This article is from the Data Communications Cabling FAQ, by Peter Macaulay pmac@fox.nstn.ca with numerous contributions by others.
EIA/TIA Category Specification provide for the following cable
transmission speeds with specifications (Note prior to Jan94
UL and Anixter developed a LEVEL system which has been dropped
or harmonized with the CATEGORY system);
Category 1 = No performance criteria
Category 2 = Rated to 1 MHz (used for telephone wiring)
Category 3 = Rated to 16 MHz (used for Ethernet 10Base-T)
Category 4 = Rated to 20 MHz (used for Token-Ring, 10Base-T)
Category 5 = Rated to 100 MHz (used for 100Base-T, 10Base-T)
UL LAN Cable Certification Program - Underwriters Laboratories
publication 200-120 30M/3/92, 1992 [characteristics of Cat 3-5 UTP]
 
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