When working with Ethernet Cables, we hear the word CAT5e Cable and CAT6 Cable, so what exactly is the real difference? Those two cables are known as twisted pair copper cable, both have 8 individual insulated copper wires and are both normally terminated with an RJ-45 connector. So what is the large deal?
The initial Ethernet data standards used copper coaxial cable to transfer data about the early packet switched networks.
10Base5
10Base5 networks used fairly stiff 0.375 inch, 50 ohm impedance coaxial cable, and was often characterised by its Creamy Yellow external insulated coating. It had been often attached to the wall similar to a Dado Rail and it was referred to as Thick Ethernet. It absolutely was made to pass Ethernet signals at 10 Mbps over the maximum distance of 500 metres, which may be extended as much as 2500 metres using 4 repeaters.
10Base2
10Base2 networks utilised 50 ohm impedance coaxial cable which was much thinner plus more flexible than 10Base5, though the Ethernet signals were still built to be transmitted over this medium at 10 Mbps, albeit over a much shorter distance of around 185 metres, that could be extended as much as 925 metres with the addition of 4 repeaters. Both 10Base5 and 10Base2 standards have become largely obsolete and twisted pair cable is the normal wired network medium.
Twisted Pair Ethernet Cable
10BaseT was made during the early 1980s also it mainly used Category 3 cable for transmissions around 10 Mbs over distances approximately 100 metres. Ethernet standards evolved to include faster data rate transmission along with the 10BaseTx 100 Mbps and 1000Baset 1000 Mbps standards were introduced. Cat3 cable was no longer had sufficient bandwidth a reaction to handle these faster technologies therefore, the Cat5 and Cat5e cable standards were introduced which allowed data speeds at around 100 Mbps and 1000 Mbps respectively. The main Cat5 standard was fine for the 100BaseTx transmissions but was quickly superseded by Cat5e because the 1000BaseT standard became commonplace.
So what is the difference between CAT5e and CAT6 Cable? Well the cables are constructed in the likewise manner with 4 copper pairs, making 8 wires altogether. Each couple of wires are colour coded and twisted around one another in lessening Crosstalk. The Cat5e cable is rated approximately 100Mhz and supports up to 1 Gigabit Ethernet, as the Cat6 cable is rated as much as 250Mhz and will support 10 Gigabit Ethernet signals.
Cat6 Ethernet Cable has over 2 twists per centimetre whereas Cat5e Ethernet Cable merely has 1.5 to two twists per centimetre. As a result Cat6 Cable better protects against Crosstalk. Another difference would be that the sheath thickness can also be greater comparing Cat6 with Cat5e. Some of the Category 6 cables also have a Nylon Spine as well as the mixture of this spine and also the thicker sheath protect against Near End Crosstalk (NEXT) and Alien Crosstalk (AXT), which can increase because frequency increases.
Most Ethernet Cables in use are UTP (Unshielded Twisted Pair), because they would be the cables recommended to use between your peripheral devices like computers and the wall socket. STP (Shielded Twisted Pair) Cables are recommended for use for outdoor installations as well as for cable runs inside internal walls.
Stranded cables will be more flexible and they are often useful for computer to wall socket and then for general home network use, but often businesses usually like the solid cables in terms of the wiring inside walls and wiring ducts due to its superior strength and enhanced network performance.
In conclusion, Category 5 enhanced cables are sufficient for some applications for increases one Gigabit per second, however if you simply anticipate the application of 10 Gbps Ethernet in the future then Category 6 cable will future proof your investment. Also Category 6 cable, even at the 1 Gbps speeds can give enhanced protection against errors.
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