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NETWORK CABLING SAN RAFAEL BUSINESS PHONE SYSTEMS

Limitations:

  • More expensive than Cat 5e and Cat 6

  • Thicker and less flexible, making installation more complex

Which Cable Should You Choose?

Choose Cat 5e if:

  • You’re running a small business with limited data usage

  • Budget is the top concern

  • Your network only supports basic internet and VoIP

  • You don’t plan to scale or upgrade anytime soon

Choose Cat 6 if:

  • You want to future-proof for short-term growth

  • You need higher bandwidth for VoIP, video conferencing, or cloud tools

  • Your cable runs are mostly under 55 meters and you may use 10 Gbps connections

  • You want a balance between cost and performance

Choose Cat 6A if:

  • You want long-term, high-performance infrastructure

  • You need 10 Gbps over full 100-meter runs

  • You’re wiring a new facility, data center, or high-density office

  • Your building has high electrical interference or you use mission-critical systems

Need Help Deciding?

At San Rafael Business Phone Systems, we’ve helped businesses across San Rafael, CA design and install structured cabling systems that match their current needs and prepare them for the future. Whether you’re setting up a new office, expanding your network, or replacing outdated wiring, our experts can help you choose between Cat 5e, Cat 6, and Cat 6A based on your building layout, network demands, and growth plans.

We offer:

  • On-site consultations

  • Custom network design

  • Structured cabling installation

  • Testing, labeling, and certification

  • Repairs and system upgrades

Let’s make sure your cabling infrastructure is strong, scalable, and built to support your business for years to come.

Contact Us Today

If you’re ready to upgrade your office network or want a second opinion on which cable type is best, get in touch with San Rafael Business Phone Systems. We’ll walk you through the pros and cons, inspect your site, and deliver a network that’s fast, reliable, and ready for tomorrow’s technology.

Network Cabling, Install, Repair, & Maintenance, Service San Rafael

In today’s fast-paced digital world, a reliable and well-structured network cabling system is the backbone of every business’s technology infrastructure. Whether you’re a small startup, a growing mid-size company, or a large enterprise, the quality of your network cabling directly impacts your speed, connectivity, security, and overall business performance.

At San Rafael Business Phone Systems, we provide professional, efficient, and scalable network cabling services in San Rafael, CA—designed to support your current IT environment and prepare you for the future. Whether you’re expanding your office, relocating, upgrading your infrastructure, or building out a new location, our network cabling experts are ready to deliver custom solutions that keep you connected.

Cat 5e vs. Cat 6 vs. Cat 6A - which one do I need?

Cat 5e (Category 5 Enhanced)

Cat 5e is an improved version of Cat 5 and is commonly used in small business and residential networks. It supports Gigabit Ethernet (1 Gbps) and is cost-effective, making it a popular choice for basic networking needs.

Specifications:

  • Speed: Up to 1 Gbps

  • Bandwidth: 100 MHz

  • Max Cable Length: 100 meters

  • Shielding: Typically unshielded

  • Interference Protection: Basic

Best For:

  • Small offices with limited bandwidth needs

  • Internet browsing, email, VoIP, and basic file sharing

  • Budget-conscious installations

Limitations:

  • Not future-proof

  • Limited support for modern applications or high-speed data transfer

  • Less protection from signal interference or crosstalk

Cat 6 (Category 6)

Cat 6 is a step up from Cat 5e, offering faster speeds and better protection against interference. It’s widely used in commercial environments where Gigabit Ethernet and higher bandwidth are required.

Specifications:

  • Speed: Up to 10 Gbps (effective up to 55 meters)

  • Bandwidth: 250 MHz

  • Max Cable Length: 100 meters (10 Gbps up to 55 meters)

  • Shielding: Available in both shielded and unshielded versions

  • Interference Protection: Improved due to tighter twists in the cable

Best For:

  • Businesses with growing network demands

  • VoIP, video conferencing, cloud-based apps, and file sharing

  • Offices that plan moderate growth or tech expansion

Limitations:

  • Slightly more expensive than Cat 5e

  • 10 Gbps performance is limited to shorter distances (under 55 meters)

Cat 6A (Category 6 Augmented)

Cat 6A is an enhanced version of Cat 6, built to support 10 Gbps Ethernet over the full standard distance of 100 meters. It offers superior shielding and is designed for high-performance, future-proof networks.

Specifications:

  • Speed: 10 Gbps over 100 meters

  • Bandwidth: 500 MHz

  • Max Cable Length: 100 meters

  • Shielding: Typically shielded (FTP or STP)

  • Interference Protection: Excellent, ideal for high-EMI environments

Best For:

  • Data centers, hospitals, schools, and high-density office spaces

  • High-speed networks with heavy bandwidth usage

  • Businesses that need maximum reliability and long-term infrastructure