If you are looking to install a reliable and fast Ethernet cabling, think cat6 cable. It is more advanced than cat5 and cat5e. Before you purchase a cat6 cable, make sure you know what you need it for. Remember, both cat5e and cat6 cable are Ethernet cables used for transmitting data. If you need cables to transmit video data and digital audio from your PC to your TV, then use Hdmi cable. So, if you are in need of Ethernet cable, but are not sure if you should get a cat5 or cat6 cable, here are the main differences between the two.
- Both cat5e and cat6 cable contain four twisted pairs of copper wire, but only cat6 cable utilizes all four to support Gigabit Ethernet networking. Cat5e uses only two.
- Cat6 cable has better performance and supports higher communication speed because it transmits 1000 Mbps. Cat5e transmits up to 100 Mbps.
- Cat5e cable supports Fast Ethernet and Gigabit Ethernet but cannot support Gigabit speed.
- Cat6 cable can perform up to 250 Mhz and cat5e up to 100 Mhz with the help of a longitudinal separator in the wiring which isolates the wires from each other. However, cat6 cable features specifications that allow lower interference and improve the level of crosstalk.
- What differs cat6 cable from cat5e is the plastic t-shaped separator which cuts down the interference between the pairs and allows better and faster connection.
- If you need to transfer data up to 15 m, it is best to use an HDMI cable. If you need to use longer cable that exceeds 15 m, get cat6 cable in order to avoid any potential problems.
- Streaming video and multimedia requires faster data rates which cat6 cable has thanks to the higher bandwidth. Cat6 cable has better transmission performance that provides higher communication speed and better resolution which is why it is better than cat5e.
- It is better to install cat6 cable since it will cost more to install cat5e and replace it with better cabling later on.
- Both cat5e and cat6 cable have maximum length up to 100 meters.
- Another reason why use cat6 over cat5e, is the fact that cat6 cable has tighter twist that gives the ability to transmit more data.
