Bridging the multi-gig Ethernet gap Can’t ensure standard-based support with conventional Cat 5e or Cat 6 cabling Not enough bandwidth demand to justify a complete upgrade to 10G-capable Cat 6A BUT The multi-gig donut hole The 2.5G/5G “donut hole” is a challenge for enterprise network managers. What are your options? OPTION #1: Use existing Cat 6 according to NBASE-T Guidelines NBASE-T Guidelines (2016) enable twisted-pair copper cabling to operate at 2.5 Gbps and 5 Gbps for distances of up to 100 meters, assuming the mitigation of any performance risks. Therein lies the problem. At 2.5 GbE, the Cat 6 risk is low, and at 5 GbE it’s medium. The risks for Cat 5e are even more severe. OPTION #2: Rip out the Cat 6 cabling and replace with Cat 6A Significant network downtime Highly disruptive to daily workflow Costly and resource intensive Difficult to justify if you’re only using half the available bandwidth Separating equipment cords Setting equipment ports to “auto-negotiation” mode Unbundling horizontal cabling Using non-adjacent ports for higher speed Mitigation involves one or more steps: If mitigation fails then… …or think outside the category! Patented variable twist/strand technology greatly improves internal/alien crosstalk performance An end-to-end solution Supports up to 5 Gbps in a four-connector 100 m channel with fully bundled horizontal cables Ideal for connecting devices like in-ceiling Wi-Fi 6E access points, IP security cameras and more A Cat 6 solution that supports 2.5 and 5 GBE up to 100 meters… no mitigation or upgrades required. Use your existing XL installation tools and procedures Pack more bandwidth and performance in a compact footprint Cable diameter is nearly identical to GigaSPEED XL Cat 6 solution Reduce your cost of installation, equipment and training Perfect timing The transition from Wi-Fi 6 to more bandwidth-heavy Wi-Fi 6E or Wi-Fi 7 has begun. But applications requiring 2.5G and 5G support are growing. Video conferencing /collaboration Support Power over Ethernet (PoE) Server-to-switch connectivity High-performance workstations Campus WLANs IP surveillance and security Bridge the gap A solution that supports 2.5 and 5.0 GbE bandwidth demands without mitigation or upgrades. The latest addition to the SYSTIMAX GigaSPEED family of copper solutions. Seamlessly evolve as your bandwidth demands increase. Available now as part of the new SYSTIMAX 2.0 portfolio. GIGABIT ETHERNET APPLICATIONS (UP TO) X10D XL5 XL 1 Gbps 5Gbps 10 Gbps systimax.com Visit our website or contact your local CommScope representative for more information. © 2024 CommScope, LLC. All rights reserved. CommScope and the CommScope logo are registered trademarks of CommScope and/or its affiliates in the U.S. and other countries. For additional trademark information see https://www.commscope.com/trademarks. All product names, trademarks and registered trademarks are property of their respective owners. IG-118529.1-EN (05/24) Contact your SYSTIMAX representative to find out more GigaSPEED XL5: in a category all its own Cat 5e Not dead yet… Don’t even think about pushing it to high speed HIGH RISK Cat 6 Keeps running Expect at least “moderate” maintenance if/when pushed to higher speed MEDIUM RISK XL5 Brand new Built to work at higher speed. Comes with bumper- to-bumper dealer warranty ZERO RISK UP TO 5G Cat 6A Assured to work at highest speeds Most future ready FUTURE READY Demand for multi-gigabit connections Fueled by the introduction of technologies like Wi-Fi 6E, the number of connected multi-gigabit devices is surging. Many center on 2.5 and 5 Gbps applications.