What is Ethernet Cable Frequency and How Does It Affect Your Network Speed?

  • Last modified: December 28, 2023

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What is Ethernet Cable Frequency and How Does It Affect Your Network Speed

People often need clarification about frequency, bandwidth, and data transfer rate/speed. Keep reading to find out the frequency or bandwidth of an ethernet cable.

The frequency or “bandwidth” of an ethernet cable is the data transfer rate of that specific cable. It is measured in megahertz and represented by the symbol MHz.

Every cable has a different frequency based on its category. A general rule of thumb is that the higher numbers represent higher speeds and frequencies.

Below in this article, I have compared Cat5e, Cat6, and Cat6a Cable based on their frequencies:

Also Read: Ethernet Cables – Frequently Asked Questions

Frequency in Different Categories of Ethernet Cables

There are various categories available in ethernet cables. Every category comes with different specifications. You can select these cables based on your network requirements. Cat5e, Cat6, and Cat6a have commonly used ethernet cables these days.

All these cables differ based on their internal structure, wiring, and shielding. Cat5e Cable is good for home networks, and it comes with a speed of 350 MHZ. We highly recommend Cat6 in many networks.

They make it of 23 AWG wire with extra twisted pairing. Cat6 Cable comes with a bandwidth of 550 MHZ. This speed makes it ideal to use this cable for an application that requires a high transfer data rate.

Cat6a is an augmented version of Cat6. If you are looking for high speed, bandwidth, and data transfer rate, then Cat6a is simply perfect. This cable has a frequency of 650 MHZ.

Not Every Ethernet Cable is Equal

This is one of the most important things to understand every ethernet cable comes with different provisions. You can choose the perfect cable for your network if you do a little research.

There are various factors you can look into while buying cable. Data transfer speed, internal wiring, and shielding are some basic things you can look into while shopping for a cable.

Why NewYork Cables

NewYork Cables is the leading brand of cutting-edge networking cables and accessories. Our products meet and exceed industry standards, and we offer free deliveries on orders above $299.99. Please place your order or contact us at (347) 781 4942.

Specification Cat5e Cat6 Cat6a
Cable Jacket Plenum, Riser & PVC Plenum, Riser & PVC Plenum & Riser
Wire Gauge 24-AWG 23-AWG 23-AWG Highly Twisted
Frequencies 350 MHZ 550 MHZ 750 MHZ
Installation Temp 0°C to 60°C 0°C to 60°C 0°C to 60°C
Pairs 4 Twisted Pairs 4 Twisted Pairs 4 Twisted Pairs
Package Easy Pull Box Easy Pull Box Wood Spool
Colors Black, Blue, White, Red, Green, Yellow Black, Blue, White, Red, Green, Yellow Black, Blue, White, Red, Green, Yellow
Standard Compliance ETL, FCC, CE, CSA, ISO/IES, RoHS FCC, CE, CSA, ISO/IES, RoHS ETL, FCC, CE, CSA, ISO/IES, RoHS
Isabella Anthony

Isabella Nightingale, our Ethernet cables maven, blends style with functionality in networking. Follow her blogs for the latest trends, ensuring your setup is both chic and efficient.


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