What term does TIA use to define the performance of balanced twisted-pair cabling?

The term "Category" is used by the Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA) to define the performance levels of balanced twisted-pair cabling. Categories are essential in specifying the performance characteristics and capabilities of the cabling systems, such as bandwidth, maximum data rates, and distance limitations. For instance, common category designations include Category 5e, Category 6, and Category 6A, each of which offers improvements in performance compared to its predecessor. This classification system helps ensure that users can select the appropriate cabling for their specific networking needs, leading to optimal system performance and reliability. By utilizing categories, TIA provides a clear and standardized way to communicate the expected performance of twisted-pair installations.