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The decision of whether to use Category 5e, 6 or 6a cables to wire your Ethernet network pretty much comes down to cost, data transfer speed and connection distance. All use RJ45 connectors to patch into your network via server, router, computer or other hardware. As well, all support Power over Ethernet (PoE). Otherwise, each cable has a different standard.Cat5e (Category 5 enhanced) is the least expensive, but also the slowest.
It supports data transfer speeds up to one Gigabit per second (Gbps) at 100 MHz up to 328 feet. Crosstalk among the wires within the cable is reduced, resulting in less interference and less chance of transmission error. Certainly, it will provide capable performance for most of today’s applications, but Cat5e also leaves less opportunity for upgrading in the future.Cat6 is pricier and faster than Cat5e, but also limited by distance. Cat6 supports data transfer speeds up to 10 Gbps at 250 MHz with even less (or no) crosstalk interference, due to the cable’s improved insulation. However, its 10 Gbps speed is effective only up to 164 feet. Despite this limitation, Cat6 cabling is more qualified to handle the fast pace of Gigabit Ethernet networks. It’s likely Cat6 will eventually replace HDMI as the audio/video transmission standard in the future.If you’re looking to set yourself up for a successful long-term Gigabit Ethernet network, Cat6a (Category 6 augmented) is the right choice.
Cat 5e Vs Cat 6. Technically both Ethernet cable Cat 5e and Cat 6 twisted with a different colour of pair cables that used to Copper. Both the cable utilizes for the same end port piece that commonly known as RJ-45. It is surely capable of plugging into any of Ethernet Jack either on a computer, router, smart TV or another similar device as a. Cat5e Vs Cat6 Overview. Cat5e became the standard network cable in the early 2000s. At the time of its introduction, the Cat5e was able to offer speeds 10x faster than the existing Cat5 cable, as well as being less affected by crosstalk. The Cat6 cable followed shortly after, boasting further improvements to both speed and performance.
Yes, it’s more expensive than Cat5e or Cat6, but the hardware you’ll be connecting to your network will only become more sophisticated—not less—as technology grows. Cat6a supports the same 10 Gbps transmission speed as Cat6, but up to 328 feet and at 500 MHz. And, of course, with even less crosstalk than Cat6.Also to ConsiderData rates double every 18 months. While Cat5e will likely provide the necessary performance you’re looking for, you may decide that future-proofing your network with Cat6 or Cat6a cabling is a safer bet.It should be noted that network transmission speed depends on all the components within your network.
The transmission speed rating for each standard is theoretical. So, a legacy device that is incapable of Gigabit speeds won’t be able to attain Gigabit speeds just because you use a faster cable.
In the era of information explosion, almost everyone can get access to the Internet, and almost everywhere is loaded with the. But you may be unaware of the fact that Cat5e/Cat6/Cat6a/Cat7 Ethernet network cables, though look like the same, actually are totally different. Here, this post will focus on Cat5e vs Cat6 vs Cat6a vs Cat7. May it help with your choice in selecting the appropriate category of cable to support your network.Cat5e VS Cat6As regard with Cat5e vs Vat6, both of them are twisted pair cables, performing the same job. They all have the same style RJ-45 plug, and it is capable of plugging into an Ethernet jack on a computer, router, or other similar devices. Despite all the similarities, they do have some differences as shown in the following chart: Features/CategoriesSpeed1000Mbps10 Gbps over 37-55 meters of cableFrequency100MHz250 MHzMaximum Cable Length100 meters100 meters for slower network speeds (up to 1,000 Mbps) and higher network speeds over short distances. For Gigabit Ethernet, 55 meters maxStandard Gauges in Conductors24-26 AWG wire22-24 AWG wirePerformanceCat6Cat6aCat6Cat6a (crosstalk) Cat7the least amount of crosstalkStandardTIA/EIA recognition and standardsTIA/EIA recognition and standardsNo TIA/EIA recognitionBest Usehouseholdshouseholdsmultiple applications or officesAs is shown in this chart, Cat6 supports speeds up to 10 Gigabit Ethernet and frequencies of up to 250MHz and can be achieved with the distance of 33-55 meters.
Cat6a can support bandwidth frequencies of up to 500 MHz, twice the amount of Cat6 cable, and can also support 10Gbps like its predecessor. While Cat7 supports bandwidth frequencies of up to 600 MHz. It also supports 10GBASE-T Ethernet over the full 100 meters like Cat6a. Besides, it features improved crosstalk noise reduction compared to Cat6 and Cat6a. Cat5e, Cat6, and Cat6a are all equipped with RJ45 connectors but requires special GigaGate45 (CG45) connectors. The Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA) and Electronic Industries Alliance (EIA) have set standards for wires and cabling, which help standardize installation and performance.
At this time, Cat6 and Cat6a are recognized by TIA/EIA standards, but Cat7 is not. With respect to the best application, Cat6 and Cat6a are suitable for home use. On the contrary, if you’re running multiple applications, or using it in a business environment, you’d better choose Cat7 cables because these can support multiple applications with fewer errors and less crosstalk. ConclusionThis article reveals some comparisons between Cat5e vs Cat6, Cat6a vs Cat7, covering speed, frequency, performance, etc. They all have different features, performances, and applications. So if you are considering installing Ether cable, be sure to take these factors into consideration, and opt for the one suited to your need most.Related Article.