CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1201)NetworkingMedium

A company is installing new network cabling to support future 10GBASE-T connections up to 100 meters with reduced crosstalk. Which cable type BEST meets this requirement?

  1. ACat3
  2. BCat5e
  3. CCat6a
  4. DRG-6
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: C. Cat6a

Cat6a cable supports 10GBASE-T at full 100-meter distances with improved shielding and reduced crosstalk compared to Cat5e, which only supports 10Gbps up to 45 meters. Cat3 and RG-6 do not support these speeds.

Why the other options are wrong

  • A. Cat3 is legacy cabling that only supports very low speeds, unsuitable for modern networks.
  • B. Cat5e supports only up to 1Gbps reliably at 100m (10Gbps limited to ~45m with crosstalk issues).
  • D. RG-6 is coaxial cable used for cable TV/internet, not twisted-pair Ethernet.

Cat6a Cable

An enhanced twisted-pair Ethernet cable standard supporting 10Gbps speeds at full 100-meter distances with reduced crosstalk.

  • Supports 10GBASE-T at 100m
  • Improved shielding vs Cat6
  • Backward compatible with Cat5e/Cat6 devices

Memory trick: '6a' Adds Armor for full 10G at 100m.

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