Data Cabling

Cat-5 Ethernet Cabling: This network cable was widely used for 100Base-T and 1000Base-T networks as it provides performance to allow data at 100 Mbps. The Cat 5 cable superseded the Cat 3 version and for a number of years it became the standard for Ethernet cabling. Cat 5 cable is now considered outdated and therefore it is not really recomended. Cat 5 cable uses twisted pairs to prevent internal crosstalk.

Cat-5e Ethernet Cabling: Cat-5e can be used for 100Base-T and 1000Base-T (Gigabit Ethernet). Cat 5e stands for Cat 5 enhanced and it is a form of Cat 5 cable manufactured to higher specifications although its physically the same as Cat 5. It is tested to a higher specification to ensure it can perform at the higher data speeds. The twisted pairs within the network cables tend to have the same level of twisting as the Cat 5 cables.

Cat-6 Ethernet Cabling: This cable provides a significant improvement in performance over Cat 5 and Cat 5e. During manufacture Cat 6 cables are more tightly wound than either Cat 5 or Cat 5e and they often have an outer foil or braided shielding. The shielding protects the twisted pairs of wires inside the Ethernet cable, helping to prevent crosstalk and noise interference. Cat-6 cables can technically support speeds up to 10 Gbps.

Cat-6a Ethernet Cabling: The “a” in Cat 6a stands for “Augmented” and the standard was revised in 2008. The Cat 6a cables are able to support twice the maximum bandwidth, and are capable of maintaining higher transmission speeds over longer network cable lengths. Cat 6a cables utilise shielding which is sufficient to all but eliminate crosstalk. However this makes them less flexible than Cat 6 cable.

Cat-7 Ethernet Cabling: It comprises four individually shielded pairs inside an overall shield. It is aimed at applications where transmission of frequencies up to 600 Mbps is required.