Ethernet Standards

All Ethernet standard versions with speeds, features, and compatibility.

Ethernet standards define wired networking protocols from 10 Mbps to 400 Gbps. The IEEE 802.3 working group maintains specifications including Fast Ethernet (100BASE-TX), Gigabit Ethernet (1000BASE-T), 10GBASE-T, and 25/40/100/400GbE for data centers. Power over Ethernet (PoE, IEEE 802.3bt) delivers up to 90W, powering IP cameras, wireless access points, and even laptops over the same cable.

1000BASE-T (Gigabit Ethernet)

5/10

1 Gbps Ethernet over Cat5e or better cabling. The universal wired networking standard for homes, offices, and servers. Every modern router, switch, and NAS includes …

100BASE-TX (Fast Ethernet)

2/10

100 Mbps Ethernet over Cat5 or better cabling. The baseline wired networking standard since the late 1990s. Still found on IoT devices, printers, and budget …

10GBASE-T (10 Gigabit Ethernet)

8/10

10 Gbps Ethernet requiring Cat6a (up to 100m) or Cat6 (up to 55m). Standard for data centers, NAS-to-NAS links, and high-end workstations. Increasingly found in …

2.5GBASE-T

7/10

2.5 Gbps Ethernet designed to work over existing Cat5e cabling. The practical upgrade path for homes and offices without rewiring. Increasingly standard on new Wi-Fi …

5GBASE-T

5/10

5 Gbps Ethernet over Cat5e (up to 100m) or Cat6. Fills the gap between 2.5G and 10G. Less common than 2.5G due to similar cost …

Cat5e (Ethernet)

3/10

Enhanced Category 5 cabling supporting Gigabit Ethernet (1 Gbps) at up to 100 meters. The minimum recommended Ethernet cable for home networking.

Cat6 (Ethernet)

5/10

Supports 10 Gbps up to 55 meters or 1 Gbps at 100 meters. Improved crosstalk rejection over Cat5e. Good for home and small office installs.

Cat6a (Ethernet)

7/10

Augmented Cat6 supporting 10 Gbps at the full 100-meter distance. Recommended for new construction and structured cabling installations.

Cat7 (Ethernet)

5/10

Shielded cabling supporting 10 Gbps with better noise rejection than Cat6a. Uses GG45 or TERA connectors in the standard but most installations use RJ45.

Cat8 (Ethernet)

6/10

Supports 25-40 Gbps at up to 30 meters. Designed for data center switch-to-switch links, not typical home or office runs.