The first generation of Ethernet cables, known as Cat1, was introduced in 1983. This network cable was designed to enable people to send data as voice in telephone networks at 1Mbps. To support gigabit speeds, other more efficient network cables were introduced—a good example is Cat5e, which was introduced in 2001 to provide crosstalk performance. Shortly after, Cat6 was introduced to give more headroom to businesses that require better internet speeds.
Depending on your business needs, both Cat5e and Cat6 network cabling may be ideal for you. As you read on, you’ll discover how to choose between the two network cables today.
Here’s what you should know about Cat5e
Cat5e, also known as Category 5e, is a cable type that features a bandwidth of 350MHz and supports speeds up to 1Gbps. This cable supports a maximum distance of 328ft without signal interference. Cat5e cables are made of four pairs of copper wires, which are twisted together to lower interference and crosstalk.
Pros
One key benefit of using Cat 5e cables for your business operations is that it’s cost-effective, especially when compared to high-end cables like Cat 6. Since Cat 5e network cabling services are cheaper, they are certainly ideal if you’re on a budget.
Furthermore, many people favour Cat5e cables because of their backward compatibility—they support older or existing network systems and ports. With these cables, you won’t have issues selecting adapters or buying converters for your business operations. Furthermore, these cables are highly flexible and easy to install.
Cons
Cat5e cables also have their drawbacks—one such is that they only support limited speed. They offer low network performance. Also, you’ll only find them effective for minimal data transfer.
Here’s what you should know about Cat6
Like Cat5e, Cat6 cables also come with copper cables. These wires are twisted to improve data transfer at high speeds, over long distances. Cat6 is more of an upgrade to Cat5e, as it comes with a higher bandwidth capacity and supports higher speeds, up to 10Gbps at a maximum distance of 55m or 180 ft.
Pros
Cat 6 cables have many advantages over Cat5e network cables. One advantage of Cat6 is that it offers faster speeds, which is necessary to achieve higher network performance. Besides, Cat6 is highly reliable, as it is less susceptible to noise and crosstalk when compared to Cat5e. The lower the interference and crosstalk, the more enhanced the signal stability and quality you get to achieve.
Cons
As with other network cables out there, Cat6 cables also have their drawbacks. First, these cables have compatibility issues. You can’t use them directly with your older network devices and ports. You’ll need to invest in new adapters or converters to be able to use them for your business operations.
Compatibility aside, Cat 6 cables can also be expensive, especially when compared with Cat5e cables. To use them, you need to have plans in place to cater to their high maintenance costs and network expenses. That’s not all; Cat6 cables also have flexibility issues. They are thicker, less flexible, and slightly harder to install than Category 5e cables.
Work with experts at Layer Logix
Over to you to make a smart decision regarding the ideal cable for your business—Cat5e or Cat6? If you still struggle to pick the right option, then you can consider the following factors:
- First, you need to check the size of your facility.
- Other factors worth considering include:
- Your data type
- Number of users
- Do you operate with a lot of motors and generators, which can cause interference?
- Do you want to future-proof your space?
Your answer to the aforementioned factors can help you choose the right cables. For instance, if you only have a small office of 2-3 people, Cat5e cables are perfect. If you’re looking for something that’ll cater to your future needs, Cat6 is perfect. You can speak with experts at Layer Logix today to better understand the importance of choosing the right network cabling services for your business.