What category of twisted pair cabling is commonly used for Ethernet networking?

Category 5e cabling is widely recognized as a standard for Ethernet networking due to its enhanced performance specifications compared to earlier categories. It supports data transmission rates of up to 1 Gbps (Gigabit Ethernet) and can operate over distances of up to 100 meters, making it suitable for most networking environments.

This category improves upon the specifications of Category 5, primarily in terms of reduced crosstalk, which enhances the reliability and effectiveness of data transmission within a network. Given the rapid proliferation of high-speed data applications, including video streaming and online gaming, Category 5e provides the necessary bandwidth and performance to meet contemporary networking needs, thus making it the most appropriate choice for Ethernet applications.

In contrast, Category 3 is an older standard that only supports 10BASE-T and 100BASE-T networks at much lower transmission speeds, Category 1 is not designed for data networking but rather for voice communications, while Category 7 offers very high frequencies and shielding not typically required for standard Ethernet applications. These distinctions clarify why Category 5e has become the go-to choice for modern Ethernet networking.