Which category of Ethernet cable typically supports a maximum data rate of 1 Gbps?

The category of Ethernet cable that typically supports a maximum data rate of 1 Gbps is Cat 5e. While Cat 6 and Cat 7 cables can also support higher speeds, including 10 Gbps, they are not typically necessary for achieving the 1 Gbps rate which is fully supported by Cat 5e.

Cat 5e is an enhanced version of the original Cat 5 standard, specifically designed to reduce crosstalk and allow for better performance at higher frequencies. It effectively accommodates gigabit speeds over standard distances, making it suitable for most home and office networking needs.

In contrast, although Cat 5 is capable of supporting 100 Mbps, it may not reliably support 1 Gbps in practice, particularly over longer cable runs. Cat 6 and Cat 7 cables are more advanced and are focused on higher performance, but they are beyond the requirement for achieving just 1 Gbps.