Cat 5 vs Cat 6 Ethernet Cables: Which of these suits you best?

Both the Cat5 and Cat6 Ethernet cables are efficient performers in device connections and internet delivery. However, they have differences that set them apart.

If you are a person that uses Ethernet cables often, you know that they can mean the difference between seamless connections that deliver fast internet and improper setups, coupled with painfully slow internet. These two cables are efficient accessories, particularly when used within their transmission ranges and bandwidths. The Cat5 is, however, considered old technology and has become obsolete but people continue to use it, especially for homes and small offices. Both cables are similar in some aspects, but what sets them apart? Here are a few differences.

Differences between the Cat5 and Cat6 Ethernet Cables

Category	Cat5	Cat6 (Winner)
Shielding	Unshielded	Unshielded/ Shielded
Max Transmission Speed	10/100 mbps	1000mbps/10Gbps
Max Bandwidth	100MHz	250MHz
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Cat5 and Cat6 Ethernet Cables – How do they compare?

Transmission Speeds

Being old technology, it goes without saying that the Cat5 is significantly slower than the Cat6 cable. This is not to mean that it cannot be useful. The Cat5 cable has a maximum transmission speed of 10/100mbps. It is ideal for light internet use, especially in home settings and small 1-person offices. This internet speed is only effective within 100 meters of the cable and quality beyond this becomes distorted.

The Cat6 cable, on the other hand, has a much higher speed than the Cat5. It has a transmission speed of 10 Gigabytes per second. Now this is quite something when compared to the Cat5. This cable is ideal for heavy internet use. Much like the Cat5, internet speeds with this cable become slower at distances that measure anything more than 100 meters.

Bandwidth and Frequency

Seeing that the Cat5 Ethernet cable is old technology, it is no wonder that it has a maximum bandwidth of 100 MHz. While this is an upgrade from the Cat3 Ethernet cable’s 16 MHz, it is still an incredibly low wave frequency, especially in this day and age. This cable only adheres to the 1000 Base-T/TX industry standard.

The Cat6 has a higher, more impressive maximum bandwidth that stretches to 250 MHz. This cable is able to adhere to the 10 GBASE-T standards recommended by the industry.

Shielding

Seeing that these cables transmit electromagnetic waves, the cover applied on them is quite important. The Cat5 Ethernet cable has its copper wires paired. Each wire is covered in thin pvc to prevent interference. There are a total of 8 wires, and they are wound in twos to make 4 pairs. They are then encased in thin pvc casing that is not so strong. It may not be ideal for a set up that involves many cables that crisscross.

The Cat6 is made with a lot more deliberate casing. Each of the 4 wire pairs within the cable are shielded with a foil casing. This way, interference should be the least of your worries. Some Cat6 cables also have a spline that runs the entire length of the cable. It is used to keep the wire pairs separate. While this may prove helpful, it makes the cable unsuitable for sharp corners and folds due to its stiffness.

Cat5 vs. Cat6 Ethernet Cables Comparison Overview

Cat5 Ethernet Cable

The Cat5 cable has become obsolete as it is considered old technology, but it is still in use to date. It is mostly ideal for connection within a home setup or a small office of 1 to 2 people. Its 10/100mbps maximum speed is quite low, meaning that you may have a really good router that delivers high internet speeds but suffer a drawback as a result of a low-speed cable. The 100MHz frequency is pretty standard, but quite unimpressive since it is the maximum.

Being a transmitter of electromagnetic waves, it is imperative that the wires be well covered and insulated. Each of the copper wires is pvc sealed for this reason. The cable has a total of 8 individual wires, and they are twisted in pairs to reduce crosstalk. The pvc seal for this cable is not hardy, and it may be unable to handle a lot of bending and crisscrossing with other cables.

The good thing about this cable is that it is backward compatible, meaning that can be connected to Cat5e and Cat6.

Pros

• The wires are paired to reduce crosstalk
• This cable is quite affordable
• It can support a home or small office setup quite well
• It is backward compatible

Cons

• The casing is not strong enough to support heavy crisscrossing and bending
• It has a relatively low maximum speed transmission rate

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Cat6 Ethernet Cable

This cable is an ideal fit for high internet usage. It supports a bandwidth of up to 250MHz which is considerably higher than the Cat5. The cable supports internet speeds of 10Gbps, but there is a catch. It delivers this speed effectively within a one meter distance. Anything beyond that distance and the speed becomes significantly reduced to 1Gbps, which is still quite fast.

The shielding on this cable is on a whole new level when compared to the Cat5. All copper wires are individually sealed using pvc, then they are twisted in pairs to reduce crosstalk. The paired wires are then sealed together in foil to further safeguard them from interference. The cable also has a spline that runs the entire length to keep the wires separate and to reinforce the integrity of the wire. But this makes it somewhat difficult to bend the wire if need be. This cable is also backward compatible with a number of other cables.

Pros

• It supports a wide bandwidth
• It delivers higher internet speeds
• It is well sealed to reduce crosstalk
• It has a spline for better integrity
• It is backward compatible

Cons

• The spline makes it difficult to bend the cable in sharp corners

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Conclusion

Both of these cables work well depending on the user’s requirements. The cat5 cable is, however, old technology and is considered obsolete. It supports much lower speeds than the Cat6 making it ideal for light use. The Cat6 is a much better fit for heavier use, and the method of sealing used gives it good longevity.

Verdict: So, which one of the two is better – Cat5 or Cat6?

If you are considering purchasing an Ethernet cable, even for single person use, there is almost no reason to buy the Cat5. Despite the fact that they can still deliver even after many years of use, they still are not worth it.

The Cat6 is a much better cable owing to its higher internet speed delivery and the ability to support a wider bandwidth. It is also well built to ensure minimal crosstalk and better longevity.

FAQs

1. Can Cat5 cables be used to connect speakers?

Yes, the Cat5 cable can be used to connect speakers, but be careful not to overload it with high wattage.

2. What is the maximum length of a Cat6 permanent link?

The maximum length that you can purchase is 220 meters. If you wish to extend it, you may have to install a repeater.