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Pure bare copper conductors and 350MHz bandwidth deliver snag-free, full-spec Cat5e throughput across 100 feet of run.

$22.99*
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*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated:Jul 14, 2026.Price and availability are subject to change.

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Overview

The Monoprice ZeroBoot Cat5e Ethernet Patch Cable is a 100ft UTP cable built to the full TIA-568-C.2 specification, with 24AWG stranded pure bare copper conductors and a 350MHz bandwidth rating. The 350MHz figure matters in context: the Cat5e standard requires only 100MHz, so this cable operates at 3.5x the minimum spec floor. In practice, that overhead translates to lower crosstalk and better return loss performance when running 1000BASE-T, where four wire pairs are simultaneously active. The 50-micron gold-plated RJ45 contacts resist corrosion and maintain electrical continuity through repeated insertion cycles — a detail that distinguishes this cable from budget options using tin-plated contacts.

The defining feature is the ZeroBoot connector design, which eliminates the rubberized retaining clip cover found on standard patch cables. In a server rack, network closet, or AV equipment bay where dozens of cables are packed tightly, standard boot clips interlock and snag — the ZeroBoot format solves that specific operational problem. This cable is targeted at network administrators, IT professionals, and home lab builders who need reliable Gigabit connectivity over longer horizontal runs. The 100ft length covers most room-to-room or floor-to-equipment scenarios within a structured cabling context. It is not a candidate for in-wall permanent installation — stranded conductors are specified for patch use, and solid-core cable should be used for horizontal runs terminated at keystones or punch-down blocks.

Key Features

Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP) Category 5e Ethernet cable

24AWG stranded, pure bare copper conductors

350MHz bandwidth

No protective plug retaining clip covers

50m gold plated contacts

Made of 100% pure bare copper wire

Fully compliant with UL Code 444

Compliant with National Electrical Code TIA-568-C.2 fire and safety standards

Specifications

Cable Type
Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP) Cat5e
Length
100ft
Conductor
24AWG stranded pure bare copper
Bandwidth
350MHz
Connector
RJ45, 50-micron gold-plated contacts
Shielding
None (UTP)
Compliance
UL Code 444, TIA-568-C.2
Design
ZeroBoot (no retaining clip cover)

Pros & Cons

👍 Pros

  • 24AWG pure bare copper conductors eliminate the resistance penalty of cheaper copper-clad aluminum wire, critical for signal integrity over 100ft runs.
  • 350MHz bandwidth rating provides headroom well above the 100MHz minimum required by Cat5e, reducing the risk of near-end crosstalk at Gigabit speeds.
  • ZeroBoot connector design removes the retaining clip cover, enabling snag-free routing and removal in high-density patch environments.
  • 50-micron gold-plated RJ45 contacts resist oxidation and ensure consistent low-resistance mating cycles over the cable's lifespan.
  • Dual-certified (UL 444 + TIA-568-C.2) construction confirms electrical performance has been independently validated, not self-reported.

👎 Cons

  • UTP shielding provides no protection against electromagnetic interference — in environments near high-voltage lines, motors, or dense RF sources, an STP or FTP cable would be required.
  • 100ft is a single fixed length; the lack of available shorter variants in this listing means you cannot reduce cable clutter in compact installations without purchasing a different SKU.
  • ZeroBoot connectors, while convenient for dense racks, lack the mechanical strain relief that a standard boot provides — repeated flexing near the connector end can stress the termination over time.
  • Stranded conductors, while flexible, have slightly higher attenuation per unit length than solid-core equivalents; for in-wall or permanent structured cabling runs, a solid-core Cat5e would be the correct specification.

Frequently Asked Questions

350MHz — which is the full Cat5e specification. This headroom means the cable won't become the bottleneck in a Gigabit Ethernet run; it comfortably handles 1000BASE-T at the distances involved.
The ZeroBoot design removes the protective retaining clip cover from the RJ45 connector. In patch panels, server racks, or switch stacks where cables are tightly bundled, standard boot clips snag on adjacent cables during insertion or removal. Eliminating the boot makes blind-side connections and cable swaps significantly faster without risking connector damage.
Yes. 24AWG pure bare copper conductors — not copper-clad aluminum (CCA) — are essential for PoE because CCA has higher resistance, which causes voltage drop and heat buildup. This cable's pure copper construction keeps resistance in spec for IEEE 802.3af/at PoE devices.
UL Code 444 (construction and flame rating) and TIA-568-C.2 compliance. TIA-568-C.2 is the industry standard that defines Cat5e electrical performance — certification means the cable has been independently verified to meet crosstalk, attenuation, and return loss specs, not just labeled as such.
Yes. The Cat5e standard supports 1000BASE-T up to 100 meters (~328ft). At 100ft, you are well within that limit with substantial margin remaining.