Cat5 vs Cat6 Ethernet Cables Which is best for You?
What is a Cat5 Ethernet Cable? Cat5 Ethernet Cable is the 5th generation of unshielded, twisted pair Ethernet Cable Technology. Also known as category5, it is a standardized twisted pair cable that connects computers and other devices to switches, servers and modems. It contains 4 pairs of twisted copper wire ending with an RJ45 connector. Cat5 cables can transfer data at 100 Mbps speed and 100 MHz bandwidth. Cat5 cables can carry data and signals at a recommended length of 100 meters.
What is a Cat5e Ethernet Cable? Cat5e Ethernet cables contain four pairs of copper wires instead of two/ the 'e' in Cat5e stands for enhanced. Cat5e Ethernet cable is designed to work faster than cat5 cables and help in reducing the crosstalk or signal interference. Cat5e cable looks identical to cat5 cables, however it is 10 times faster than cat5. It can support gigabit Ethernet speed of up to 1000Mbps and a bandwidth of 350MHz.
Advantages of Cat5 Ethernet Cables: These cables offer high transfer speeds at a low cost It can transfer up to four signals at once Can be used in variety of applications Easy installation and does not require any specific tool Greater flexibility for applications
Disadvantages of Cat5 Ethernet Cables: Limited data transfer i.e. up to 100 Mbps only Sensitive to signal noise or crosstalk Not recommended for new network installations
What is Cat6 Ethernet Cables: Cat6 cables consist of 4 twisted pairs of copper wire and 250 MHz of bandwidth. It supports data transfer speed of up to 10 Gbps and covers distance of approx. 180 feet. Cat6 cables use the same RJ45 jack. They have backward compatibility with cat5 and cat5e cables. Cat6 is used to connect computers and other devices to switches, modems, and servers.
Advantages of Cat6 Ethernet Cables: High speed data transfer of up to 250 MHz Similar structure with Cat5 cable Backward Compatibility with Cat5 and Cat5e cables Up-gradable
Disadvantages of Cat5 Ethernet Cables: Expensive Does not guarantee full speed
Differences Analyzed Parameters
CAT5
CAT6
Speed
10/100 Mbps
1000 Mbps
Bandwidth
100MHz
250MHz
Usage
For Residential Use
For Industrial Use
Diameter
0.204 inches
0.250 inches
Crosstalk
Does not support crosstalk
Significantly reduces crosstalk
Cat5 or Cat6 - Which one to choose? Network cables are commonly used in two types of applications – commercial and residential: Residential Applications - Cat5 and Cat5e Ethernet cables are mainly used in home networks to connect various electronic devices. Commercial Applications - Cat6 Ethernet Cables are best suited
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transmission.
business
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About Versitron Versitron designs and manufactures data, voice, and video communications
products.
It
is
one
of
the
well-known
manufacturer of copper-to-fiber connectivity products for video, data, and audio applications. They also provide cat 5 and cat 6 cables, and other connectivity solutions. We believe in offering a personalized approach toward all of our customers with a more customized approach to each individual application or project.
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