Bulk Category & Ethernet Cable

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Bulk Category & Ethernet Cable

Buying Category and Ethernet cable in bulk offers cost savings and allows professionals to run custom-length wiring through walls, ceilings, or conduits for various networking and A/V applications during permanent installation. Buying in bulk saves the expense and waste that can occur when selecting pre-made patch cables in common lengths. Offered on large spools and easy-pull boxes, bulk cables come uncut and unterminated, so you can use the exact length needed and add connectors on-site using specialized tools. Markertek is picky, we offer only the best Bulk Category Ethernet Cable brands available, check out Belden, West Penn, Shattuc, and Canare just to name a few.

Ethernet Cable Categories
Category Ethernet cables are grouped by version and use, with higher numbers offering greater speed, bandwidth, and noise resistance. Ethernet refers to the cable type, and the numbered "Cat" designates the specific version. Backward-compatible, higher-category cables will work with lower-category devices, with performance limited to the lowest category in use. Cat7 and Cat8 are all built shielded, while Cat5e, Cat6, and Cat6a offer shielded and unshielded versions. Common uses are:

  • Cat5e: Basic home and small office networks with a max speed of 1Gbps, a max bandwidth of 100MHz.
  • Cat6: Modern gaming and in-home and office networks with a max speed 1Gbps/10Gbps, a max bandwidth of 250MHz, and a max 10Gbps distance of up to 55m (180ft)
  • Cat6a: Enterprise networks, data centers, and high-speed A/V with a max speed of 10Gbps, a max bandwidth of 500MHz, and a max 10Gbps distance of up to 100m (328ft).
  • Cat7: High-performance shielded networks and industrial installations with a max speed of 10Gbps, a max bandwidth of 600MHz, and a max 10Gbps distance of up to 100m (328ft).
  • Cat8: Large data centers and server-to-server connections with a max speed of 25/40Gbps, a max bandwidth of 2000MHz, and a max 10Gbps distance of up to 30m (98ft).

Jacket Ratings
Category Ethernet cable jacket ratings, defined by the National Electrical Code (NEC), classify cables based on their fire resistance and intended installation environment. The four primary ratings for Category Ethernet cables are:

  • CMP (Plenum Rated): The highest fire-resistance rating. These cables are designed for plenum spaces, such as air ducts, dropped ceilings, and raised floors.
  • CMR (Riser Rated): Specifically engineered for vertical installations in riser shafts or between floors in multi-story buildings.
  • CM/CMG (General Purpose): Suitable for standard in-wall use on a single floor or for connecting devices in open-air environments.
  • CMX (Limited/Outdoor): Designed for outdoor use or limited residential applications with jackets made to resist UV radiation and moisture.

We Are Bulk Category & Ethernet Cable Specialists!
Markertek has an incredible selection of cable to choose from PLUS we have Industry Trained In-House experts ready to put their skills to work for you! We know the cable as well as the connectors, tools, and accessories like reels and protective tubing; we've got it all! Contact a Markertek Sales Engineer today!

FAQ

Are higher-category Ethernet cables (like Cat6a, Cat7, or Cat8) compatible with older devices or networks?
Yes, higher-category cables are backward-compatible with lower-category devices. However, performance will be limited to the lowest category in use.