| Cable | Typical Ethernet Speed Support | Maximum Distance for Highest Speed |
|---|---|---|
| Cat 5 | 100 Mbps (Fast Ethernet) | 100 m |
| Cat 5e | 1 Gbps (Gigabit Ethernet) | 100 m |
| Cat 6 | 1 Gbps to 10 Gbps | 10 Gbps up to ~55 m, 1 Gbps up to 100 m |
| Cat 6a | 10 Gbps | 100 m |
| Cat 7 | 10 Gbps | 100 m |
| Cat 8 | 25–40 Gbps | 30 m |
Ethernet technology provides rules that allow network-connected devices to talk to one another without talking over each other. Ethernet was designed to solve the problem of packet collision. Ethernet is commonly associated with connected devices in a wired LAN or WAN.
Ethernet has the ability to use both wired and fiber cables, delivering not only data but also power. Ethernet is a common name for the IEEE 802.3 standard based on the Carrier Sense Multiple Access/Collision Detection (CSMA/CD) protocol. CSMA/CD defines when to transmit and what is to happen if a collision is detected, as well as endpoint addressing, transmission speeds, and media.
PoE refers to the ability to provide low-voltage (< 100W), DC electrical power to network devices via the same, twisted-pair copper Ethernet cables used to transmit data. This eliminates the need for a separate AC power source, allowing for more flexible placement options without concern for proximity to a power outlet or the need to implement an AC electrical infrastructure.