Which category uses four tightly woven twisted pairs (with more twists per foot) and supports 1 Gbps for up to 100 meters and 10 Gbps for up to 55 meters?

Which category uses four tightly woven twisted pairs (with more twists per foot) and supports 1 Gbps for up to 100 meters and 10 Gbps for up to 55 meters?

• A. Cat5
• B. Cat5e
• C. Cat6
• D. Cat6a

Answer: (B)

The concept being tested is how cable construction—specifically using four twisted pairs and how tightly those pairs are twisted—affects network speed and reach. Four twisted pairs are standard for modern Ethernet copper cables, and increasing how tightly the pairs are twisted helps reduce crosstalk and enables higher data rates over given distances. Cat5e is the enhanced version of Cat5 that tightened the twists and improved pair design to reliably carry 1 Gigabit Ethernet over the full 100-meter link. The emphasis on “four tightly woven twisted pairs” fits Cat5e’s upgrade from Cat5, which is what makes it the best match for the description. While higher categories like Cat6 and Cat6a also use four pairs and can support 10 Gbps (Cat6 up to about 55 meters, Cat6a up to 100 meters), the description here centers on the improved twisting from Cat5, which is characteristic of Cat5e.

The concept being tested is how cable construction—specifically using four twisted pairs and how tightly those pairs are twisted—affects network speed and reach. Four twisted pairs are standard for modern Ethernet copper cables, and increasing how tightly the pairs are twisted helps reduce crosstalk and enables higher data rates over given distances.

Cat5e is the enhanced version of Cat5 that tightened the twists and improved pair design to reliably carry 1 Gigabit Ethernet over the full 100-meter link. The emphasis on “four tightly woven twisted pairs” fits Cat5e’s upgrade from Cat5, which is what makes it the best match for the description. While higher categories like Cat6 and Cat6a also use four pairs and can support 10 Gbps (Cat6 up to about 55 meters, Cat6a up to 100 meters), the description here centers on the improved twisting from Cat5, which is characteristic of Cat5e.