--- title: "CAT5e, CAT6 or CAT6A: choosing the right structured cabling" description: "The wrong cable means opening walls again. CAT5e, CAT6 or CAT6A for structured cabling, and why every point must be certified. No-obligation proposal." language: en url: https://www.dataroad-it.com/en/cat5e-cat6-cat6a-structured-cabling/ source: https://www.dataroad-it.com/en/cat5e-cat6-cat6a-structured-cabling/ publisher: DataRoad IT (DataRoad - IT Services and Consulting), Portugal --- > The wrong cable means opening walls again. CAT5e, CAT6 or CAT6A for structured cabling, and why every point must be certified. No-obligation proposal. # CAT5e, CAT6 or CAT6A: choosing the right structured cabling At a glance For decision-makers short on time. - 01 In new builds, CAT6 at minimum and CAT6A whenever the budget allows. - 02 CAT6A holds 10 Gbps up to 100 metres; CAT6 only over short runs. - 03 Cable is a small share of the cost; labour is the bulk of it. - 04 Without certification of every outlet, there is no proof of performance. ### In this article 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. ## What does each category deliver? | 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 | ## Where is the real difference? 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. ## How much do you really save with a lower-grade cable? 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. ## Why is certification not optional? 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. ## FAQ: choosing the cable category ### Is CAT6A worth it for an SME? 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. ### Can I mix categories in the same network? You can, but performance is capped by the weakest run. In a refurbishment, standardise at least the main links. ### How long does well-installed cabling last? More than ten years, if it is certified CAT6 or CAT6A, spanning several generations of switches. ## Why DataRoad? - **Certified infrastructure** A point-by-point report on every project. - **More than 138 sites** With Ubiquiti networks under management. - **11 years** **232 clients** and Top 5% PME according to scoring.pt. ## Installing or renewing your office network? We design, install and certify [CAT6A and fibre-optic cabling](https://www.dataroad-it.com/en/cat6a-structured-cabling-fibre-lisbon/). Find out more about [network infrastructure](https://www.dataroad-it.com/en/structured-cabling-installation/), [business Wi-Fi](https://www.dataroad-it.com/en/business-wifi-lisbon-managed-unifi-wifi-7/) and [IT consultancy](https://www.dataroad-it.com/en/it-consulting-diagnosis-before-investment/). 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.* Chosen by respected and international companies ★★★★★ 5,0 · 52 Google reviews ★★★★★ 5,0 · 52 Google reviews DataRoad ## Related articles [Networks and cablingManaged SD-WAN: multiple stores and offices without outagesA store without internet cannot sell or invoice. With managed SD-WAN, every site has two links and switches over on its own, so one ISP fail…12 October 2026 · 5 min read](https://www.dataroad-it.com/en/managed-sd-wan-multi-site-networks/)[Networks and cablingBlackout-proof networks: autonomy and redundant internet for SMEsOn 28 April 2025, Lisbon was without power for more than 8 hours. 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Business networks built to last a decade. - **15+** IT vendor certifications - **2015** designing UniFi networks - **10+** Countries with clients supported We do **IT** right. DataRoad IT Unlimited ## Does your IT depend on a single person? Documentation, inventory and one contact who answers for everything. [Request a proposal, no commitment →](https://www.dataroad-it.com/en/#contact)+351 211 459 950 **Call to a Portuguese landline · More than 10 workstations · support contract · remote, on-site and phone support[Not sure what you need? Talk to the assistant →](https://www.dataroad-it.com/en/#assistente) --- Versão HTML desta página: https://www.dataroad-it.com/en/cat5e-cat6-cat6a-structured-cabling/