Bid Farewell to High Costs! Zhaolong's Category 6 Cabling System Accelerates Network Upgrades for SMEs

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are experiencing an exponential surge in network demands. E-commerce businesses require real-time inventory synchronization, remote training relies on 4K video streaming, and logistics firms leverage IoT for warehouse optimization. A staggering 75% of SMEs report customer satisfaction issues due to network latency, while 60% face efficiency losses from cloud service delays. Amid the digital transformation wave, SMEs’ network needs are evolving from 1Gbps to multi-gigabit speeds.

The introduction of the IEEE 802.3bz standard has revolutionized the landscape. By enabling 2.5GBASE-T and 5GBASE-T over the Category 6 cabling system’s native 250MHz bandwidth, it delivers a cost-effective solution. In contrast, Category 6_A cabling systems—though supporting 10GBASE-T at 500MHz—remain prohibitively expensive for many businesses. The legacy Category 5_e system, limited to 1Gbps, struggles to meet modern demands. Enter Category 6: a high-performance, budget-friendly option that empowers SMEs to embrace multi-gigabit networking without overspending.

✨ Category 6: Not "Low-End," but High-Performance Value

Far from being a "budget" option, Category 6 cabling system strikes the perfect balance between speed, reliability, and affordability—ideal for SMEs with constrained budgets and centralized office layouts.

01. Category 6 Cabling: Performance Meets Value

• 2.5GBASE-T/5GBASE-T Stability via High-Bandwidth Transmission

Compliant with IEEE 802.3bz, Category 6 supports 2.5GBASE-T and 5GBASE-T protocols over 250MHz bandwidth, delivering stable 2.5Gbps to 5Gbps speeds up to 100 meters—2-5x faster than Category 5_e’s 1Gbps. Leveraging PAM-16 modulation and optimized SNR design, it ensures <0.01% bit error rate and rock-solid reliability.

• Cost Efficiency Without Compromise

Category 6 slashes material and installation costs by 30-50% compared to Category 6A, with flexible deployment and shorter project cycles. Plug-and-play compatibility with 1G/2.5G/5G devices eliminates the need for costly hardware upgrades, enabling seamless network evolution.

• Enterprise-Grade Interference Resistance

Optimized twist rates and conductor structures minimize near-end crosstalk (NEXT), ensuring stable 100-meter transmissions with ultra-low error rates. Ideal for offices, warehouses, and educational facilities.

02. Zhaolong LONGNET E-Series: Built for Reliability

• Category 6 Compliance

• Meets ISO/IEC 11801-1 Class E and TIA-568.2-D standards.

• Permanent links: Up to 90m (30°C) / 75m (60°C); channels: Up to 100m (30°C) / 85m (60°C).

• MICE E2 TCL and E3 ELTCTL ratings for superior noise immunity.

• Advanced Features

• 1000BASE-T PHY: Full 1Gbps support with headroom for future upgrades.

• Extended Reach: 108m (20°C) / 85m (60°C) permanent links; 118m (20°C) / 95m (60°C) channels.

• 2.5GBASE-T & 5GBASE-T Support: 100m stability for 2.5GBASE-T; 50m bundled for 5GBASE-T (unbundle beyond 50m for optimal performance).

• PoE Ready: Delivers 0.09-0.77A across 2/4 pairs, compliant with ISO/IEC 14763-2 RP1.

03. Why Category 6 is SMEs’ Digital Accelerator

Category 6 addresses SMEs’ four pillars of digital transformation: efficiency, cost, intelligence, and scalability. It resolves network bottlenecks, supports IoT/Wi-Fi 6 devices, and delivers 2.5GBASE-T/5GBASE-T speeds at half the cost of higher-tier solutions—perfect for budget-conscious businesses aiming to future-proof their networks.

Zhaolong provides end-to-end support, from design to deployment. Visit our website or contact our experts to start your upgrade today.