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Which cable standard supports 10 GB/sec over shorter distances?

  1. CAT6

  2. CAT5e

  3. CAT4

  4. CAT3

The correct answer is: CAT6

The choice of CAT6 cable is correct because it is specifically designed to support higher network speeds, including 10 Gbps (10 Gigabits per second) over shorter distances. CAT6 can handle frequencies up to 250 MHz and is capable of transmitting data at faster rates compared to earlier standards. It is recommended for runs of up to 55 meters (180 feet) at 10 Gbps, making it suitable for environments where high-speed data transfer is needed. In comparison, the other options, such as CAT5e, CAT4, and CAT3, support lower data rates and are not suitable for 10 Gbps speeds, particularly over significant distances. For instance, while CAT5e can support 1 Gbps over distances up to 100 meters, it is not designed for the higher throughput that CAT6 offers. Similarly, CAT4 and CAT3 cables were designed for even lower speeds and frequencies, making them inadequate for modern networking demands that require high-speed connections.