what is the difference between cat5e and cat6 wire

The world of networking and communication technologies is hard to keep up with, especially when it comes to the types of cables and wires used. One of the most common types in use today are CAT5e and CAT6 Ethernet cabling - both used for connecting devices over a local area network (LAN).

Though similar in appearance and technical setup, there are key differences between the two cables that might help decide which is the more suitable option for your network.

The main difference between CAT5e and CAT6 cables is speed. CAT5e is rated for up to 1 Gigabit per second (Gbps) speeds, while CAT6 is capable of up to 10 Gbps - ten times faster. That makes CAT6 the preferred choice for organizations that require high-speed data transfers or advanced multimedia capabilities. CAT6 also has stricter specification standards for crosstalk and system noise - two factors which could lead to decreased performance and signal degradation.

Additionally, CAT6 is available in slim versions, called augmented CAT6 cables, which are designed to fit in tighter spaces where regular CAT6 cables would be too thick. CAT6a cables also have more shielding, which not only helps protect from electromagnetic interference (EMI) but also allows for transmission up to 100 metres in length without the need of a signal booster.

In conclusion, if you’re looking for maximum speed and flexibility, CAT6 is the better choice. However, CAT5e is still the most commonly used cable due to its affordability and compatibility with existing networks. To decide which would best suit your needs, it’s important to consider the nature of your network, the equipment used, and the amount of data that needs to be transferred.

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