| Twisted pair copper computer cabling is used to | | | | communicating. |
| transmit data from the Internet service provider | | | | Cat 6 is more expensive than the other |
| to your home. The Telecommunication Industry | | | | alternatives, but it provides faster data transfer |
| Association has very strict standards that require | | | | and nearly double the bandwidth capabilities of the |
| cable to be labeled as a set category. The | | | | Cat 5 and Cat 5e.When choosing the best type of |
| categories vary in the performance of the cables. | | | | computer cable to meet your needs, it is |
| Cat 5 is the most basic computer cabling and | | | | important to consider your future technology |
| comes in both unshielded and screened twisted | | | | plans. While Cat 6 is the most costly option, it is |
| pairs. The term twisted pairs refers to the two | | | | the only one of the three types that can be |
| copper wires that are twisted on the inside of the | | | | worked in with any other category of network |
| cable. The external covering of the cable helps to | | | | cable should you need to have a patch. |
| protect the lines from having interruptions of | | | | It is typically best to purchase a larger quantity of |
| communication signals. | | | | computer cabling when you plan to do work on |
| Cat 5 is available in two forms. The solid Cat 5 is | | | | your existing wiring. Small quantities of any of the |
| best for situations where you must run the cable | | | | network cable categories will run you more per |
| over long distances. Most people use stranded Cat | | | | foot than buying in bulk. Chances are very good |
| 5 for patching up small areas of space between | | | | that you will need to make repairs or changes to |
| existing cable lines. Cat 5e is the newest type of | | | | your current installation sometime in the future, |
| Cat 5 cable, and performs much better than the | | | | and buying large quantities will definitely save you |
| older version. Cat 6 is the highest performing | | | | money down the road. Because Cat 6 is |
| computer cabling. It has a separator that spaces | | | | considered so future friendly, it is expected to |
| the pairs of twisted wire. This is a huge benefit | | | | mesh with future installations well. |
| because it prevents the twisted pairs from cross | | | | |