Computer networking and technology have advanced greatly in recent years, and therefore, have led to the introduction of Cat 5 and Cat 6 network cabling, among others. These Ethernet cables are used for a variety of applications but are mainly used as network cables by connecting servers to modems and ISP’s.
What is a Cat5 Cable?
Cat5 cables have started to become obsolete in recent years due to its limitations and have since been replaced with Cat5E and Cat6 Cat7, Cat8 cables. Even though Cat5 cables can handle up to 10/100 Mbps at 100MHz bandwidth, the newer Cat5E cables are quite faster. Cat5E cables became standard around fifteen years ago and have improved performance over its predecessor, which includes up to ten times faster speeds and a greater ability to traverse long distances without being impacted by “crosstalk”. Crosstalk is the electromagnetic signals that come from Cat cables when many of them are close to one another and within a networking hub. This interference can slow internet speeds and the quality of the connection.
What is a Cat6 Cable?
Cat6 cables were introduced a few years ago and have become the primary backbone of networks. This is because, aside from cost, Cat6 cables can handle up to 10Gb of data with a bandwidth limited to 164 feet. This cable uses thicker plastic casing that further reduces crosstalk. Through the introduction of twisted cable design and improved casing, crosstalk is reduced between Cat5 and Cat6 cables. Cat6 cables are also considered “future proof” and are said to ultimately last beyond Cat5 cables.
Difference between cat5 and cat6 cable
The main difference between physical features of Cat 5 and Cat 6 is that cat6 comprises thicker wires and are shielded to improve crosstalk interference. There are 4 input wires in cat5 while there are 5 input wires in cat6. Hence there is a difference in cat cat5 and cat6 connectors as well. The other attributes that differentiate any two networking cables are the speed of carrying information, the speed frequency, the length of cable available in the market, the cost in the market and what they are best suited for. All these are subtle, yet important, difference between these Cat5 vs Cat6 cables, which we will discuss here.
Features | Cat5 | Cat6 |
Speed | 100 mbps | 10 gbs |
Frequency | 100 mhz | 250 mhz |
Max Cable length | 100 meters | 100 meters |
Performance | Adequate crosstalk interference | Reduced crosstalk interference |
Price | Is a cheaper option. Cost varies in length and manufacturer | Is a costlier option. Cost varies in length and manufacturer |
Best suited for | Data networks to support fewer users/network devices/Wi-Fi concurrent users.
Office owners with spaces on shorter lease terms. |
Businesses with a larger number of concurrent onsite and remote users. |
cat 5 vs cat 6 Speed: Cat 5 has a speed of 100mbps while Cat6 is faster in carrying the information with 10gbs speed.
cat 5 vs cat 6 Frequency: Cat 6 has a strong frequency with 250 Mhz while Cat 5 frequency is 100 Mhz.
cat 5 vs cat 6 Cable length: The difference between cat5 and cat6 is not there in cable length. They both are available in a 100-meter roll.
cat5 vs cat6 Performance: The major difference between cat5 and cat6 is their crosstalk inference. Since cat 5 is unshielded cables, the cross-interference is more as compared to cat 6 cables.
cat5 vs cat6 Price: There is a considerable difference in cat5 and cat6 prices.Cat5 is budget-friendly but have few limitations, while cat6 are expensive but are next-generation requirements,
Best suited for: cat 5 is best suited for home network setup. It is also the most competent option, even for a business with fewer network devices.
Cat6 is suitable for midsize and large businesses. The cable can suffice the network among more number of devices.
Difference between cat5 and cat5e cable
There is no main difference in physical features of Cat5 and Cat 5e. But since cat5e is made up of more thicker wires and are shielded hence has improved crosstalk interference. Differences between Cat5 vs Cat5e cables, will be discussed here.
Features | Cat5 | Cat5e |
Speed | 100 mbps | 1 gbs |
Frequency | 100 mhz | 100 mhz |
Max Cable length | 100 meters | 100 meters |
Performance | Adequate crosstalk interference | Reduced crosstalk interference. Better than 5 |
Price | Is a cheaper option. Cost varies in length and manufacturer | Is a slightly expensive option. Cost varies in length and manufacturer |
Best suited for |
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cat 5 vs cat 5e Speed: Cat 5 has a speed of 100mbps while Cat5e is improvised in carrying the information with 1gbs speed.
cat 5 vs cat 5e Frequency: Cat 5e and Cat 5 frequency is 100 Mhz.
cat 5 vs cat5e Cable length: The difference between cat5 and cat6e is not there in cable length. They both are available in a 100-meter roll.
cat5 vs cat5e Performance: The main difference between cat5 and cat5e is their crosstalk inference. Since cat 5 is unshielded cables, the cross-interference is more as compared to cat 5e cables.
cat5 vs cat5e Price: There is not much difference in cat5 and cat5e cost.Cat5 and cat 5e is budget-friendly but has few limitations.
