What's the Difference Between Cat 5e and Cat 6 Ethernet Cables?

Cables.com carries Category 5e, Category 6, Category 6A, Category 7, and Category 8 ethernet cables. Category6 network patch cords are considered today's standard for ethernet connections, but Cat 5e cables are suitable for many applications.

When setting up a network, choosing the right Ethernet cable is essential for achieving optimal performance. Two popular options are Cat5e and Cat6 cables. While they may look similar, their performance and capabilities differ in several key areas. Let's take a look at how Cat5e and Cat6 cables compare and what each offers.

Cat5e Ethernet Cables

Cat5e (Category 5 Enhanced) cables support speeds up to 1 Gbps (gigabit per second) and a bandwidth of 100 MHz. This is generally sufficient for most home and small business setups that don’t require extremely high speeds.

Our Category 5e ethernet cablesare an updated version of the Cat 5 cables that revolutionized networking in the 1990s. The difference is that Cat5e cable can handle speeds of up to 350 MBPS, whereas the regular Cat 5 cables can only handle speeds up to 100 MBPs. Cat5e cables are reliable at high speeds. Cat5e cables are the best alternative to Cat6 or Cat7 cables when you need high speed data and gigabit Ethernet for your organization's network.

Datacomm Cables (Cables.com) is one of the leading online suppliers of professional-quality Category 5e (CAT 5e/CAT5e) Patch Cables with Snagless Boots. Our Cat5e cables offer 350 MHz performance and long-lasting durability thanks to our thickly insulated outer jackets and molded snagless boot designs. They come in variety of standard lengths, from three-feet to 200-feet, and in as many as nine different color options.

Cat6 Ethernet Cables

Cat6 (Category 6) cables offer improved performance with speeds up to 10 Gbps over short distances (up to about 55 meters) and a bandwidth of 250 MHz. This makes Cat6 better suited than Cat5e for applications requiring higher speeds, such as streaming high-definition content, gaming, and supporting multiple users on a network. One of the major improvements in Cat6 cables is the reduction in crosstalk, which is unwanted signal interference from nearby cables. Cat6 cables feature tighter twists and additional shielding options that help reduce this interference. This means more stable connections, especially in environments where multiple cables run close to each other. While Cat5e cables also incorporate some anti-interference features, they aren’t as effective as Cat6 when it comes to managing higher data rates and preventing crosstalk, particularly in dense setups.

For standard gigabit connections, both Cat5e and Cat6 can perform well up to 100 meters. However, when pushing Cat6 to its 10 Gbps limits, the effective range shortens to around 55 meters. This distance limitation is something to consider if you’re planning on running longer cables within a building and want the full benefit of Cat6’s faster speeds. Cat5e cables don’t support speeds beyond 1 Gbps, so if you’re expecting to increase network speeds in the future, upgrading to Cat6 might be more beneficial in the long run.

Upgrade and future-proof your network now with Cat6 Ethernet cable available at cables.com. Cat6 cables offer lightning-fast speeds of up to 10 Gigabits and bandwidth up to 550 MHz. Category 6 network cables, also known as Cat6, are the industry standard for networking cable offering up to twice the performance of Cat5 or Category 5e cables, and are gigabit rated. All Category 6 ethernet cables will work with POE (Power over Ethernet) Devices. No special cabling is needed.

Consider our Bootless Cat6 Ethernet Cables. Bootless Ethernet Cables ensure a snug fit in all receptacles for all applications including high density network switches, where they are recommended. Cat6 Cables are used in Data Centers, network cabinets, and offices to connect printers, computers, PoE (Power Over Internet) switches. We offer a structured cabling solution to help you maintain an efficient work environment.

Which Ethernet Cable Should I Choose?

Cat5e cables are generally less expensive than Cat6. If you’re setting up a basic network that doesn’t need high-speed data transfer, Cat5e can be a budget-friendly choice. They work well for standard internet browsing, video streaming, and connecting devices in most home networks. 

While Cat5e cables are suitable for current network demands, Cat6 offers a higher capacity that may be more compatible with future technologies. If you anticipate needing higher speeds or plan to use advanced applications in the coming years, Cat6 can be a wise investment. Cat6 cables are also often recommended for offices and growing businesses that want to avoid frequent cable replacements.

Why Shop Cables.com?

Our high-quality Cat6 and Cat5e cables are manufactured right here in the US at our New York warehouse and come with a lifetime guarantee. We offer our cables for purchase at some of the lowest prices on the market with lightning-fast shipping and easy returns. When you're shopping from Cables.com, you have the option to order your cables in custom colors, lengths, and configurations based on your specific needs. You can also order ethernet cables in bulk. If you have any questions about placing an order with us, feel free to Contact Us through our website or send us an email at sales@cables.com!

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