How can you tell the cat level of a cable?

The term "cat level" refers to the category of a cable, not the cat-ness of it. It's a way of classifying network cables based on their performance characteristics, such as bandwidth, signal quality, and distance capabilities.

Here's how to determine the cat level of a cable:

1. Look for markings on the cable jacket. Most network cables will have printed markings indicating the category, often as "Cat 5e", "Cat 6", or "Cat 6a".

2. Check the connectors. Cat 5e and older cables typically use RJ-45 connectors with 8 pins. Newer cables (Cat 6, 6a, 7) also use RJ-45 but often have different internal shielding and wiring configurations.

3. Consult documentation or product information. If you have the original cable packaging or manufacturer information, this should specify the cable's category.

4. Test with a network cable tester. These devices can diagnose cable problems and confirm the category.

Here's a breakdown of common cable categories:

* Cat 5: Supports speeds up to 100 Mbps and is now considered outdated.

* Cat 5e: Supports speeds up to 1 Gbps and is still widely used.

* Cat 6: Supports speeds up to 1 Gbps and is designed for higher performance than Cat 5e.

* Cat 6a: Supports speeds up to 10 Gbps and is suitable for demanding applications.

* Cat 7: Supports speeds up to 10 Gbps and offers improved signal integrity for longer distances.

Remember: The higher the category number, the better the performance and higher the bandwidth potential. However, the actual speed you achieve depends on other factors like the network equipment, routing, and overall network configuration.