Category 5 network cable

Cat5e and Cat6 network cables are two of the more common specifications in current network cabling. The differences between them mainly lie in several core dimensions such as bandwidth, transmission capacity, structure, and applicable scenarios

Core parameter: Bandwidth
Category 5e network cable: Rated bandwidth is 100MHz
Category 6 network cable: The rated bandwidth is 250MHz, which is 2.5 times that of Category 5e
Bandwidth determines the maximum data transmission frequency that a network cable can carry. The higher the bandwidth, the greater the amount of data transmitted simultaneously and the better it can cope with future network upgrades
Transmission capacity
Category 5e network cable: Stably supports 1000BASE-T (Gigabit Ethernet) within a standard transmission distance of 100 meters. Some high-quality products can support 10GBASE-T (10 Gigabit Ethernet) for short distances (within 30 meters), but their stability is insufficient
Category 6 network cable: Stably supports 1000BASE-T (Gigabit Ethernet) within a standard transmission distance of 100 meters. Within a distance of 55 meters, it can stably support 10GBASE-T (10 Gigabit Ethernet).
Network cable structure
Category 5e network cable: The core is usually 24AWG (with a core diameter of approximately 0.51mm), the twist is relatively loose, and there is no cross frame (some shielded models have it, but it is not mandatory).
Category 6 network cables: The core is usually 23AWG (with a core diameter of approximately 0.56mm, thicker than Category 5e), and the twist is tighter. Most Category 6 network cables have a cross-shaped skeleton inside to isolate the four pairs of cores and reduce crosstalk
Anti-interference ability
Category 5e network cables: They can handle mild electromagnetic interference in daily life and meet the basic needs of ordinary families and small offices
Category 6 network cables: Due to their thicker cores, denser pitches and cross-shaped skeletons, they have stronger resistance to crosstalk and external electromagnetic interference. In complex environments with high-density wiring and proximity to strong electricity, they offer better transmission stability
Applicable scenarios
Category 5e network cables: Suitable for scenarios with limited budgets and low network demands, such as 100M / 1G networks in ordinary households and daily office work in small offices (only handling documents and simple Internet access)
Category 6 network cables: Suitable for scenarios with high network requirements, such as full-house gigabit networking that needs WiFi 6, families with 4K/8K video playback and online gaming, as well as enterprise offices with large file transfers and video conferences