Network cable is a technology that uses twisted pair wires to transmit data. It is a simple, intuitive, low-cost, and highly compatible network transmission method that can transmit Ethernet signals. There are different types of network cables. According to different standards and performances, they can be divided into CAT1, CAT2, CAT3, CAT4, CAT5, CAT5E, CAT6, CAT6A, CAT7, etc.
The similarities between CAT5E network cable and CAT6 unshielded network cable
They work the same way, have the same type of RJ-45 plug, and can plug into any Ethernet jack on a computer, router, server, digital TV, network set-top box, or other similar device.
CAT5E network cable
CAT5E network cable is an enhanced version of the traditional CAT5 network cable, and it is also one of the most commonly used network cable types at present. CAT5E network cable is usually composed of No. 24 twisted-pair wire (that is, 24 AWG cable), and the frequency bandwidth is up to 100MHz. Generally, the CAT5E logo will be printed on the outside of the cable body. CAT5E network cable is low in cost, popular in equipment, and good in compatibility. It is suitable for many occasions, such as home network, office network, small LAN, monitoring network, etc.
CAT6 unshielded network cable
CAT6 unshielded network cable is a kind of high-speed Ethernet wiring without shielding layer, and it is also one of the more popular types of network cables at present. CAT6 unshielded network cable is usually composed of No. 23 twisted pair (that is, 23AWG cable), supports 250MHz frequency bandwidth, and can provide a transmission speed of up to 10Gbps. Compared with CAT5E network cable, it also improves far-end crosstalk (ELFEXT), and has lower return loss and insertion loss. Generally, the CAT6 logo will be printed on the outside of the cable body.
Advantages of CAT6 unshielded network cable
01.High-quality digital data signals can be transmitted, and the signal-to-noise ratio and dynamic range are improved.
02.It can transmit 10Gbps high-speed Ethernet signal to meet higher network requirements.
03.It has better anti-interference ability and stability, and reduces signal loss and crosstalk.
Disadvantages of CAT6 unshielded network cable
01.The cost is higher, the equipment is less, and it is not suitable for ordinary consumers.
02.Larger size and heavier weight, not suitable for portable devices.
03.It needs to be used with devices that support 10Gbps Ethernet input and output, and is not suitable for devices that only have Gigabit Ethernet interfaces.
The difference between CAT5E network cable and CAT6 unshielded network cable
It can be seen from the above that the difference between CAT5E network cable and CAT6 unshielded network cable is mainly in the use of different twisted pairs, different bandwidths, and different equipment requirements. The CAT5E network cable uses a 24 AWG cable with a diameter of 0.52 mm. The CAT6 unshielded network cable uses a 23 AWG cable with a diameter of 0.57 mm. Therefore, under the same cable length in meters, the copper content of CAT6 unshielded network cable is more than that of CAT5E network cable, and the weight is heavier.