What cable needs to be run for Ethernet?
We want to run gigabit Ethernet.
Should we use cat5e or cat6? What is the difference between the two? Should we
pick one over the other?
Software/Hardware used:
Windows, Ethernet, Cable
Software/Hardware used:
Windows, Ethernet, Cable
ASKED:
September 24, 2010 3:39 PM
UPDATED:
September 28, 2010 1:45 AM
Answer Wiki:
it will be better with CAT 6..it performs better than CAT5 (this is my opinion)
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To be certified for GigE (1000 Mbit) connections you need to use CAT6. However CAT6 is much more expensive. If you aren't planning on deploying GigE to the users desktops then CAT5 will work just fine. CAT5 will support GigE is just won't be certified for it. The basic difference between the two is that CAT6 has more shielding.
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Agree, I suggest that you should use Cat 6 over 5. If this is a business installing obsolete or nearly obsolete components is probably not acceptable. The cost difference is nominal and it can be installed to replace existing Cat 5 runs due to backward compatability– just don’t reuse old Cat 5 connectors on the Cat 6 install. Cat 6 will allow you to run at higher speeds if your infrastructure (cards, switches, quality of punchdowns) will support it, and since it is more noise/cross talk resistant it will probably be more error free (and hence faster is using automatic settings on your NICs). The key difference is in how they are constructed– more, very even twists that cancel out common EMC issues and reduce impedance at higher speeds. If you choose to build cables or connect them to patch panels, try very hard to not unwrap the wires more than necessary.