Cat 5e vs. Cat 6 Ethernet cables; Which one is better?

Even though both of these Ethernet cables were introduced into the market quite a while ago, they still perform quite well. But asked to choose between the two, which one should you go for?

A lot of the times, when buying Ethernet cables, most of us hardly give thought to the type we are picking. A lot of us think all cables are the same, and they are good, so long as we get our stuff connected and running. Would it surprise you to know that there are numerous types of cables with different capabilities?

This is the case with the Cat5e and the Cat6 cables. Both of them are good for connecting devices and delivering internet to the said devices. But are they the same? And if they are not, what characteristics set them apart? Here is a tabulated breakdown.

Differences between the Cat5e and Cat6 Ethernet cables

Category	Cat5e	Cat6 (Winner)
Shielding	Shielded	Shielded
Max Transmission Speed	1000Mbps	1000Mbps/10Gbps
Max Bandwidth	100 Mhz.	250MHz.
	Check Price Here	Check Price Here

The Cat5e and Cat6 Ethernet Cables – How do they differ?

 Transmission Speeds

What you may not know is that the Cat5e is an upgrade of the Cat5 which has become obsolete. The Cat5e has a higher transmission speed of 1000 Mbps which is quite ideal for medium internet use. It will work just fine in a home setting or a medium size office. This speed, however, tends to lessen significantly at distances beyond 100 meters.

The Cat6 Ethernet cable is a lot faster than the Cat5e. It has a maximum speed of 10Gbps which is quite high, and a massive difference from the former. There is, however, a small catch. Just as in the Cat5e, the speed tends to significantly reduce to 1000 Mbps for distances that go anything beyond 100 meters. Even though this speed is significantly less, it is still quite good.

Shielding

Both of these cables transmit electromagnetic waves using copper wires. These wires are individually covered using pvc casing. The Cat5e has 8 separate wires and each one is encased in a thin pvc. They are then twisted in pairs to reduce the chances of crosstalk. The outer casing is also made using pvc, but it is of a higher gauge than the pvc covering the copper cables.

The Cat6 has shielding that is quite similar to the Cat5e’s. The copper wires are also individually covered using pvc casing. They are then twisted in twos to make 4 pairs. The main difference between these two cables is that the Cat6 has a spline, a stiff plastic separator that runs the entire length of the cable. It keeps the 4 pairs of wire apart, reducing the chances of crosstalk.

Bandwidth and Frequency

The Cat5e has a smaller bandwidth than the Cat6. Just like its predecessor, the Cat5, this cable’s maximum bandwidth is 100Mhz, which s a bit unimpressive, especially since that it is the highest frequency. Being an upgrade of the Cat5e, it would have been expected that he bandwidth would be wider.

The Cat6 has a higher bandwidth that stretches to 250Mhz. The cable adheres to the 10 GBASE-T recommended standards of the industry. This frequency is a good fit for high internet use.

The Cat5e vs. Cat6 Ethernet Cables Overview

The Cat5e Ethernet Cable

This cable has become a commonly used cable for its ability to transmit more data than its predecessor the Cat5. It is also more affordable in comparison to the Cat6. This cable I quite ideal for light internet use, particularly with its 125Mbps transmission speed. Its bandwidth also supports moderate use, but at 100 Mhz, it is a bit low, considering that it is the maximum.  

This cable uses copper wires to transmit electromagnetic waves. Left uncovered, there could be interference if these wires come into contact. For this reason, each of the 8 copper wires is covered with thin pvc. The wires are then twisted in twos to make four pairs. This further reduces the chance of crosstalk as a result of interference. The outer pvc casing is somewhat bendable and flexible, making it easy to install, even in sharp corners.

The cable is also backward compatible, making it possible to connect it to Cat6 and Cat5.

Pros

• This cable is able to amply support home and small office use
• It is bendable, making it easy to install in tight corners
• It I quite affordable
• It is backward compatible

Cons

• It may not be ideal for heavy crisscrossing
• Its maximum transmission speed is quite low

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The cat6 Ethernet Cable

This cable is an ideal fit for people who need high internet speeds. It also transmits using copper wires, and each of these 8 wires is covered with thin pvc. The wires are twisted together to make 4 pairs of copper wire. The twisting helps in reducing the chances of interference between the wires. The main thing that sets this cable’s integrity from the cat5e’s is the presence of a spline that runs the whole length of the wire.

This spline is quite stiff, making it more durable and able to handle heavy crisscrossing. This spline, however, reduces the flexibility of this wire, making it hard to use in sharp corners. The cable has a maximum transmission speed of 1000 Mbps/10Gbps. The difference in these speeds is caused by the distance of transmission, with the lower speed occurring at distances beyond 100 meters. It has a wider bandwidth than the Cat5e with a range of up to 250 MHz.

Pros

• It has a higher transmission speed range
• It is made to minimize the chances of crosstalk
• It can withstand heavy use and crisscrossing
• It has a wider bandwidth range

Cons

• The spline makes it hard to install in sharp bends and corners
• It is a bit expensive

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Conclusion

Both of these cables are quite good for connectivity and internet delivery. They will work sufficiently well, depending on your needs. Efficient as they are, one of them remains superior based on maximum speed and bandwidth. The Cat6 is able to transmit higher speeds at a wider bandwidth, and more than that, it build makes it quite durable.

Verdict; Cat5e or Cat6 – Which on is better?

After reviewing each of these cables’ characteristics, it remains obvious that the Cat6 is a superior cable. It combines high transmission speeds and a wider bandwidth to deliver faster. It is also built for longevity with a spline that runs the whole length of the cable.

Much as the Cat5e is good for moderate use and is also considerably cheaper, it cannot match up to the Cat6.

FAQs

1. What is the bend radius of the Cat5e Ethernet cable?

To bend this cable without kinking it, do not bend it beyond a radius of 1 inch. Bending it further than that could cause transmission issues.

2. Is it possible to extend the length of a Cat6 Ethernet cable?

Yes, it is possible. The cable comes with a maximum length of 220 meters and to extend this length, you have to use a repeater, but this may result in significantly lower speeds.