Cat6 is a safe default for new installs.
- Cat6a for long runs or future upgrades.
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