Difference Between CAT5 and CAT6 Network Cables

CAT6 cables are 10 times faster than CAT5.

Our future depends on quicker ways to communicate. Banks and government agencies could increase efficiency with even the smallest speed increases in ethernet technology. Routers and modems rely on network cables to accomplish this feat; CAT5 and CAT6 are two cables that were developed for this purpose.

History of Data Cables

Category 5, or CAT5, cables have been on the market since 1995. Category 5 Enhanced, or CAT5e, cables were created in 2001 to handle faster data transfers. The newest standard to hit the market is Category 6, or CAT6, which was developed only a year after CAT5e.

Backward Compatibility

CAT6 can connect to hardware used by CAT5 technology, but the latter is not compatible with hardware that requires CAT6 cables.

Speed

CAT6 can reach speeds above 1 gigabyte per second. CAT5 performs 10 times slower, with speeds averaging less than 100 megabytes per second.

Efficiency

CAT6 cable is much better at keeping out interference, or "noise," from other networks. This makes for a faster, more efficient and better quality connection.

The Industry Standard

Although CAT6 is more expensive, it has more than enough capacity for today's data transfer needs and is worth the investment. CAT5 is barely compatible with current technology and will ultimately require replacement.

References

• Center for Information Technology: Frequently Asked Questions