Ethernet cables promise a wired Internet connection, unbreakable, un-hackable, and fast and efficient. Looking at different types of Ethernet cables though and eventually you run into the difference between Cat5e and Cat6. Both feature exceptional bandwidth speed and noise reduction, however, either or is appropriate for very specific scenarios.

Benefits Of A Cat5e Cable

Future-proof your networking with a Cat5e cable. First introduced in 1999, Cat5e is still used to this day.

At the time of its release, it increased Internet speeds up to 10 times over compared to Cat5 cables. It delivered a more efficient performance, usually with 24-gauge twisted pair wires, supporting gigabit Ethernet for up to 100 metres. An all-around excellent Ethernet cable.

Like Cat6, Cat5e cables use copper, typically twisted four over per cable.

Benefits Of A Cat6 Cable

A Cat6 cable was considered an upgrade over Cat5e in a lot of ways, first released in the early 2000s.

Cat6 Ethernet cables are backwards-compatible with Cat5, Cat5e, and Cat3 standards. Cat6 supports gigabit Ethernet for up to 100 metres but also has the ability to maintain 10-gigabit Ethernet albeit over a very limited distance.

If you decide to tap into 10-gigabit connections, expect the distance to drop to 50-55 metres.

Cat5e or Cat6, Which Is Better?

Both Cat5e and Cat6 are similar in the speed the cable can deliver which is 1,000 Mbps. Most connections are under 500 Mbsp. Having a Cat5e cable is no faster than Cat6.

There is a difference though in the bandwidth. Cat6 supports frequencies up to 250 MHz. Cat5e supports frequencies up to 100 MHz. A Cat6 cable can process more data simultaneously, handling more traffic.

If you are trying to choose an Ethernet cable for a home office, work-from-home space, or a commercial office, something like a Cat5e 24AWG UTP Solid Bulk Cable is an excellent and recommended buy.

Why we’d opt for a Cat5e cable over a Cat6 is simple. Cat6 is often priced higher than Cat5e, unnecessarily so as well when most properties’ networks wouldn’t ever exceed the limitations of Cat5e. While it can seem like a nice thought to invest in a more premium, longer-lasting Ethernet cable, unless you’re running a very big office where there is hardware, infrastructure, and performance that justifies a Cat6 cable, going with a Cat5e cable will knock off a few bucks and show no difference in overall Internet performance.

Buying Ethernet cable for you, have a close look at the difference between Cat5e and Cat6. Choose Ethernet over WiFi for faster, more reliable Internet and buy your cables at PrimeCables.ca today.