Cisco Certified Support Technician (CCST) NetworkingNetwork AccessMedium
A network engineer is designing a new campus network and needs to select an Ethernet cable type that supports 10 Gigabit Ethernet (10GbE) over distances up to 100 meters. The environment is susceptible to electromagnetic interference (EMI). Which Ethernet cable category should the engineer choose to meet these requirements?
- ACategory 6 (Cat6)
- BCategory 5e (Cat5e)
- CCategory 5 (Cat5)
- DCategory 6a (Cat6a)
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Category 6a (Cat6a)
Category 6a (Cat6a) cables are designed to support 10 Gigabit Ethernet (10GbE) over distances up to 100 meters and offer improved alien crosstalk performance, making them suitable for environments with EMI. Cat6 supports 10GbE only up to 55 meters.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Cat6 supports 10GbE only up to 55 meters, which does not meet the 100-meter requirement.
- B. Cat5e supports Gigabit Ethernet (1GbE) up to 100 meters, but not 10GbE.
- C. Cat5 supports 100 Mbps Ethernet.
Category 6a (Cat6a) Ethernet Cable
An enhanced twisted pair cable standard designed to support 10 Gigabit Ethernet (10GbE) over distances up to 100 meters, with improved performance against alien crosstalk and EMI.
- Supports 10 Gigabit Ethernet (10GbE)
- Maximum distance of 100 meters for 10GbE
- Operates at up to 500 MHz
- Enhanced resistance to alien crosstalk/EMI
Memory trick: Each Cat upgrades speed and distance.