Category 5e (Category 5 enhanced) Ethernet cables are newer than category 5cables and support faster, more reliable data transmission through networks. CAT5 cable is able to transmit data at 10 to 100Mbps speeds, while the newer CAT5e cable should be able to work at up to 1000Mbps. The CAT5e cable is also better than the CAT5 at ignoring "crosstalk," or interference from the wires within the cable itself. Though CAT6 and CAT7 cables exist and can work at even faster speeds, CAT5e cables will work for most small networks.
3. Introduction
Category 5e (Category 5 enhanced) Ethernet cables are newer than
category 5cables and support faster, more reliable data transmission
through networks. CAT5 cable is able to transmit data at 10 to 100Mbps
speeds, while the newer CAT5e cable should be able to work at up to
1000Mbps. The CAT5e cable is also better than the CAT5 at ignoring
"crosstalk," or interference from the wires within the cable itself. Though
CAT6 and CAT7 cables exist and can work at even faster speeds, CAT5e
cables will work for most small networks.
4. How to
Identify
Most Ethernet cables have the cabling category printed on the
cable, with the print typically displaying how much bandwidth the
cable can transmit. Telling cable categories apart by coloring or
thickness can be difficult and unreliable. To be certain of which
cable category you are buying, check the printed information.
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5. Wiring
Ethernet cables like the CAT5 and CAT5e use twisted-pair wiring to
decrease electromagnetic interference and crosstalk between the
wires themselves. The main difference between the CAT5 and
CAT5e wiring comes down to specification. CAT5e cables have more
stringent requirements than the CAT5 when it comes to the
tightness of the wire twisting; more tightly twisted wiring equals less
crosstalk interference.
