Probably, the first time you heard the words “Cat5” and “Cat6,” you thought of the small domestic animal. Well, this article is not about domestic animals.
The term “cat” in this article is an abbreviation for “category.” Cat5 and Cat6 are Ethernet cables. Due to the ever-changing pace of technology, Ethernet cables are continuously upgraded.
Cat5 and Cat6 are the most efficient cables used for networking globally. Although they are similar, this article will discuss their differences.
However, before discussing the differences, let’s get a virtual picture of Cat5 and Cat6.
Cat5
Cat5 is also called Category5. This cable comes in an un-shielded but twisted pair configuration typical for standard Ethernet computer networking cables.
However, in today’s world, Cat5 is quite outdated as it handles a speed of 100Mbps and supports up to 100MHz frequencies.
Due to its limitations, Cat5 was upgraded, and Cat5e was introduced. Cat5e means Category5 Enhanced. As the name suggests, this cable is an upgraded version of Cat5.
This upgraded version reduces signal and noise interference with more stringent specifications for crosstalk. Although Cat5e’s bandwidth remains at 100 MHz, it has an increased transfer speed of 350mbps.
This is a significant upgrade compared to the 100Mbps transfer speed of Cat5.
Cat6
Cat6 is more efficient than Cat5 and Cat5e. Though all three cable types have specification plugs that enter the same ports, Cat6 specifications are built according to the new industry standard for networking.
It comes in thick plastic, reducing signal interference significantly faster than Cat5 and Cat5e.
It has a transfer speed of 1Gbps (1000Mbps) and supports up to 250MHz frequencies. This reduces crosstalk, creating a more reliable network.
Unlike older cables, which are limited by crosstalk, Cat6 virtually eliminates crosstalk. As a result, speed is maintained at larger distances, even up to 100 meters.
Although the maximum length for 1Gbps is 55 meters, an augmented version of Cat6 has been created over the years.
Its specifications help stream HD videos and media-heavy websites (e.g., social networking sites) and manage massive data. It has a transfer speed of 1Gbps and a bandwidth of 500MHz.
Unlike Cat6, it can transfer 1Gbps data for a longer length. However, it is less flexible and is recommended for industrial networking solutions instead of residential ones.
Differences Between Cat5 and Cat6
1. Bandwidth and Frequency
Although both Cat5 and Cat6 are standardized Ethernet cables, their transmission performance differs.
Cat5 has a 10/100Mbps speed at a bandwidth of 100MHz. In contrast, Cat6 has a rate of 1000Mbps at a bandwidth of 250MHz, which is more reliable.
Cat5 is generally recommended for residential and smaller areas, while Cat6 is ideal for large and industrial areas.
2. Safety Margins
Cat6 has a thick-gauge plastic, which enables it to transfer data at a longer distance without interference with the signal and speed.
Cat5 lacks this modification. It is limited by crosstalk, making it not the ideal cable for tackling crosstalk issues.
3. Coverage and Speed
Cat5 covers quite a distance, up to 100 meters, with lesser speed than Cat6. In contrast, Cat6 covers a greater distance than Cat5 and maintains the same rate across space. Cat6 has faster internet and internal speed than Cat5.
4. Diameter of Wire
Airflow is one of the significant considerations in a data center. Adding more cable to the patch area will restrict the airflow needed to cool the servers and equipment.
Cat5 is narrower, having a diameter of 0.204 inches, while Cat6 has a broader diameter of 0.250 inches.
5. Number of Twists of Wire
Twists of the wire in a cable also affect performance. Cat5 has one and a half to two twists per centimeter, while Cat6 has more tightly wound ropes featuring two or more twists per centimeter.
6. Cost
Cat6 is more expensive than Cat5, with about a 10%-20% increase in price compared to the cost of Cat5.
7. Crosstalk
Cat5 is not ideal for crosstalk issues as it does not tackle it, while Cat6’s protective shield is designed to reduce crosstalk, virtually eliminating it.
8. Future of Data
Cat5 is an outdated cabling system that used to be the backbone of residential infrastructures.
While Cat6 is the future of cabling, adhering to the highest industry-standard specifications will help businesses stay ahead of the curve in the coming years.
Both cables are efficient, depending on their usage. For instance, for home appliances such as gaming consoles, smart TVs, printers, etc., which need network cables, you can use Cat5 or Cat5e.
They are more than capable of managing the bandwidth for those appliances. Cat5e is more likely to support a speed faster than the internet connection can provide.
Cat6 is the best choice for commercial and industrial applications such as transferring large files, 3D Auto-CAD files, edited videos, etc.
It is noteworthy that Cat5 and Cat6 have RJ-45 modular plugs on each end. These plugs look the same and have eight-position gold-plated conductors.
This allows both cables to be plugged into the same Ethernet jack on a patch panel, computer, router, etc.
