CAT 5:
- CAT 5 is called “Category 5” Ethernet cable.
- This cable is used in twisted pair Ethernet technology of Fifth Generation.
- This cable consists of four pairs of copper wire, but 2 pairs only faster speed.
- Supports up to 100 Mbps of speed.
- The maximum distance 100 meters.
- Maximum Bandwidth is 100 MHz.
CAT 5e:
- CAT 5e is called as "Category 5 Enhanced" cable.
- Four Pairs of cable supports the faster speed.
- Maximum Speed is 1 Gbps
- Where Distance and Bandwidth remains same.
It is categorized into two
Solid CAT 5
- Cable suited well for longer length.
- For example: inside office or home.
Stranded CAT 5
- Cable suited for Shorter length.
- It is flexible compared to solid.
- For example: connecting two devices.
Advantages and Disadvantages of CAT 5:
Advantages:
- It is the Cheapest cable which are available in most of the electronic store.
- The Installation process of this cable is very easy. It doesn’t need any tools or well technical minded people to get install.
- High-transfer speed: It has the capability to sent four signals at a time.
Disadvantages:
- It does not allow your device to move from one place to other. That is the big reason for people to choose the wireless network.
- It is vulnerable to radio and electrical interfaces.
CAT 6:
- CAT 6 is otherwise called “Category 6” Ethernet cable.
- This cable is used in twisted pair Ethernet technology of Sixth Generation.
- This cable consists of four pairs of copper wire,separated by the plastic core.
- Maximum Speed is 10 Gbps.
- Maximum distance is 55 Meters.
- Maximum Bandwidth is 100 MHz.
CAT 6A:
- CAT 6 is otherwise called “Category 6 Augmented” Ethernet cable.
- Cat6A is ranged up to 10 GBs.
- The bandwidth of Cat6A is double than Cat6 (i.e., 500MHz).
- When compared to Cat6 it has better cancellation of noise.
- Cat6A cable seems thicker than Cat6.
- Each cable is protected with steel netted sheet.
Advantages and Disadvantages of CAT 6:
Advantages:
- Easy to install.
- Less cost compared to cat7 cable.
- Supports backward compatible.
Disadvantages:
- Sometimes it absorbs water( moisture) from the ceiling. That cause damages in the cable as well as communication.
- Expensive compared to CAT 5 cable.
CAT 7:
- CAT 7 is otherwise called “Category 7” Ethernet cable.
- It is protected shielded type of twisted pair cable.
- Maximum Speed is 10 Gbps.
- Maximum Bandwidth is 600 MHz
- The Cat 7 cable has backward compatible with Cat 6, Cat 5 and Cat 5e cable categories.
- Gives more protection to the cable.
Advantages and Disadvantages of CAT 7:
Advantages:
- It has more bandwidth compared to its previous categories.
- The quality is good.So it has a longer lifespan.
- Backward compatible.
- Helps better to reduce crosstalk or noise when compared to others.
Disadvantages:
- Difficult to install.
- Costlier compared to other categories.