What is the maximum performance frequency of CAT5 cable?

The maximum performance frequency of CAT5 cable is indeed 100 MHz. This means that it is designed to handle data transmission at that frequency, which is suitable for supporting speeds of up to 100 Mbps over distances of up to 100 meters. The design of CAT5 wire includes four pairs of twisted copper wires, which help reduce electromagnetic interference and crosstalk, allowing for effective data transmission at this frequency.

Understanding the capabilities of CAT5 is crucial for networking professionals because it sets the foundation for determining the types of applications and network infrastructures suitable for different environments. It's important to note that while CAT5 can support certain networking tasks effectively, higher-performance cables like CAT5e and CAT6 offer better specifications, including higher frequencies which accommodate faster data rates and reduced interference.