Cat5e Vs Cat6 Ethernet Cable: A Buyer Guide (2024)

The Internet is the most common factor for communication and running a business. It is important if you are dealing globally and working with huge data setups. 

Almost every business has the internet to support its IT devices and to make work easier, but there is an important factor that indicates the speed of your internet or the wire setup you are using for your network infrastructure.

Well if you are not aware of ethernet cable specifications or which cable is more reliable for speed and performance we got you covered. 

This blog will resolve all your problems in choosing the desired network cable (Bulk Cat5e Cable or 1000ft Cat6 Cable) for your setup whether it’s domestic or commercial.

An Overview of Ethernet Cable

Choosing the best ethernet cable is far more convenient if one knows all the benefits along with its particular characteristics. 

In case you are not aware of or are buying cables for the first time do not hesitate after reading this blog you are fully aware of which cable is most suitable for supporting your server.

Ethernet cable has a huge market share globally and it means every single house and apartment has a personal ethernet setup either for working or personal use.

The use of networking cables is widespread among education sectors, businesses, domestic setups, and most importantly gamers who do not like lag in their games so need a fast supportive networking cable to run online games.

This information is for everyone and to know more stay with us. Let’s begin.

Ethernet Cables

Ethernet cables are the wires used to connect different devices with either each other or with servers, switches, routers, hubs, etc. 

Among so many cables it is obvious to get confused about which cable is better for maintaining performance.

The category abbreviated as ‘CAT’ is the most popular choice according to their specifications as all cables look alike visually but to find the actual difference you have to rip it off. These cables have a drastic effect on the quality of your connection along with its speed and performance.

Two of the most used cables are Cat5e and Cat6, the question is which one to choose? Do both cables feature the same achievements? This is not an easy question to answer as every buyer’s needs are different. To know more about this, let’s discuss in detail each cable and how they cope with your networking desires.

Attributes of Cat5e Cable

It is an enhanced version of the previous ethernet cable where ‘e’ represents enhancement. Its name specifies the quality of this cable.

Cat5e comes with 4 twisted pairs either shielded or unshielded and supports an RJ45 connector for its connection to the home and business.

The internal structure of cat5e is either made up of pure copper conductor or copper-clad aluminum, the CCA Cat5e cables are less expensive than pure copper. 

The cable provides speeds maximum of up to 1Gbps over 50 meters and 100 Mbps over 100 meters along with a tested frequency of up to 350 MHz for intact connectivity and speed.

Shielded and Unshielded Of Cat5e

Shielded cat5e cable bears an additional foil layer that prevents the cable from external factors and can avoid the EMI or crosstalk, enabling a compact design and providing quality speed and connectivity without any distortion. This internal shield also gives additional strength to the non-corrosion properties of the conductor. 

In contrast to unshielded cat5e cable, it is a standard network cable usually installed in older building setups. Unshielded Cat5e cables are only best used in stationary environments as they are resistant to crosstalk or interference but they fail in complex cabling setups. 

If you are planning to upgrade network cable in a dense cable environment make sure to opt for the right cable as it will more likely increase your time and cost.

Outer Jacket Of Cat5e Cable

The ethernet cable has two types of outer jackets mostly used: plenum and riser. Both these jackets have salient features.

Plenum Jacket

Plenum jacket is used in plenum places like the HVAC system of the building. 

The cat5e plenum cable is rated for high fire retardant. It is made up of LSZH-rated fluorinated ethylene polymers (FEP) which prevents the cable from emitting non-toxic smoke that might travel along the building. 

It also avoids fire progression along the floors. Plenum-rated cables are suitable for air ducts, air conditioning setups, and conduits.

For plenum-rated cables, it can be a substitute for riser cables but the riser cannot be installed in plenum spaces. Similarly, Cat6 plenum cable has the same properties and is thus used in horizontal and vertical spaces of the buildings. The major difference between Cat5e plenum 1000ft and Cat6 plenum rated cable is the speed and bandwidth rest jacket specifications are the same. 

Riser Jacket

This jacket has the same properties as a plenum but it can only be used in riser spaces like in elevator shafts and inside the walls or vertical shafts. 

In contrast to the plenum, cat5e riser cables are less fire retardant, avoid the emission of less toxic smoke, and prevent the cable from catching fire and spreading.

Riser-rated cables are more inexpensive than plenum cables so at the time of installation choose wisely among the jackets. Also, make sure that both plenum (CMP) and riser (CMR) are indoor jackets and lack properties to install outside the buildings. The reason is that the cable has less resistance over water and also the riser jacket may wear out if exposed to UV light for a long time.

With all these features it is easy for you to evaluate the cable’s strength and capability.

Direct Burial Jacket

Another type of jacket is donated by CMX (outside plant), this type of cable is used for outdoor installation. The PVC outdoor cable is UV resistant and able to bear harsh climate temperatures, moisture, and snow. The outdoor cable can be buried underground directly and can stay longer. Inside the cable, there is a gel-like substance that prevents the conductors from erosion. 

Cat6 Ethernet Cable

Cat6 is a 4 twisted pairs ethernet cable that is best used for higher speeds and performance. The cable is well known for its fast ethernet applications.

1000ft Cat6 cable provides a faster data transfer rate of up to 10 Gbps over 50 meters and 1 Gbps over 100 meters with 550 MHz tested bandwidth to provide you with a greater internet experience.

The cable comes with additional shielded pairs to support reducing the EMI and external interference mostly generated by heavy machinery and heavy generators.

The 1000ft Cat6 cable has a few different kinds of shielding against interference. One of the most common is the use of spline also known as a pair separator.

Cat6 cable fast applications include 10BASE-T, 100BASE-T, 1000BASE-T, and 10GBASE-T along with PoE/PoE+/++, Audio/Video Streaming, Digital sound recordings, etc.  

Cat5e Is Good, But Cat6 Is the Best

Bulk Cat5e cable is the best option for your cabling solution as if we see its features the cable has the potential to work properly and high-speed cable cat5e is mostly used for gaming and domestic setups.

As for the long term, when technology is moving towards high-speed internet speed, the bulk cat5e cable might not be a good fit in the future. 

Running high ethernet applications or installing the cable in fire safety environments the cable must be verified by EIA/TIA and RoHS compliant. 

As of cat6, the cable is perfect for upgrading your new network infrastructure with the addition of high speed and intact connectivity for the best performance. 

This cable is also backward compatible with an older version of the ethernet cables along with its connectors (RJ-45).

Where to Buy Ethernet Cables

Keep these things in your mind before deciding and going to buy an ethernet cable.

• Know the specs of the required cable.
• Server speed to which ethernet cable will connect.
• Location of installation (Plenum or Riser-rated jacket).
• The length of the cable is very important, either go for bulk 1000 ft cat5e or cat6 cable for future projects. (Choose wisely)
• Branded or opt for quality cable as many online stores are providing and promising the same quality.

Final Findings

In the comparison of bulk Cat5e cable and 1000ft Cat6 cable, the most appropriate ethernet cable is the buyer’s choice and its need which cable is most suitable for its requirements. By discussing the key features of both cables you ensure to opt for the right cable for your businesses or residential use.

1000ft Cat6 cable and cat5e cable lifespan are according to the usage and the location it is going to be planted, rest assured if you buy the quality cable you won’t regret the decision of opting for new advanced ethernet cables. For long runs and performance 1000ft cat6 cable is the most perfect and if you want cable for temporary installations bulk Cat5e is the best option for you.