The short answer
For most new commercial installs, Cat6 is the everyday workhorse and Cat6A is the choice when you need 10 Gigabit over a full 100-meter channel or want extra headroom for high-power PoE. Cat5e still works for basic 1 Gb/s connections and budget-driven jobs.
Side-by-side
| Cat5e | Cat6 | Cat6A | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rated bandwidth | 100 MHz | 250 MHz | 500 MHz |
| 1 Gb/s (1000BASE-T) | Up to 100 m | Up to 100 m | Up to 100 m |
| 10 Gb/s (10GBASE-T) | Not rated | Up to ~55 m | Up to 100 m |
| Typical cable diameter | Smallest | Medium | Largest |
Things to consider
- PoE: higher-power PoE (cameras, access points, lighting) generates heat in cable bundles. Larger conductors, common in Cat6 and Cat6A, handle it better.
- Pathways: Cat6A is noticeably thicker — check conduit fill, J-hook spacing and patch panel density before you commit.
- Match your components: jacks, patch panels and patch cords should be rated for the same category as the cable to get category performance.
- Plan for the life of the building: cabling usually outlasts several generations of network equipment.
General guidance only — always follow project specifications, manufacturer instructions and local code.