With new IEEE Ethernet standard, old cables learn new tricks
searchnetworking.techtarget.com | March 02, 2017
The new IEEE Ethernet standard offers some much-needed flexibility for network managers trying to keep up with skyrocketing bandwidth demand while working under long refresh cycles that prevent frequent rip-and-replace upgrades. With 802.3bz, or NBASE-T, switches, such organizations can give their existing CAT5e and CAT6 cables a shot in the proverbial arm, raising bandwidth from 1 Gbps to 2.5 or 5 Gbps.