Best suited for: cat 5 and 5e are best suited for household network setup. They are also the most competent option, even for a business with fewer network devices.
Difference between cat5e and cat6 cable
The main difference between CAT5e and CAT6 cable is within the speed and frequency. Cat 6 has more bandwidth and can operate with 250mhz frequencies. This high speed and more bandwidth makes CAat6 wiring more compatible to process more data and can respond quickly. The more Differences between Ca6 vs Cat5e cable wiring , will be discussed here.
Features | Cat5e | Cat6 |
Speed | 1 gbs | 10 gbs |
Frequency | 100 mhz | 250 mhz |
Cable length | 100 meters | 100 meters |
Performance | Reduced crosstalk interference. Better than 5 | Reduced crosstalk interference |
Price | Is a costlier option. Cost varies in length and manufacturer | Is a costlier option. Cost varies in length and manufacturer |
Best suited for | .Data networks to support fewer users/network devices/Wi-Fi concurrent users.
Office owners with spaces on shorter lease terms |
Businesses with a larger number of concurrent onsite and remote users. |
cat 6 vs cat 5e Speed: Cat 5e has a speed of 1gbps, which is sufficient for decent processing time. But if you are looking for a speedier option than Cat6 is faster in carrying the information with 10gbs speed.
cat 5e vs cat 6 Frequency: Cat 6 has a strong frequency with 250 Mhz while Cat 5e frequency is 100 Mhz.
cat 5e vs cat 6 Cable length: The difference between cat5e and cat6 is not there in cable length. They both are available in a 100-meter roll.
cat5e vs cat6 Performance: The difference between cat5e and cat6 is their crosstalk inference. The cross-interference is much reduced both in 5e as compared to cat 6 cables.
cat5e vs cat6 Price: There is a considerable difference in 5e and cat6 prices.Cat5e is budget-friendly but have few limitations, while cat6 are expensive but are next-generation requirements,
Best suited for: cat 5e is best suited for household network setup. It is also the most competent option, even for a business with fewer network devices.
Cat6 is suitable for midsize and large businesses. The cable can adequately supply the network among more number of devices.
Similarities Between Cat5 & Cat6 Cables.
Even though Cat5 and Cat6 cables use the same end piece, they vary greatly in their capabilities, methods, and materials used to create them.
Cat5 vs Cat6, Which one does your Small Business Need?
Between Cat5 and Cat6 cabling, which one would benefit your business the most? You may think the answer is straightforward, but not necessarily. The type of Ethernet cable you choose will depend on how frequently you use the internet in your business. While Cat6 cables seem to be the obvious choice, it depends on what your business’s network requirements and needs are. If you have a high demand for fast internet speeds along with fast data transfer, Cat6 cables are the way to go. Not only will they provide your business with a better service, but they will also be compatible with any upgrades you may do in the next years and have reduced crosstalk.
However, if you are fine with your current internet speeds, Cat5 cabling might be all your business needs, and they tend to be cheaper than Cat6. Cat5 cables are also adequate enough to handle cloud-based servers as they tend to be reliable and easy to use. If you are looking for more optimized performance, then Cat6 cables might be better for your business.
Other things to consider are that Cat6 cables tend to be thicker than Cat5, thus needing a bit more space in the office. So when it comes down to it, there is no wrong or right choice between Cat5 or Cat6 Ethernet cabling, it all depends on your business’s requirements and needs.
Cat5 has been the standard for many years and can still get the job done so there is no need to upgrade yet unless you’re not happy with your current speeds. Cat6, however, will provide your business with enhanced performance while reducing crosstalk.
If you need more information on choosing the right Ethernet cabling for your business, at Ighty Support, we have over a decade of experience in network cabling that can help your business stay on top of its communications and remain competitive. For a free initial consultation, visit us at www.ightysupport.com or give us a call at (972)200-3219.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the difference between cat5 and cat6?The main difference between physical features of Cat 5 and Cat 6 is that cat6 is made up of more thicker wires and are shielded to improve crosstalk interference. There is a difference in cat cat5 and cat6 connectors also. The other attributes that differentiate these two networking cables are the speed of carrying information, the speed frequency, the length of cable available in the market, the cost in the market and what they are best suited for.
- What is the difference between cat5 and cat6 cable length?The difference between cat5 and cat6e is not there in cable length. They both are available in a 100-meter roll.
- What is the difference between cat5e and cat6?The main difference between CAT5e and CAT6 cable is within the speed and frequency. Cat 6 has more bandwidth and can operate with 250mhz frequencies.
- Which is a better cat5e or cat6 cable?
cat 5e is best suited for household network setup. It is also the most competent option, even for a business with fewer network devices. Cat6 is better for midsize and large businesses. The cable can adequately supply the network among more number of devices.