Contents

Introduction

Cable Selection Recommendations

Conclusion

Introduction

Most Omada EAP models support Power over Ethernet (PoE), and Wall models also feature PoE Out, enabling them to power downstream devices such as IP phones or additional access points. With varying link speed requirements, power demands, and a wide range of Ethernet cable types available, selecting the right cable has become essential to ensure both stable power delivery and reliable data transmission.

Ethernet Cable Types:

Cable Selection Recommendations:

• By Link Speed

1. 100M / 1G / 2.5G

Recommended Cable: Cat5E or higher

Notes: Cat5E is sufficient; pure copper core minimizes voltage drops.

2. 5G

Recommended Cable: Cat5E/Cat6 + Shielded (FTP/SFTP)

Notes: Unshielded (UTP) is not recommended; shielding reduces high-frequency interference.

3. 10G

Recommended Cable: Cat6A or higher + Shielded (SFTP)

Notes: Cat6A or above ensures stable 10G transmission; 23 AWG preferred.

• What to Do If Your Cable Does Not Meet 5G/10G Requirements

If you are currently using Cat5E, Cat6, or Cat6 UTP cables and experience the following issues at 5G or 10G speeds:

1. Frequent link flapping (port up/down)
2. Persistent packet loss
3. Unstable PoE power or device reboots

Recommended Solutions:

1. Replace the cable: Upgrade to Cat6A or higher shielded cable (SFTP).
2. Downshift the link speed: If cable replacement is not feasible, manually set the switch or device port speed to 2.5G or 1G to maintain stable power and communication.

• Risks of Using an Insufficient Cable Grade

1. Packet loss – Causes video stuttering, command delays, or data loss.
2. Link flapping – Ports repeatedly disconnect and reconnect, which may lead to device reboots.
3. Insufficient power – PoE devices may fail to power on or shut down unexpectedly.

Conclusion

Select the appropriate Ethernet cable according to the recommendations above to ensure stable network operation.

Get to know more details of each function and configuration, please go to Download Center to download the manual of your product.