07 Feb Should I Choose Cat5 or Cat6 Cabling?

Types of cabling come in many different forms in the modern world – no longer is there one choice but many, and all have different capabilities. Let’s take a close look at two of them, Cat5 and Cat6 Cabling.

A network consists of different systems which are linked together that exchange data with each other. In the modern world this exchange of data is predominantly done by means of light. The system used for this is called optical telecommunication, more commonly known as fibre optic. Fibre optic offers practically unlimited speed of bandwidth and data. Very fast data can be communicated internally.

The use of fiberglass tech in a home is actually pointless (because you just don’t need it). Let’s say that you have connected a media server to your television and want to stream an 8K resolution film on it, then the required bandwidth is only around 100 Mbit / s of bandwidth. Whereas a copper Cat5 cable can achieve a bandwidth of 1000 Mbit / s. For this reason, a Cat5 or Cat6 cable is often used in homes.

The Difference Between Cat5 and Cat6 Cables

There is one large difference between Cat5 and Cat6 cabling. It is the amount of data that can be sent between the two. Cat6 has a higher bandwidth compared to Cat5. Let’s use a water pipe for an example: a larger pipe can allow the flow of more water through it in comparison to a smaller pipe.

Cat6 supports up to 1Gb (1000 Mbps) at a 250MHz bandwidth, which is massively faster than Cat5?.

The Cabling Differences and Facts

Comparing Cat5 and Cat6 Cabling

Bandwidth – 10/100 Mbps at a 100MHz bandwidth. 1GbE (1000 Mbps) at a 250MHz bandwidth.

Usage – For small area residential use. For large industrial use (large area.

Diameter of Wire – Approximately 0.204 inches. Approximately 0.250 inches (wider)

Cost – Less costly than CAT6, relatively moderately priced. More expensive than CAT5.

Speed – Less speed in comparison to CAT6. Faster internet as well as internal speed than CAT5.

Now you know a little more we hope that you can make a revised decision on what is best for your business – if not then don’t fear; get in contact with our team and see what our experts can do for you.

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