Re-cabling costs far more than choosing well the first time. The rule for new builds: CAT6 at minimum, CAT6A whenever the budget allows, every point certified.
More than 10 workstations · support contract · remote, on-site and phone support
For decision-makers short on time.
A metre of cable is cheap. Opening up ceilings, walls and trunking again in four years' time is not. Choosing between CAT5e, CAT6 or CAT6A looks like a technical detail, but it decides how long your network infrastructure lasts before it needs new works. DataRoad's rule for new installations: CAT6 as a minimum, CAT6A whenever the budget allows, and certification at every point.
| Cable | Speed | Verdict |
|---|---|---|
| CAT5e | 1 Gbps | Enough for the basics; today the lowest acceptable tier |
| CAT6 | 1 Gbps with headroom; 10 Gbps only over short runs | Balanced on cost and performance |
| CAT6A | Stable 10 Gbps up to 100 m, more resistant to interference | The choice for the years ahead |
In 10 Gigabit and distance. CAT6A sustains it over any normal office run. CAT6 loses it as the run gets longer. With switches and access points getting ever faster, whoever installs CAT6A today will not need to touch the cabling again any time soon.
Almost nothing. In a network project, labour is what weighs: pulling cable, terminating, testing, documenting. Swapping CAT6A for a lower category barely moves the invoice and shortens the life of the installation. Paying for the labour twice is the worst possible outcome.
Because the category printed on the cable guarantees nothing on its own. A poor termination or an excessive bend radius is enough to ruin performance. Certification tests every outlet with dedicated equipment and delivers a report per point. Without it, any future fault starts in the dark.
Yes, in a new installation almost always. The difference over CAT6 disappears in the total cost and leaves the network ready for 10 Gbps for many years.
You can, but performance is capped by the weakest run. In a refurbishment, standardise at least the main links.
More than ten years, if it is certified CAT6 or CAT6A, spanning several generations of switches.
We design, install and certify CAT6A and fibre-optic cabling. Find out more about network infrastructure, business Wi-Fi and IT consultancy. Request a no-commitment proposal.
More than 10 workstations · support contract · remote, on-site and telephone support. +351 211 459 950 * · sales@dataroad.pt
*Call to a Portuguese landline.
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DataRoad · Business networks and Wi-Fi
Every access point, switch and cable named, labelled and monitored. Business networks built to last a decade.
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