Which cable category can achieve data rates of 100 Mbps/1000 Mbps when using 4 pairs?

The category of cable that can achieve data rates of 100 Mbps and 1000 Mbps when using four pairs is Cat 5 and Cat 5e. These cables are designed for Ethernet networks and can support data transmissions at speeds of 10/100 Mbps (Fast Ethernet) and 1000 Mbps (Gigabit Ethernet) under specific conditions.

Cat 5 cables can transmit data effectively using all four pairs, but Cat 5e has improved specifications that reduce crosstalk and allow for better performance at higher speeds. Consequently, both types are capable of meeting the requirements for 1000 Mbps data rates, making them suitable for typical networking applications with bandwidth demands up to that level.

By contrast, while higher categories like Cat 6, Cat 6a, and Cat 7 do support much higher data rates and more robust performance characteristics, they are not the answer to this particular question focused on the capability of achieving those specific data rates using four pairs in a more economical manner. Cat 6, for example, can support 10 Gbps speeds but does so under more stringent installation methods and shielding requirements.