In today’s high-speed digital world, the foundation of any business network is its cabling. Whether you’re setting up a small office or managing a complex IT infrastructure, choosing the right Ethernet cable is critical to ensure reliable, fast, and future-ready connectivity.
But with multiple categories like Cat5e, Cat6, and Cat6a—how do you know which one is right for your needs?
Let’s break it down.
1. Cat5e – The Reliable Classic
Cat5e (Category 5 enhanced) has been the industry standard for years. It supports up to 1 Gbps speeds at 100 MHz bandwidth, making it ideal for basic networking tasks like:
- Office internet browsing
- Email and VoIP
- Light file sharing
Pros: Affordable, widely available
Cons: Not ideal for high-performance networks or future scalability
Best for: Small businesses or low-traffic environments with basic connectivity needs.
2. Cat6 – The Step Up in Performance
Cat6 cables offer improved performance, supporting up to 10 Gbps over short distances (up to 55m) and 250 MHz bandwidth.
This makes them perfect for:
- Video conferencing
- Cloud-based applications
- Medium to high-volume file transfers
Pros: Better shielding, reduced crosstalk, faster speeds
Cons: Slightly more expensive than Cat5e
Best for: Offices with growing data needs or medium-sized businesses with heavier internet usage.
3. Cat6a – Built for the Future
Cat6a (Augmented Cat6) supports 10 Gbps over the full 100m distance and doubles the bandwidth to 500 MHz.
This is the go-to cable for:
- High-density networks
- Data centres
- Long cable runs with minimal signal degradation
Pros: High speed, future-proof, ideal for modern infrastructure
Cons: Thicker cable, can be harder to install in tight spaces
Best for: Businesses investing in future-ready infrastructure and long-term performance.
So, Which One Should You Choose?
| Cable | Speed | Bandwidth | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cat5e | 1 Gbps | 100 MHz | Basic office use |
| Cat6 | 10 Gbps (up to 55m) | 250 MHz | Medium networks |
| Cat6a | 10 Gbps (up to 100m) | 500 MHz | High-performance business setups |
Let ATTAC-SA Help You Choose
Still unsure? That’s where we come in. At ATTAC-SA, we stock a wide range of copper Ethernet cables, including Cat5e, Cat6, and Cat6a—all backed by a 30-year warranty.
Our team is ready to:
- Recommend the right cable for your environment
- Offer technical guidance
- Supply SABS-compliant, high-performance products quickly and efficiently
Visit us at Unit 28, Graphite Industrial Park, Randburg, Johannesburg
Or get in touch for a quick quote today.
