Which type of cable is defined by a maximum frequency rating of 250 MHz?

The correct choice, which indicates a maximum frequency rating of 250 MHz, refers to Cat 5e cable. Cat 5e, or Category 5 enhanced cable, was developed to improve upon the original Cat 5 standard and offers better performance in terms of reduced crosstalk and transmission errors. Its improved specifications allow it to support faster Ethernet networks, capable of handling speeds of up to 1 Gbps over distances of up to 100 meters.

In contrast, Cat 5 cable has a maximum frequency rating of 100 MHz, which limits its performance, particularly in high-speed networks. Cat 6 cable takes this a step further, supporting frequencies up to 250 MHz, but it surpasses the capabilities of Cat 5e, offering better performance with reduced crosstalk and the ability to support 10 Gbps speeds over shorter distances. Cat 6a enhances this even more by extending the frequency rating up to 500 MHz and supporting 10 Gbps at longer distances.

Thus, the correct answer reflects the specific category of cable defined by a maximum frequency of 250 MHz, which is accurately categorized as Cat 5e.