5GBASET

5GBASE-T refers to the Ethernet physical layer standard that enables data rates of up to 5 gigabits per second over twisted-pair copper cabling. It is part of the BASE-T family and is defined in IEEE 802.3bz, which also specifies 2.5GBASE-T. The technology allows multi-gigabit Ethernet over standard copper cables such as Cat5e, Cat6, and Cat6a, with a typical maximum cable length of 100 meters. 5GBASE-T is designed to be backward compatible with older Ethernet speeds through auto-negotiation, allowing devices to fall back to 10BASE-T, 100BASE-TX, or 1000BASE-T as needed.

Technical characteristics center on the use of multi-gigabit PHY signaling to achieve higher speeds over existing copper infrastructure without requiring new cabling. This enables faster uplinks and more capable desktop and server connections in LANs and small data-center environments. Implementation occurs in network interface cards, switches, and routers that expose 5GBASE-T ports, often alongside other BASE-T speeds on the same device.

Adoption and usage have grown with the broader deployment of multi-gig networking technologies. 5GBASE-T complements 2.5GBASE-T, which has seen wider early adoption, by providing a higher-speed option for scenarios where copper cabling is already in place and higher throughput is desirable. Real-world performance depends on cable quality, installation, and adjacent electromagnetic conditions.

See also: IEEE 802.3bz, 2.5GBASE-T, 1000BASE-T, Ethernet.