| For those who are unsure as to what a Cat-5 | | | | the far end crosstalk. By 2001, the 5e was known |
| cable is, it is a cable that is a twisted pair high | | | | as the TIA/EIA-568-B standard, but it is no longer |
| signal integrity cable that is often referred to as a | | | | recognised as the original cat-5 anymore. People |
| Cat5. There are many of these cables that are | | | | now know it as the Cat 5e and nothing else. Even |
| shielded but there are also some that are | | | | though the 1000BASE-T was originally designed to |
| unshielded. The Category 5 cables have been out | | | | be used with only the Cat 5 cable, the more |
| dated by the standard specifications of structured | | | | prominent specifications of the Cat 5e cable and |
| cabling for certain computer networks like | | | | its connectors make it perfect for when you are |
| Ethernet, and it is sometimes also used for other | | | | looking for something to fit with the 1000BASE-T. |
| signals like ATM, voice services and token ring | | | | Unlike many other cables, the Cat 5e doesn't |
| (the local area network technology). The | | | | have the option of longer cable distances, |
| Category 5 cable's specifications were distinct in | | | | especially for the Ethernet networks. Most cables |
| the ANSI/EIA-568-A/TIA, with other explanations | | | | still have the 100 meter limit to them. There is no |
| in the TSB-95's. | | | | way that you could use a cable longer than this. |
| The category 5 cable is made up of twisted pairs | | | | Cat-5 cabling is the future, and many people will |
| that are in one cable jacket. When balanced lines | | | | agree. You don't have to use other cables that |
| are used, it helps to protect a high signal-to-noise | | | | don't do half the job a category 5 will do. There is |
| ratio in spite of the interference from other | | | | no need for that anymore. Now you can get |
| sources, including both external ones as well as | | | | straight to the point with these cables. Cat-5 |
| other common pairs. It is used for many | | | | cabling is there when you need it. It provides you |
| networks, but the most common one it is used | | | | with options that not many other cables are able |
| for is the 100 Mbits networks, like the | | | | to do. |
| 100BASE-TX Ethernet, even though IEEE 802.3ab | | | | The cables are available in both solid conductor |
| can define the standards for the | | | | and stranded forms. The solid cable is not as |
| 1000BASE-T-Gigabit Ethernet over the category 5 | | | | expensive as its alternative and it provides more |
| cables. These cables normally have three twists | | | | reliable connections with the insulation displacement |
| per inch of every twisted part of 24 gauge or | | | | connectors. With the stranded form of cable you |
| American Wire Gauge (AWG). | | | | will find that it is more flexible and it is also able to |
| If you are looking for something that offers a | | | | endure more bending and other movements |
| little more than the Cat-5, there is the Category | | | | without it breaking. It also offers reliable |
| 5e which is an enhanced version. The 5e version | | | | connections, but more so with other insulation |
| adds certain specifications that specifically target | | | | piercing connectors. |