Everything you need to know while choosing from amongst Category5, Cat5e, and Cat6 cables

Network cables are hardware devices that connect one network device to the other network devices. Network cables are categorized into coaxial cable, optical fiber cable, and twisted paired cables depending upon different factors like size, topology, physical layer, etc. Based upon the distances, they are separated into two forms Ethernet and Internet. 

Different types of network cable

Ethernet networking is commonly used in local area networks, metropolitan area networks, and wide-area networks. Devices can be separated by limited distance through Ethernet. There are various ethernet cables- Category5, cat5e, and Cat 6 network cables are twisted pair ethernet cables. Choosing the right option among these can be difficult as each of them has different and unique features.

Here are some tips which could help you to choose the right choice of network cables.

Category5 network cables  

Cat5 ethernet cables are twisted pair network cables for computer networks. This cable standard provides performance that transmits up to 100 MHz. Cat5 is also used for other signal connections like telephones and video. It is connected using modular connectors and punch-down blocks. It is mostly unshielded with a 100m cable length. Category5 cable is used in structural cabling. 

Its frequency ranges up to 100MHz, and it is best suitable for 10BASE-T, 100BASE-T, 1000BASE-T, 2.5GBASE-T, and 5GBASE-T. When you need to carry two conventional lines and 100BASE-T in a single cable, this Cat5 is the most preferred option. The DC loop resistance of Cat5 is 0.188 ohm\m. The maximum tensile load during installation is 100N. The cable wire diameter is up to 0.51mm. 

Its operating temperature is between -55 to 60 degrees Celsius. And the maximum DC of the operating voltage of Cat5 is 125 volt. Materials used in the insulation of Cat5 cables are polyethylene, fluorinated ethylene propylene, low smoke zero halogens. Cat5 cables are easily available in local appliances stores and on online sites. But this cable has been outdated as other high efficient cables came on the market.

Cat5e network cables

Cat5e cables are unshielded cables whose maximum transmission speed is 1000Mbps or 1Gbps. Compared to Cat5 cables, Cat5e provides high speed and a better connectivity network. Cat5e cable is ten times faster than the speed of Cat5 cables. Its frequency range is similar to that of Cat5. Its cable length is up to 100 meters. It is even used in carrying signals for telephones and video. 

Cat5e cable has reduced interference compared to Cat5e so that it can deliver gigabit speeds reliably. It is backwardly compatible with Cat5 and can be used in any application. So, if you ever plan to operate gigabit ethernet speed, then Cat5e is the right choice. Cat5e is easily affordable and available in local stores. You can buy Cat5e cables through online sites where you can choose from multiple choices.

Cat 6 network cables

When you need a complete standardized twisted pair cable for Ethernet connection, Cat 6 network cables are the best option. The features of Cat 6 network cables are more specialized and advanced compared to Cat5 and Cat5e. The maximum frequency range of Cat 6 is up to 500MHz. The cable length of Cat 6 network cables comes in two different lengths, 100m length for slower network speed and 55m for higher speed network. 

It is mainly used in computer networks. It is supported by Ethernet networks – 10BASET, 100BASE-TX, 1000BASE-T, 10GBASE-T. When you opt for a faster speed network and reliable transmission Cat 6 network must be preferred. Cat 6 network cables support high-speed media streaming, digital audio and video network security, faster transmission, and streaming online video games. 

Cat6 network cables are more expensive than Cat5 cables and Cat5e cables because of their advanced features. Buy cat6 cable online at affordable prices because buying it from local appliances stores can be expensive. When you buy cat6 cable online, you get a better discount in price, and its features are explained in a detailed manner. Various certified and verified brands are available with details like connector type, cable type, color, brand, etc., to make your right choice.

Final words

You can easily choose the best network cables among Cat5, Cat5e, and Cat 6 network cables by the above features. It will guide you to select the best one according to your needs. These features of the cables will provide relevant information. To get more ideas about the network cables, you can visit Cables.com. 


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