What is the difference between Cat5 Cat5e and Cat6 computer cabling? If you need to wire your computer network, you may have wondered what these terms mean and if there is a difference between them.
The wires look the same on the outside, so is there a difference between the different types and what does that difference mean for performance and cost.
Understanding Cat5 Cat5e and Cat6 computer cabling is simple and there is a difference.
Cat5 cable will support the 10BASE-T and 100BASE-t network standard.
This means that it will support networks that have a throughput of 10 Mps or 100 Mps.
The Cat5e is an enhanced version of Cat5 and will support 1000BASE-T(Gigabit Ethernet) which has a throughput of 1000 Mps.
Cat5e is backward compatible and will support the same networks as CAT5 cabling.
Cat6 cable has better transmission performance that Cat5E.
Although Cat5e will handle Gigabit Ethernet, Cat6 is certified to handle Gigabit Ethernet.
It performs better in environments that have lots of interference like power lines, manufacturing equipment and lighting.
There are few other terms or specs that you may need to be aware of as you look at Cat5 Cat5e and Cat6 computer cabling.
One such term is UTP stands for Unshielded Twisted Pair.
A UTP cable has pairs of twisted insulated copper conductors that are wrapped in a single sheath.
The most common usage for this type of cabling is in desktop communication applications.
Stranded cable has small gauge wires in wrapped in an insulation sleeve.
Because of this design, stranded cables are flexible.
The most common usage for stranded cabling is patch cords and other short distance applications.
Solid cable has one large gauge with in each insulation sleeve.
This construction gives the cable better electrical performance than stranded cabling.
The typical application for this type of wire is inside walls and ceilings.
The better electrical performance makes it more appropriate for long cabling run.
Another spec that you may see is T568A and T568B.
These refer to the wiring patterns for the modular plus.
The only difference is between the two patterns are the pairs of orange and green are interchanged.
Both are permitted under TIA/EIA standards and function the same.
So what at Cat5 Cat5e and Cat6 computer cabling should you use? If you need patch cords, no longer than 25 feet, use CAT-5e stranded cable that will provide flexibility.
For longer runs or going through walls or ceilings, use the CAT-6 UTP (solid) cabling, if that is too expensive, use CAT-5e UTP.
The wires look the same on the outside, so is there a difference between the different types and what does that difference mean for performance and cost.
Understanding Cat5 Cat5e and Cat6 computer cabling is simple and there is a difference.
Cat5 cable will support the 10BASE-T and 100BASE-t network standard.
This means that it will support networks that have a throughput of 10 Mps or 100 Mps.
The Cat5e is an enhanced version of Cat5 and will support 1000BASE-T(Gigabit Ethernet) which has a throughput of 1000 Mps.
Cat5e is backward compatible and will support the same networks as CAT5 cabling.
Cat6 cable has better transmission performance that Cat5E.
Although Cat5e will handle Gigabit Ethernet, Cat6 is certified to handle Gigabit Ethernet.
It performs better in environments that have lots of interference like power lines, manufacturing equipment and lighting.
There are few other terms or specs that you may need to be aware of as you look at Cat5 Cat5e and Cat6 computer cabling.
One such term is UTP stands for Unshielded Twisted Pair.
A UTP cable has pairs of twisted insulated copper conductors that are wrapped in a single sheath.
The most common usage for this type of cabling is in desktop communication applications.
Stranded cable has small gauge wires in wrapped in an insulation sleeve.
Because of this design, stranded cables are flexible.
The most common usage for stranded cabling is patch cords and other short distance applications.
Solid cable has one large gauge with in each insulation sleeve.
This construction gives the cable better electrical performance than stranded cabling.
The typical application for this type of wire is inside walls and ceilings.
The better electrical performance makes it more appropriate for long cabling run.
Another spec that you may see is T568A and T568B.
These refer to the wiring patterns for the modular plus.
The only difference is between the two patterns are the pairs of orange and green are interchanged.
Both are permitted under TIA/EIA standards and function the same.
So what at Cat5 Cat5e and Cat6 computer cabling should you use? If you need patch cords, no longer than 25 feet, use CAT-5e stranded cable that will provide flexibility.
For longer runs or going through walls or ceilings, use the CAT-6 UTP (solid) cabling, if that is too expensive, use CAT-5e UTP.
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