Cat 5e

For those not familiar with different types of Ethernet cables available for networks and connect their computers to the Internet, making the choice between Cat-5 Cat-5e and Cat 6 cables can be a bit confusing . You must first understand the differences between each version, as well as to address various terms related to the industry.

With the term "cat" is short for "category", the numbers and letters to follow are all used to indicate performance. These designations make performance easier to choose the right type for various purposes such as networking computers together or by using devices including hubs and routers.

The three types of cables, Cat 5, Cat-5e and Cat-6, are composed of four pairs of UTP (unshielded twisted pair), but the amount of the transmission cable will be able to support is his rating category.

The Original CAT-5

An old industry standard, CAT-5 is capable of carrying up to 100 MHz and is still widely used for a variety of applications, although most new installations use Cat-5e or better.

Able to support 10/100 Ethernet and Fast Ethernet, CAT-5 is upward compatible with version Cat-5e. However, keep in mind that your network connections will be fast and reliable as its slowest component, not the fastest of her, unless of course they are all equal in this regard.

Cat-5e cable improved

With improved durability over Cat-5, the protective outer covering of Cat-5e cable is thicker and therefore more suitable and reliable for situations rather than its earlier counterpart. There are several other differences between this version and its predecessor, including its backward compatibility, because it will work with 10BaseT or 100Base T network hubs and cards. It is also less cross-talk "or electronic interference with Cat-5e, as opposed to CAT-5 Thanks to improved signal capabilities.

In terms of bandwidth, Cat-5e supports gigabit Ethernet connections up to 350MHz, 100MHz more than triple a CAT-5 cable.

Remember Cat-5e cable is not rated for outdoor use, even if many people without incident. If you must use this cable to the outside, add a line such as PVC to keep the humidity. The operating temperature safely for Cat-5e cable varies from -10 degrees Celsius to 60 degrees Celsius.

In addition, with this particular type cable, 100 meters is the maximum length you can use the cable without the benefit of either a network bridge, hub or amplifier boosting the signal.

Generally, if you are unsure as to type, you must purchase either Cat 5 or Cat-5e, opt for the latter choice because of its backward compatibility and improved overall performance .

The latest Cable Cat-6

Certified and specially designed for use Gigabit Cat-6 cable reduces crosstalk, even more than its predecessor by improving on the original Cat-5 version with son containing additional twists.

Using Cat-6 cable does not guarantee that the network will be a full gigabit network to make it happen each and every element must be certified Gigabit. Unless your network meets these criteria, opt for Cat-5e, which will provide speeds of high quality while saving money in the process.

For quick reference, here are the ratings from different cables:

- Cat-5 100MHz
- Cat-5e 350 MHz
- N-6 550MHz