Cat5e VS Cat6 Cable

I’ve been asked which cable I would use in my home when installing a home computer network, the Standard Cat5e cable or the newer Cat6 cable.

While it is true that Cat6 cable can transmit data at a faster rate, there is more to it than that. The equipment on each end transmits and receives the data. If the equipment is not capable of transmitting data faster than the cable is not going to make it go faster.

If you plan on installing a Gigabit Ethernet network than you will need to use Cat6, or if you would like to plan for what may be in the future, it may be a good idea. But installing Cat6 is more expensive than Cat5e and you will need to make sure that all other parts of the network are rated for Cat6 to get the full benefit.

Even though Cat6 provides better immunity from external electrical noise, I would say for your average home computer network Cat5e is just fine, unless you have the extra money and are planning for the long term.

Installation tips that will help your Cat5e perform better.

Avoid the tight binding of cables at regular intervals.

Avoid coiling of the cable at the wall outlet.

Use quality pre-made Patch cords.

Don’t Exceed the minimum bend radius of the cable.

Use quality RJ45 jacks that are rated for the type of cable you are using.

Here is a link to the TIA Cat6 standards page for more info.
http://www.tiaonline.org/standards/category6/index.cfm