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Difficulty: MediumPhysical Interface and Cabling Types

A network administrator is planning a high-density switch-to-server interconnect within a data center that requires a 10GBASE-T copper Ethernet link over an end-to-end cable run of 70 meters. To guarantee full 10 Gbps performance across this distance without exceeding the standard cable specification, which minimum copper twisted-pair cable category must be specified?

  1. A
    Category 5e UTP
  2. B
    Category 6 UTP
  3. Category 6A UTPAnswer
  4. D
    Category 5 UTP

Answer

Category 6A UTP is the correct answer, as it is the minimum specification required to operate 10GBASE-T up to the full standard distance of 100 meters.
The option specifying Category 6A UTP is correct because Category 6A is rated for 500 MHz bandwidth and explicitly guarantees 10GBASE-T performance up to 100 meters (328 feet). At 70 meters, Category 6A is the minimum category that meets the requirement.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the performance requirement and link distance.
The scenario requires 10GBASE-T (10 Gbps Ethernet over twisted-pair copper) across a distance of 70 meters.
Cable categories have specific bandwidth ratings and maximum distance thresholds for higher-speed Ethernet standards.
2
Evaluate standard Category 6 limitations for 10GBASE-T.
Category 6 cable can run 10GBASE-T, but only for distances between 37 and 55 meters max due to alien crosstalk issues at higher frequencies (up to 250 MHz).
A 70-meter run exceeds the maximum 55-meter operating envelope for Category 6 at 10 Gbps.
3
Select the minimum category that satisfies the full 70-meter distance.
Category 6A (Augmented Category 6) operates at frequencies up to 500 MHz and features stricter alien crosstalk specifications, supporting 10GBASE-T for up to 100 meters.
Category 6A fulfills the minimum technical requirement for a 70-meter 10GBASE-T connection.

Key Concept

Copper Ethernet Cabling Standards and 10GBASE-T Distance Limits
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Topics

Physical Interface and Cabling Types

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