When it comes to the Ethernet, you have several choices of cables designed for carrying signals. Among them are Cat 5 Ethernet Cable and Cat 5e Ethernet Cable. Both serve the same purpose but with varying degrees of efficiency.
What is Cat 5 Ethernet Cable?
Cat 5 is short for category 5. It is the fifth standard as approved by the Electronic Industries Association (EIA) and Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA). This older type of Ethernet consists of four pairs of copper wires twisted together to provide carrying of signals for Ethernet computer networks. It can handle both Fast (up to 100 Mbps) and Gigabit Ethernet speeds. In general, the cables are unshielded. The twisted pair design helps to reduce noise although one issue of crosstalk (interference between/among various signals) still remains.
You can chose from two types of Cat 5 Ethernet Cable. These are:
- Solid – designed to work at its maximum potential in office building s and other buildings with fixed wiring configuration. This solid version is capable of longer length runs than the stranded Cap 5 variety
- Stranded – this is better for patch and other similar situations where movable cabling is required. While more pliable, stranded Cat 5 is best for shorter length runs
Connectors include modular connectors and punch down blocks. The cable itself has a maximum recommended run length typical of all kinds of twisted pair cabling sanctioned by the EIA and TIA. For Cat 5 Ethernet Cable this is 328 feet or 100 m.
While Cat 5 is used more frequently for Ethernet signals, it is also capable of carrying those from video and telephony.
What is Cat 5e Ethernet Cable?
Cat 5e has been surpassed by 5e. This enhanced or improved version of Cat 5 Ethernet Cable and features enhanced specifications. Nevertheless, it does the same job – although it is a little faster and is characterized by less interference. In fact, Cat 5e can support around 1000 Mbps gigabit Ethernet speeds. It is able to reduce the amount of crosstalk.
Which Cable to Choose?
The natural thing is to prefer the latest version of Ethernet cable. Cat 5 Ethernet Cable and Cat 5 e Ethernet Cable, by many, are now considered dinosaurs. This is particularly true since newer technologies such as Cat 6 cables are now on the marketplace. However, the Cat 5 Ethernet Cable still remains popular as it is both affordable and capable of suitably high speeds for many local wired area networks (LANs).
If you are looking to purchase a Cat 5 Ethernet Cable, you can find this type and other Ethernet connectors at Cables.com. We carry a large supply of cables and other connective devices. Feel free to contact us anytime at http://www.cables.com/.
