What is a common standard for network cable quality?

The selected answer highlights Category 5e and Category 6 specifications as a common standard for network cable quality, which is accurate. Both of these categories are widely recognized in the industry for their performance capabilities in data transmission.

Category 5e (enhanced) cables are designed to support speeds up to 1 Gbps and frequencies up to 100 MHz, making them suitable for most standard networking needs, including Ethernet connections. Category 6 cables significantly improve upon this with support for 10 Gbps speeds at distances up to 55 meters and a frequency of up to 250 MHz. This enhanced performance makes Category 6 especially beneficial for networks that require higher bandwidth, such as those used in data centers or environments with heavy network traffic.

In contrast, other options focus on older or less relevant specifications. Category 3 and Category 4 cables are outdated and do not meet the demands of modern networking environments. Additionally, while Category 7 and Category 8 cables are designed for higher data rates and frequencies, they are often less common in everyday use due to higher costs and requirements, making them more suitable for specialized applications rather than general network standards. Lastly, the assertion that only fiber optic cables are used overlooks the ongoing use of copper cables in many