To achieve gigabit Ethernet speeds, what kind of cabling typically needs to be used?

To achieve gigabit Ethernet speeds, the use of Category 5e or higher UTP (Unshielded Twisted Pair) cables is essential because these cables are designed to support the higher frequency requirements of gigabit Ethernet signals. Category 5e cables are rated for a bandwidth of up to 100 MHz and can transmit data at speeds reaching 1 Gbps (1,000 Mbps) over distances up to 100 meters. Additionally, Category 6 and Category 6a cables offer even greater performance and are suitable for 10 Gigabit Ethernet, thereby providing flexibility for future upgrades while ensuring current requirements are met.

In contrast, Category 3 UTP cables are limited to lower frequencies (up to 16 MHz) and can only support speeds of up to 10 Mbps, making them inadequate for gigabit Ethernet. RG-58 coaxial cables are associated with older Ethernet standards and do not support gigabit speeds either, as they are designed for 10Base2 and 10Base5 networks. Lastly, single-mode fiber cables, while excellent for long-distance data transmission, are a different medium from copper cabling and typically used in scenarios requiring extreme bandwidth and distance, rather than standard home or office Ethernet setups. Therefore, Category