Fearless Networking Since 1989 — Trusted Connectivity Across South Africa
Structured Data Cabling

The Right Cable
for Every Application

From legacy CAT5 to cutting-edge CAT8 and fibre — we specify, install, and certify structured cabling systems built to last.

Cabling done properly, the first time

Gemini Networks has been installing structured cabling since CAT5 was the standard. Today we work across the full range — from CAT5e for everyday connectivity to CAT8 for high-speed data centre inter-links.

Every installation is planned, managed, and certified. We work to structured cabling standards so your infrastructure is documented, testable, and ready to grow.

  • Full cable schedule and documentation provided
  • All runs tested and certified on completion
  • Neat, labelled terminations throughout
  • Minimal disruption to your operations
Structured cabling

Understanding your cabling options

Choosing the right cable type saves money and future-proofs your infrastructure. Here is how the standards compare:

Cable Type Max Speed Max Distance Bandwidth Best Use Case
CAT5 10 / 100 / 1000 Mb/s 100 m 100 MHz General office connectivity — most common legacy install
CAT6 1 Gb/s (100 m)  /  10 Gb/s (55 m) 100 m / 55 m 250 MHz Improved performance offices, dual-speed environments
CAT6a 10 Gb/s 100 m 500 MHz High-performance offices and server rooms
CAT7 10 Gb/s 100 m 600 MHz ⚠ Not TIA/EIA standard — proprietary connectors make it unsuitable for most structured cabling deployments
CAT8 40 Gb/s 30 m 2000 MHz Data centre inter-links and server-to-switch connections
Wi-Fi 10 Mb/s – 500 Mb/s Varies Point-to-point, multipoint, AP or mesh deployments
Fibre — Single-mode 100 Gb/s > 100 km Long-distance, high-speed backbone and campus links
Fibre — Multi-mode High 300 – 550 m Shorter distances, higher data volume, building-to-building links

Fibre & high-speed options

Single-Mode Fibre

Ideal for distances over 100 km at speeds up to 100 Gb/s. Used for campus backbone, WAN links, and high-speed inter-building connections.

Multi-Mode Fibre

Covers 300–550 m at high data volumes. Lower cost than single-mode for shorter runs — commonly used between floors or buildings on a campus.

CAT8 for Data Centres

40 Gb/s over 30 m at 2000 MHz. The ideal choice for linking servers, switches, and storage in data centres and server rooms.

Not sure which cable is right for your environment?

We will assess your requirements and recommend the optimal solution.

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