Which cat5 cable

If it is required to cover distances longer than m, the signal can be amplified with repeaters or switches. Most of the times, the cable category is printed on the cable. Multiple characteristics have an influence on the cost of Ethernet cables, the main elements being length, quality, copper content and manufacturer. There are numerous considerations when choosing the right cable.

What is the required network speed: Mbps, Mbps or 10 Gbps? What is the amount of users? With a large amount of users, the frequency of the cable MHz becomes important. Is the cable for indoor or outdoor use?

Does the cable have to be rigid or flexible? Are there possible sources of interference? And so on. In the end, the choice comes down to your application. It is often argued that it is not worth investing in cables with a higher performance, such as CAT6, since the current hardware in the network infrastructure does not require 10 Gbps speeds. But hardware gets upgraded over time; it is much easier to upgrade hardware than to lay in new cables.

The price difference between CAT5e and CAT6 is not high and it is usually a good idea to opt for the better quality cable, thus preparing the network infrastructure and performance for the near future. The facts show that an inferior cabling system can cause up to 70 percent of network downtime even though it usually represents only 5 percent of an initial network investment. Black Box Network Services offers comprehensive communications and infrastructure solutions.

Find out what we can do for you:. If you want faster internet speeds, Cat6 is a good choice. If you are happy with your current internet speeds, however, Cat5 might be all you need.

Besides, Cat5 cables tend to be cheaper than Cat6. More and more companies are using the cloud nowadays, too. If you have moved your server to the cloud — or are thinking about doing so in the future — a Cat5 is probably adequate. This type of cable is reliable, easy to use and does everything you need it to. Typically, Cat6 cables tend to be thicker than Cat5 cables. This might be something to think about if you lack space in your office. The product you choose will depend on your individual business requirements.

If you are happy with your current internet speeds or have moved your server to the cloud, this type of cable is great. If you need more information on the subject, be sure to t alk to a managed IT service provider today. Instead, it could be an issue with your bandwidth, your internet circuit speed, the number of devices in your network, and more.

Still, if you frequently move big files between computers or stream extremely high-bandwidth video, a better Ethernet cable can make a huge difference. A shielded Ethernet cable is covered with a layer of grounded foil that helps prevent electromagnetic interference. In the modern house, with plenty of Wi-Fi signals, Bluetooth connections, and appliance activity, unshielded cables can run into interference and distortion issues.

This is especially true for Ethernet cables that are run for longer distances — so shielding quickly becomes important in more complex setups, which is why it became a mandatory part of the standard. However, more advanced versions may also add a foil shield as an inner layer of the cable sheath, for maximum protection.

A general rule of thumb is that higher numbers represent faster speeds and higher frequencies, measured in megahertz MHz. As is the case with most technologies, newer cables typically support higher bandwidths and therefore increased download speeds and faster connections. Keep in mind that longer Ethernet cables have slower transmission speeds.

Both Cat 3 and Cat 5 Ethernet cables are, at this point, obsolete. You might still find a Cat 5 cable in use, but you should avoid them altogether when buying new.

However, manufacturers build Cat 5e cables under more stringent testing standards to eliminate unwanted signal transfers between communication channels crosstalk. Cat 5e is currently the most commonly used cable, mainly due to its low production cost and support for speeds faster than Cat 5 cables. The Cat 6 Ethernet cable supports higher bandwidths than Cat 5 and Cat 5e cables. Said shielding protects the twisted pairs of wires inside the Ethernet cable, which helps prevent crosstalk and noise interference.

Cat 6 cables technically support speeds up to 10Gbps for up to 55 meters. That speed comes with a price, however, as a Cat 6 cable is more expensive than Cat 5 and Cat 5e variants.

Cat 6a cables come shielded, and their sheathing — which is thick enough to eliminate crosstalk — makes for a much denser, less flexible cable than Cat 6. Cat 7 cables support higher bandwidths and significantly faster transmission speeds than Cat 6 cables by utilizing the newest widely available Ethernet technology.