Ethernet cable is one of the most commonly used network cables for home as well as for any other business complex. Ethernet cables have been named as Cat 5 or Cat 5e or Cat 6. Cat means ‘Category’ and the number that follows the word ‘Cat’ represents the generation or the specification of the cable.
A Cat 6 Ethernet cables or a Category 6 cables is sixth-generation twisted pair cable used especially in a gigabyte (Gb) Ethernet-based computer networks. Electronic Industries Association and Telecommunication Industries Association (EIA/TIA) came up with this Ethernet cable concept in 2002.
Cat 5e or Category 5e cables are developed Cat 5 Ethernet cables. There are no materialistic differentiations between Cat 5 and Cat 5e Ethernet cables. But the former was built under more rigid testing levels to abolish crosstalk. Cat 5e Cables are much more substantial compared to Cat 5 cable.
Know What is Crosstalk?
In simple terms, Crosstalk refers to the unwelcoming transfer or rather disconcerting diversions of signals between communication channels. Electronic gadgets emit electromagnetic signals. Cables, located at closer proximities interfere with one another. This trespassing is known as ‘Crosstalk’. And needless to say, such disruptions cause problems like error increments.
A newer category of Ethernet cables like Cat 6 Ethernet lower the repercussions of crosstalk through various processes. This includes highly developed shielding and designing of the cables.
Similarities and Contrasting Elements Cat 5e and Cat 6
Both Cat 5e and Cat 6 cables have the same end piece. They can be plugged into the same ports. This particular type of end is known as RJ-45. This end type is capable of getting plugged into any Ethernet jack in a router, computer or any other similar device. This feature does not seem to change in the near future. Cat 5e and Cat 6 both use 4 twisted pairs of cables.
On the other hand, the fundamental difference lies in their proficiency, the methods and the materials used to manufacture them. Cat 6 cables provide less crosstalk compared to 5e cables. Category 6 Ethernet cables also offer a higher signal-to-noise ratio and are compatible for 10GBASE-T ethernet. Cat 5e support up to 1000BASE-T.
The performance speed of Cat 6 cables is 250 MHz which is much higher than the speed of Cat 5e Ethernet cables which is only 100 MHz. Consequently, Cat 6 Ethernet cables is costlier than Cat 5e cables.
7 Pertinent Facts You Must Learn About Cat 5e Ethernet Cables
Cat 5e cables are one of the top-rated products available in the tech market. Many companies are releasing a number of new Ethernet cables in the market but a bunch of users still embrace Cat 5e cables. This is because 5e cables serve many purposes. CCTV installation, Internet connection, multi-line phone systems and other pieces of equipment use this cable connection.
Following are some important facts that will help you derive a detailed insight about Cat 5e Ethernet cables
1. Cat 5e is Different From Cat 5
The letter ‘e’ in Cat 5e represents the term ‘enhanced’ revealing much about how it is distinguishable from a typical Cat 5 cable. Cat 5e offers lesser crosstalk than Cat 5 cables. 5e cables are the most common ones in the market just because of their high-performance level.
2. Using Shielding is Strictly Forbidden
Cat 5e cables do not have any shielding. Instead, it depends on the balanced line twisted pair design and differential signaling for noise cancellation. In some cases, they are provided with electromagnetic shielding.
3. Maximum Length of Cat 5e Cable is Not More Than 100 Meters
Cat 5e Ethernet cables come in different lengths but it does not exceed 100 meters as per Electronic Industries Association and Telecommunication Industries Association (EIA/TIA) 568-5-A. If the length of the cable is more than 100 meters, then you should use a switch to be sure about the quality of the connection.
4. Cat 5e Cables Reduces the Risks of Crosstalks
As mentioned above, the crosstalk factor is one of the basic points that discriminates Cat 5e from Cat 5 Ethernet cables. Manufacturers made 5e cables with highly improved quality. Cat 5e cables are definitely more effective in reducing the rate of crosstalk than Cat 5 cables. Although, Cat 6 cables provide even lesser crosstalk.
5. Cable Insulation
Poly Vinyl Chloride (PVC) or Low Smoke Zero Halogen (LSOH) mediums are the only insulating materials in Category 5e Ethernet cables.
6. Conductors
5e Ethernet cables consist of four pairs of twisted copper wire terminated by RJ45 connectors. The conductors of these cables are fixed between 22 American Wire Gauge (AWG) and not less than 24 AWG standards.
7. Comes in Myriad Colors
Cat 5e cables come in many different colors. This feature helps you to know the role of each and every connector. Companies with enormous IT infrastructures use these Category cables as they are deficient of time to troubleshoot problems.
Accordingly, network personnel installs these cables by arranging these cables as per their operations. For instance, you can use VN-L151 cable where, for the connection, you can use the blue-white pair and use the green-white pair for the entrance/access point.
Concluding Remarks
You will surely find this comprehensive piece helpful enough to know various facts about Cat5e Ethernet cables. Now, you know why this Category cable is better in many aspects. Till date, VN-L151 has proved itself unmatched in the market of Cat 6 ethernet cables.
Let us know in the comment section below if this comprehensive study of Category 5e Ethernet cable was helpful enough.