Filters
Search

Secure Checkout
No Sales Tax collected On Cable Orders Shipping Outside NY State.
Search

What is CART ID?
Search
Your Shopping Cart Is Empty


Print Secure Checkout

Cables Blog

Shop Cables for Sale: Fiber Optic CablesNetwork CablesOutdoor CablesBulk Ethernet CablesCat6 CablesCat5 CablesCat5e CablesCrypto CablesData Center Cables

What's the Difference Between a Cat5 and Cat6 Cable?

Meta Description: Cat5 cables and Cat6 cables share similar characteristics and specifications, but they have a number of differences to consider when determining the correct cable for your network needs.

by VIKAS DAYAL • January 05, 2022


There are a lot of misconceptions about Cat5 and Cat6 cables, most commonly is that they are assumed to be the same thing, but this couldn't be further from the truth. There are a few differences between these two types of cables, not only in terms of speed, but also as far as installation goes. If you are an IT professional or a home user with a lot of electronic devices, you probably know that some cables make all the difference. If your internet connection is not as strong as it could be, then it might be time to replace those old Cat5 cables with newer and faster Cat6 cables.

There are several differences between these two types of cables, however, you will find that the Cat6 is preferable in most cases. Upon closer inspection, many differences become apparent between the two cables. For one, there is an obvious speed difference when transferring data. Cat cables are named according to their maximum speed capabilities, with Cat standing for "Category." A Cat cable is simply a type of Ethernet cable that meets certain performance standards. The higher the number in the category title (Cat-something), the faster and more reliable the cable is presumed to be. Category ratings are based on bandwidth—the amount of data that can be sent over a network. A Cat cable is capable of higher speeds than its predecessors, which makes it ideal for transferring large files or communicating with very powerful devices like servers and routers

When it comes to deciding between a Cat5 and a Cat6 cables, another common misconception is that the more expensive they are, the better their quality will be. This could not be further from the truth. Cat cables can be found in a variety of different price ranges, so it is important to do your research before making a purchase. The only time that you would really need to upgrade from a Cat5 cable to a Cat6 cable is if you are using very high-end devices that require more bandwidth than what a Cat5 cable can offer.

The installation of a Cat5 cable are pretty similar to a Cat6 cable. Both cables are generally installed by inserting the eight wires into the correct pins of a connector, which is then crimped onto the cable. Both can also be terminated with an RJ45 keystone jack, but this is not as common. A Cat 5e and Cat6 cable must have connectors that match the type of port on the receiving device. If you are unsure of which type of connector your device uses, it is best to consult your power cable provider, i.e the team at Cables.com.

When it comes down to it, both cables will work just fine for most users. However, you might want to consider upgrading if your current cable is older than five years and suffers from frequent interruptions and disconnects, as this could be caused by a faulty or damaged cable. Replacing an old Cat-something with a new version should solve the problem once and for all.

When it comes to speed and reliability, there is no comparison between a Cat6 cable and its predecessors. If you are looking for a cable that will offer the fastest speeds and greatest reliability, then you should upgrade to a Cat6 cable. In need of a new Cat5 of Cat6 cable? Visit Cables.com and upgrade your data and network cables today!

Related Posts and Information


Identifying the Risk of Damaged Cords: When to Replace Your Power Cord
Four Simple Ways to Organize Power Cords Without Damaging Them

Recent Posts

Why You Should Buy Your Custom Cables from Cables.com
What Are SVGA Cables and Why You Might Need One
Understanding Fiber Optic Cables: MTP/MPO, Mode Conditioning, and Pigtail Cables
Locking Cables for Secure Connections
What Kinds of Fiber Optic Cables Are There?
What Kinds of Cat6 Cables Are There?
Quality Outdoor Power Cables Built to Last
Why Choose Bootless Ethernet Cables from Cables.com?
USB Cables and Adapters at Cables.com
How to Choose the Right HDMI Cable
Your Essential Fiber Optic Cable Tools and Accessories
How Do Fiber Optic Cables Work?

Categories

A/V Cables
Adapters
AI
Apple Products
Artificial Intelligence
Audio/Video Cables
Bulk Cable Company
Cable Company
Cable Experts Online
Cable Suppliers
Cable Vendors
Cable Warehouse
cable wholesale
Cable Wholesalers
Cables on Demand
Cables.com
Cables.com News and Information
Cat5e / Cat6 Cables
Category 7 Ethernet Cables
Category8 Ethernet Cables
Cell Phone Cables
Custom Cables
Custom Fiber Optic Cables
Data Center
Datacomm Cables
ethernet cables
Fiber Optic Cables
HDMI Cables
Integrator
Internet of Things (loT)
Keystone Jacks
Market Reports
MIT Technology Review
Network Patch Cables
Network Patch Cords
Network Topology
New York Cable Company
NY Cable Company
Online Learning
Outdoor Cables
Patch Finder
Patch Panels
Power Cables
Power Cords
RapidRun
Reseller
Shielded Ethernet Cable
Signal Conversion
Solution Provider
Supply Chain
USB 3.0 Cables
VAR
Wholesale Cable
Wholesale Cable Supplier
all

Archives

December, 2024
November, 2024
October, 2024
September, 2024
August, 2024
July, 2024
June, 2024
May, 2024
April, 2024 more archive dates
archive article list

RSS


Easy Product Returns within 30 Days and Secure Shopping for your safety.