easyMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
Ethernet Cable Types — Cat5e vs Cat6 vs Fiber
Which of the following cable types is MOST commonly used for Ethernet networks in an office?
Quick Answer
The answer is Cat5e, which is the most common Ethernet cable for office networks because it supports speeds up to 1 Gbps over the standard 100-meter distance while remaining backward-compatible with older 10/100 Mbps standards. This twisted-pair copper cable balances cost, performance, and ease of termination, making it the default choice for structured cabling in modern offices. On the CompTIA ITF+ FC0-U61 exam, this question tests your understanding of network media types and their real-world applications, often appearing as a straightforward recall item. A common trap is confusing Cat5e with Cat6, but remember that Cat5e is sufficient for typical office use and is far more prevalent due to lower cost. For a quick memory tip, think “5e for everyday office efficiency,” where the “e” stands for enhanced, reminding you it handles gigabit speeds without the extra expense of Cat6.
⚠ Common exam trap
It's easy for candidates to confuse 'most common for office Ethernet' with 'highest performance,' leading them to choose fiber optic (B) instead of recognizing that Cat5e is the practical, cost-effective standard for everyday office desktop connections.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Cat5e
Cat5e (Category 5 enhanced) is the most common twisted-pair copper cable used in office Ethernet networks because it supports speeds up to 1 Gbps (1000BASE-T) over distances up to 100 meters, and it is backward-compatible with older 10/100 Mbps standards. Its widespread adoption, low cost, and ease of termination make it the default choice for structured cabling in modern office environments.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Coaxial
Why it's wrong here
Coaxial is for cable TV/internet, not typical office LAN.
- ✗
Fiber optic
Why it's wrong here
Fiber is for high-speed backbone, not typical desktop.
- ✗
USB
Why it's wrong here
USB is for peripherals, not networking.
- ✓
Cat5e
Why this is correct
Cat5e supports Gigabit Ethernet and is widely used.
Go deeper
Related to this question
About these practice questions
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Same concept, more angles
2 more ways this is tested on FC0-U71
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. Which TWO of the following are common Ethernet cable categories used in local area networks?
easy- ✓ A.Cat5e
- B.USB
- C.Coaxial
- ✓ D.Cat6
- E.HDMI
Why A: Cat5e and Cat6 are twisted-pair cables commonly used for Ethernet. Coaxial is used for cable TV, HDMI for audio/video, USB for peripherals.
Variation 2. Match each cable type to its typical use.
medium- ✓ A.Ethernet cable: Used for wired network connections
- ✓ B.HDMI cable: Used for high-definition audio/video transmission
- ✓ C.USB cable: Used for connecting peripherals and data transfer
- ✓ D.Coaxial cable: Used for cable TV and internet connections
- E.Ethernet cable: Used for cable TV and internet connections
- F.USB cable: Used for high-definition audio/video transmission
Why A: Ethernet cables are for networks, HDMI for A/V, USB for peripherals, coaxial for cable TV/internet. Common confusions involve swapping these uses.
JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This FC0-U71 practice question is part of Courseiva's free CompTIA certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the FC0-U71 exam.