IEEE proposes standard to increase Ethernet speeds on existing Cat 5-6 cabling

A new IEEE proposed standard that it says will boost Ethernet speeds over category 5e and 6 cabling show there's still plenty of life in twisted pair wiring.

Set to be ratified sometime in 2016 or 2017, the IEEE P802.3bz Task Force revealed during a recent meeting they are planning to add 2.5 Gbps and 5 Gbps MAC operating speeds to the IEEE 802.3 base standard. Two of the potential benefits of the proposed standard will be support for power over Ethernet and lower energy consumption. FierceInstaller chronicles the emerging Ethernet standard here.