The Simple Answer:
CAT-5 is rated to 100M
CAT-5e is rated to 350M
CAT-6 and CAT6e is rated to 550M or 1000M depending on your
source
CAT-7 is supposedly rated to 700M or presumably 1000M
Today there is no approved CAT-6 or CAT-7. While some folks
are selling products they call Level 6 or 7, there aren't even
specs for them, making CAT-5e the best available option. CAT-6
cable is being made with 23 guage conductor wire as opposed to
the slightly smaller 24 guage for CAT-5e and also has a
separator to handle crosstalk better.
Both CAT-5 and CAT-5e have 100 ohm impedance and electrical
characteristics supporting transmissions up to 100 MHz. The
differences between CAT-5 and CAT-5e show in all aspects of
performance: capacitance, frequency, resistance, attenuation,
and NEXT. CAT-5e components were designed with high-speed
gigabit Ethernet in mind. While CAT-5 components may function to
some degree in a gigabit Ethernet, they perform below standard
during high-data transfer scenarios. CAT-5e cables work with ATM
and gigabit speed products. Simply, if you are using a 100Mbps
switch, get CAT-5e cable instead of CAT-5.
CAT-5e is formally called ANSI/TIA/EIA 568A-5 or simply
Cat-5e (the e stands for 'enhanced'). CAT-5e is completely
backward compatible with current CAT-5 equipment. The enhanced
electrical performance of CAT-5e ensures that the cable will
support applications that require additional bandwidth, such as
gigabit Ethernet or analog video.
2. What is the difference
between the types of cable - UTP, Patch, Stranded, Solid...
UTP stands for Unshielded Twisted Pair. It is a cable type
with pairs of twisted insulated copper conductors contained in a
single sheath. UTP cables are the most common type of cabling
used in desktop communications applications.
Stranded cable has several small gauge wires in each separate
insulation sleeve. Stranded cable is more flexible, making it
more suitable for shorter distances, such as patch cords.
Solid has one larger gauge wire in each sleeve. Solid cable
has better electrical performance than stranded cable and is
traditionally used for inside walls and through ceilings - any
type of longer run of cable.
Patch Cables are made of stranded copper conductors for
flexibility. This construction is great for the flexing and the
frequent changes that occur at the wall outlet or patch panel.
The stranded conductors do not transmit data signals as far as
solid cable. The TIA/EIA 568A which is the governing standard
regarding commercial cabling systems limits the length of patch
cables to 10 meters in total length. Does that mean you can't
use stranded cable for longer runs? Not at all, we've seen
installations running stranded cable over 100 feet with no
problems - it's just not recommended. This is why we don't sell
patch cables over 30 feet in length.
3. What is the difference
between 10BASE-T, 100BASE-T and 1000BASE-T?
10BASE-T is the IEEE standard that defines the requirement
for sending information at 10 Mbps on unshielded twisted-pair
cabling, and defines various aspects of running Ethernet on this
cabling.
100BASE-T is the IEEE standard that defines the requirement
for sending information at 100 Mbps on unshielded twisted-pair
cabling, and defines various aspects of running baseband
Ethernet on this cabling.
1000BASE-T (also called gigabit Ethernet) is the IEEE
standard that defines the requirement for sending information at
1000 Mbps on unshielded twisted-pair cabling, and defines
various aspects of running baseband Ethernet on this cabling
Channel Performance Characteristics
4. What is a cross-over
cable?
A cross-over cable is a segment of cable that crosses over
pins 1&2 and 3&6. This cable is normally used to connect two PCs
without the use of a hub, or can be used to cascade two hubs
without using an uplink port. Some DSL modems require a
crossover calbe to the PC or hub they are connected to.
5. What are the maximum
lengths for cables?
For Solid UTP:
Fast Ethernet 100baseT 100 Meters (328 feet)
Twisted Pair Ethernet 10baseT 100 Meters (328 feet)
Recommended maximum lengths for Patch Cables made from
stranded cable:
Fast Ethernet 100baseT 10 Meters (33 feet)
Twisted Pair Ethernet 10baseT 10 Meters (33 feet)
6. Is CAT-5e backwards
compatible?
Yes it works with any 10BaseT or 100BaseT network cards and
hubs.
CAT-5 is also upwardly compatible with CAT-5e, however your
network throughput will only be as fast as the slowest part.
7. Can I run CAT-5e ethernet
cable outside?
CAT-5e cable is not rated for outdoor use, however it can
generally be used without a problem. If possible, run the cable
through some kind of conduit to prevent moisture or an
attractive site for lightning to strike. You should be able to
find gray PVC conduit suitable for cable at any hardware store.
Remember, 100 Meters is your max distance, without some kind of
hub, bridge or amplification.
8. What is the operating
temp for CAT-5e cable?
Operating Temp for CAT-5e cable: -10C to 60C
9. What is the difference
between T568A and T568B wiring?
T568A and T568B are the 2 wiring patterns for 8 position RJ45
modular plug, both permitted under the TIA/EIA 568A wiring
standards document. The only difference between the two pattern
is that the pairs 2 (orange) and 3 (green) are interchanged.
All our cables use T568B standards.
10. What are the UL levels
of cable?
There are three levels. General Purpose: UL1581; Riser:
UL1666; and Plenum UL910. These numbers are all fire and safety
rated.
11. What is EMI and how can
you prevent it?
EMI stands for Electro-Magnetic Interference. It is
potentially harmful to your communications system because it can
lead to signal loss and degrade the overall performance of
high-speed, CAT-5e cabling. EMI is interference in signal
transmission or reception and is caused by the radiation of
electrical or magnetic fields which are present near power
cables, heavy machinery, or fluorescent lighting.
Avoiding EMI is as simple as not laying your network cable
within 12" of electrical cable, or if needed switching from UTP
to more expensive shielded cable.
12. Just tell me what cable
I need...
If you need patch cords up to 25 feet, use CAT-5e stranded
cable for ease of flexibility.
If you are making linger runs or going through walls or
ceilings, I'd go ahead and use the CAT-6 UTP (solid) cables - if
that seems a bit expensive, then go with the CAT-5e UTP.
