| For those unfamiliar with the various types of | | | | version and its predecessor including its |
| Ethernet cables available for networking and | | | | backwards compatibility, as it will work along with |
| connecting their computers to the Internet, | | | | either 10BaseT or 100Base T networking hubs |
| making the choice between Cat-5, Cat-5e, and | | | | and cards. There is also less "cross-talk" or |
| Cat-6 cables can be a rather confusing one. First | | | | electronic interference with Cat-5e as opposed to |
| you have to understand the differences between | | | | Cat-5 cable thanks to improved signal capabilities. |
| each version as well as getting to grips with the | | | | In terms of bandwidth, Cat-5e supports gigabit |
| various related industry terms. | | | | Ethernet connections of up to 350MHz, more than |
| With the term "Cat" being short for "category," | | | | trebling the 100MHz of a Cat-5 cable. |
| the numbers and letters to follow are all used to | | | | Remember that Cat-5e cable is not rated for use |
| indicate performance. These performance | | | | outdoors, although many people do without |
| designations make it easier to choose the right | | | | incident. If you must use this cable outside, add a |
| type for various purposes such as networking | | | | conduit such as one made from PVC to keep |
| computers together or using peripherals including | | | | moisture away. The safe operating temperature |
| hubs and routers. | | | | for Cat-5e cable is anywhere from -10 degrees |
| All three types of cables, Cat-5, Cat-5e, and | | | | Celsius to 60 degrees Celsius. |
| Cat-6, are comprised of four pairs of UTP | | | | Also, with this particular category cable, 100 |
| (unshielded twisted pair), but the amount of | | | | meters is the maximum length you will be able to |
| transmissions the cable will be able to support is | | | | use the cable without the benefit of either a |
| up to its category rating. | | | | network bridge, hub, or amplification to strengthen |
| The Original Cat-5 Cable | | | | the signal. |
| An old standard in the industry, Cat-5 cable is able | | | | As a general rule of thumb, if you are ever |
| to perform up to 100MHz and is still widely used | | | | unsure as to which type you should purchase |
| for a variety of applications, although most new | | | | either Cat-5 or Cat-5e, opt for the latter choice |
| installations will use Cat-5e or higher. | | | | because of its backwards compatibility and overall |
| Able to support 10/100 Ethernet and fast | | | | performance improvements. |
| Ethernet, Cat-5 cable is upwardly compatible with | | | | The Newer Cat-6 Cable |
| the Cat-5e version. However, do keep in mind | | | | Certified and designed specifically for gigabit use, |
| that your network connections will only be as fast | | | | Cat-6 cable reduces cross-talk even more than its |
| and reliable as its slowest component, not its | | | | predecessors by improving upon the original Cat-5 |
| fastest, unless, of course, they are all equal in this | | | | version with wires featuring extra twists. |
| area. | | | | The use of Cat-6 cable does not guarantee that |
| The Improved Cat-5e Cable | | | | the network will be a full gigabit network, for this |
| With improved durability over Cat-5, the | | | | to be achieved each and every one of the |
| protective outer covering of Cat-5e cable is | | | | components must be gigabit certified. Unless your |
| thicker and therefore more suitable and reliable | | | | network meets this criteria, opt for Cat-5e which |
| for more situations than its earlier counterpart. | | | | will provide high quality speeds while saving money |
| There are several other differences between this | | | | in the process. |