A copper cabling 'category' rating (Cat5e, Cat6, Cat6a) is defined by frequency/bandwidth and standards testing.

• A. Color code
• B. Frequency/bandwidth
• C. Shielding
• D. Cable diameter

Answer: (B)

Category ratings indicate the performance tier of copper cabling, defined by the maximum frequency (bandwidth) the cable is designed to carry and the testing standards it has to meet. As you move from Cat5e to Cat6 to Cat6a, the specified frequency increases (Cat5e around 100 MHz, Cat6 around 250 MHz, Cat6a around 500 MHz) and the cable must pass standardized tests for performance metrics like crosstalk and return loss within that range. This focus on frequency and testing distinguishes the category from physical attributes such as jacket color, shielding, or diameter, which can vary but do not define the category itself. Shielded versus unshielded configurations can exist within a category, but the label is tied to the validated bandwidth and test performance.