The difference between CAT5E and CAT6 cables

Plugging your devices into an Ethernet port instead of relying on Wi-Fi signals can help you establish a faster, more reliable connection throughout your home or office. Adding a wired Ethernet port to your property makes it easier to connect to the network, so there's no need to always sit near a modem.

The two most common wiring options for Ethernet connectivity are CAT5E and CAT6 cables. cat5E was introduced in 1999, and CAT6 cables were introduced a few years later in 2002, and both are still the cable of choice for home and business networks today.

But which one should you choose? What is the difference between the two?

What do CAT5E and CAT6 network cables have in common?

CAT5E and CAT6 cables have so much in common that it can be challenging to distinguish them visually. Generally, CAT6 cables are usually slightly thicker, but it takes a closer look to notice the difference in appearance. Both are manufactured by the category (Cat) performance standards established by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA). Both consist of four pairs of twisted wires (which are wound tighter in CAT6 cables), and both have the same RJ45 termination connector.

Both are sized differently to accommodate the cable they are used with. For example, the RJ45 connectors on CAT6 cables are larger. HKwire offers CAT5E and CAT6 cables in various jackets that work well outdoors and indoors.

CAT5E vs. CAT6: Speed

The most significant difference between the two cables is the speed at which they transmit data; CAT5E is the slower. This cable can support 1000BASE-T (Gigabit Ethernet) at about 1 gigabit per second (Gbps) at 100MHz. This is suitable for everyday use, but if you are a heavy network user, you will find that CAT6 is better for you because it is faster. This cable can support data transmission over 10GBASE-T (10 Gigabit Ethernet), Providing you with a maximum transmission speed of 10 Gbps from 250 MHz to 500 MHz. All of HKwire's cables meet or exceed these minimum speed requirements.

CAT5E vs. CAT6: Performance

Due to the way they are designed, CAT6 cables have excellent crosstalk reduction characteristics and bandwidth speeds (550MHz and 350MHz) compared to CAT5E. Stringent manufacturing specifications help minimize interference. Some CAT6 cables, and even some advanced CAT5E, achieve this by using nylon splines to isolate the four pairs of twisted wires inside.

This can make the cable feel stiffer, although more flexible CAT6 cables can be used using alternative methods to keep the transmission clean. Typically, you will experience less noise, higher transmission rates, and fewer errors when using CAT6 cables.

CAT5E vs. CAT6: Length

Both cables are available from HKwire in bulk spools up to 1000 feet in length but should be at most 328 feet as this can cause degradation in signal quality. Keep in mind that CAT6 cables perform poorly over long distances. For distances greater than 55 meters (180 feet), you will only get a maximum network speed of up to 1,000 Mbps - the same as CAT5E cable. In this case, it may not be necessary to upgrade to CAT6. If you want to maximize the speed of the Gigabit Ethernet you purchased, you need to limit the distance to 180 feet.

CAT5E vs. CAT6: Price

While the price of CAT5E and CAT6 Ethernet cables varies by manufacturer, CAT6 tends to be more expensive. You can expect to pay about 10-20% more than CAT5E. That said, both cables are relatively inexpensive.

U.S. Wire Gauge (AWG) Sizes for CAT5E vs. CAT6

Another thing to consider is AWG size. Generally, the more significant the AWG, the smaller the copper wire inside. CAT5E typically has 24 AWG, while CAT6 has 23 AWG. because CAT6 has thicker copper, it tends to perform better. The copper wire is thicker but twisted tighter, which is why these cables are usually less thick than CAT5E.

Should I choose CAT5E or CAT6?

It depends on how you will use the Internet. While CAT6 cables are designed to improve performance, CAT5E is still a reliable and straightforward choice. If you are already comfortable with your Internet speed or using a cloud-based server, this lightweight cable is just what you need. However, if you plan to upgrade your network in the future, it's worth spending a little more on CAT6 to make your cabling future-proof. After all, it's easier to buy the latest modems and routers but harder to install new cables.