Ethernet vs. Cat5 – What is the difference?
These two terms are used quite often used in computer network connections. But are they the same thing, or are they different?
An efficient computer network connection has a good network source and seamless cable connections. There are many cables used for the transmission of data and they have different transmission speeds and bandwidths.
The Cat5 is one such cable, but it is old technology. It is considered obsolete. Ethernet, on the other hand, is used in reference to the mode through which bits of information are transmitted through a medium. The cable type can vary from a category cable, twisted pair cable, coaxial cable and patch cables.
So how are the Cat5 cable and Ethernet related?
Table of Contents
What are the differences between the Cat5 and Ethernet?
Item |
Cat5 |
Ethernet cables (Winner) |
Characteristics |
Long cable with copper wires for transmission |
Mode by which bits of information pass through a medium |
Functionality |
Transmitting data from modem to computer and vice versa |
Converting electromagnetic impulses into decipherable data |
Cat5 vs. Ethernet – How do they compare?
Characteristics
The Cat5 is a long cable that can reach as long as long as 220 meters. It has copper wires inside and is covered in a pvc jacket for protection. It is a flexible cable.
Ethernet is basically the means by which bits of information pass through a medium at different speeds.
Functionality
The Cat5 cable has copper wires that transport data in the form of electromagnetic impulses from a source such as a router to a computer and vice versa.
Since information is presented in bits but transported as electromagnetic impulses or signals, it is converted into a decipherable form through the use of Ethernet cables.
Cat5 vs. Ethernet Overview
Cat5 Ethernet Cable
- Belkin Cat5e Patch Cable - 1000ft - Blue
This cable was introduced into the market almost two decades ago. It has since been replaced by stronger and faster Ethernet cables.
It has a maximum transmission speed of 10/100Mbps which, in this day and age, is quite slow. It has a maximum bandwidth of 100MHz.
This cable has copper wires inside that are used for the transmission of data from a network source such as router to a computer and vice versa. These copper wires are usually 8 in number. They are covered in pvc to keep them from coming into direct contact. They are then twisted in twos to make 4 pairs.
This twisting helps to reduce the chances of interference. The cable is then covered in pvc jacket that is flexible.
Pro
- It is quite flexible
- It has twisted copper wires to reduce crosstalk
- It is cheap
Cons
- It is slow
- It is not so durable
Ethernet
- Bundled with the 20 cable clips, so no need to buy them elsewhere
- High Performance Cat6 ,30 AWG,UL Listed,RJ45 Ethernet Patch Cable provides universal connectivity for LAN...
Ethernet cables are ideally meant to transmit data in the form of electromagnetic impulses. There are many types of Ethernet cables, ranging from twisted pair cables, fiber optic cables, coaxial cables and patch cables.
They vary in their characteristic. Some are short, some are long and others, such as fiber optic cables, can transmit data across cities. They also have a variety of bandwidths and transmission speeds.
Pros
- They are diverse
- They have varying speed and bandwidths
Cons
- Some of them can be very expensive
Conclusion
Ethernet cables are essentially meant to transmit data in the form of electromagnetic impulses. They are quite diverse. The Cat5 is a part of this range of Ethernet cables. It is, however, one of the slowest and oldest Category cables.
FAQs
-
What are the best Ethernet cables for office use?
Category cables such as the Cat6 cable are ideal for office use.
-
Can the Cat5 be used for home connection?
Yes, it can. But there are faster cables such as the Cat5e which would be better for home use.
