Current situation:

       Office               │         Garage
┌───────┐                   │
│Macbook├─────┐             │
│Pro    │     │             │
└───────┘    ┌┴─────────┐   │ Cat5e ┌──────────┐    ┌──────┐
             │1Gb switch├───┼───────┤1Gb switch├────┤Router│
┌───────┐    └┬─────────┘   │       └──────────┘    └──────┘
│Game PC│     │             │
│       ├─────┘             │
└───────┘                   │
                          wall

I am building a new rack-mounted NAS which will have a 10Gb network controller. I’m also picking up a Mac Mini M2 Pro with 10Gb Ethernet and a new switch with 2 SFP+ ports (for the rack in the garage).

Questions:

• What’s the best way for me to connect at least the Mini to the NAS over a 10Gb link?
• Is Cat5e going to be able to handle 10Gb over maybe 30ft distance? Or should I run a new Cat6 cable or maybe even fiber?
• Is there a decent 10Gb capable switch (with RJ-45 connector preferably) for use in the office?
• Should I abandon the 10Gb project and try to do 2.5Gb?

​