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Organizations such as the Telecommunication Industry Association (TIA) and Electronic Industries Association (EIA) set specific product standards, and these guidelines have resulted in cables being classified into various categories based on their performance levels.
The types about Cat 5e: Cat 5e cable goes along the same lines as basic Cat 5, except that it fulfills higher standards of data transmission. While Cat 5 is common in existing cabling systems, Category 5e has almost entirely replaced it in new installations. Cat 5e can handle data transfer at 1000 Mbps, is suitable for Gigabit Ethernet, and experiences much lower levels of near-end crosstalk (NEXT) than Cat 5.
The types about Cat 6: Cate 6 is the most advanced and provides the best performance. Just like Cat 5 and Cat 5e, Category 6 cable is typically made up of four twisted pairs of copper wire, but its capabilities far exceed those of other cable types because of one particular structural difference: a longitudinal separator. This separator isolates each of the four pairs of twisted wire from the others, which reduces crosstalk, allows for faster data transfer, and gives Category 6 cable twice the bandwidth of Cat 5! Cat 6 cable is ideal for supporting 10 Gigabit Ethernet, and is able to operate at up to 250 MHz. Since technology and standards are constantly evolving, Cat 6 is the wisest choice of cable when taking any possible future updates to your network into consideration. Not only is Category 6 cable future-safe, it is also backward-compatible with any previously-existing Cat 5 and Cat 5e cabling found in older installations.
The types about Cat 5e: Cat 5e cable goes along the same lines as basic Cat 5, except that it fulfills higher standards of data transmission. While Cat 5 is common in existing cabling systems, Category 5e has almost entirely replaced it in new installations. Cat 5e can handle data transfer at 1000 Mbps, is suitable for Gigabit Ethernet, and experiences much lower levels of near-end crosstalk (NEXT) than Cat 5.
The types about Cat 6: Cate 6 is the most advanced and provides the best performance. Just like Cat 5 and Cat 5e, Category 6 cable is typically made up of four twisted pairs of copper wire, but its capabilities far exceed those of other cable types because of one particular structural difference: a longitudinal separator. This separator isolates each of the four pairs of twisted wire from the others, which reduces crosstalk, allows for faster data transfer, and gives Category 6 cable twice the bandwidth of Cat 5! Cat 6 cable is ideal for supporting 10 Gigabit Ethernet, and is able to operate at up to 250 MHz. Since technology and standards are constantly evolving, Cat 6 is the wisest choice of cable when taking any possible future updates to your network into consideration. Not only is Category 6 cable future-safe, it is also backward-compatible with any previously-existing Cat 5 and Cat 5e cabling found in older installations.
Difference Between Cat5e and Cat6 Patch Cords
The major difference between Cat5e and Cat6 is the quality of performance they provide. Cat5e is typically used for networks using 100 Mbit/s or a gigabit network, with performance of up to 100 MHz. For networks that can handle up to 250 MHz, you would want to make use of Cat6 cabling, as it offers more than twice the performance of a Cat5e. Although Cat6 may be able to handle greater data loads than Cat5e, it's always best to use the proper patch cord to match the cabling in your building; it pays to find out what is already in use at your location before installing the network.
How to differentiate Cat5e and Cat6 Patch Cords
One method of differentiating a Cat 6 patch cable from Cat 5e patch cable is by simply looking the connector ends. See below:
How to differentiate Cat5e and Cat6 Patch Cords
One method of differentiating a Cat 6 patch cable from Cat 5e patch cable is by simply looking the connector ends. See below:
Cat5/6 Cable distance limitations
Horizontal Category cable runs should not exceed a distance of 90m (295ft) plus an additional 10m (33ft) for equipment jumpers. Keep in mind that not all networks (especially small ones) are connected in this exact manner. See diagram below.
Are Cat5e and Cat6 Compatible?
You may be asking yourself 'What if my building is set up to use Cat5e but all I have are Cat6 patch cords? Am I still able to use them?' The answer to the question would be 'Yes, you can!" As stated before, it's preferential to match cable types; however, it is possible to mix and match Cat5e and Cat6 if necessary. If you're unsure of the wiring of the building, you may also want to go with Cat6. To ensure maximum performance, you will want to use the best components possible all throughout the network.
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