. Cat 5, Cat 5E, Cat 6 are cable used for networking.
. Cat 5 cable transmits data at a speed of 10 Mbps.
. Cat 5E cable is enhanced version of Cat 5 cable which transmits data at speed of 100 Mbps.
. Both Cat 5 and Cat 5E run 100 meters without using repeater for data transmission.
. Cat 5 and Cat 5E cables have issues of cross-talk.
Cross-talk:
. It refers to mixing up of data between adjacent wires due to electromagnetic signal emissions.
. Cross-talk increases errors and loss of data.
. Cat 5 has no methods to isolate wires in them but Cat 5E however isolated wires but is not upto mark.
. Cat 6 cables have buffer like longitudinal separator which reduces cross talk and increases speed of transmission.
Differences:
| Property | Cat 5 | Cat 6 |
|---|---|---|
| Data Speed | 100Mbps | 10Gbps |
| Data loss and errrors | More | Less |
| Frequency | 350Hz | 550Hz |
| Crosstalk | More | Less due to isolator |
| Thickness | Less amount of copper inside wires and is thinner compared to Cat 6 | More amount of copper inside wires and it is thicker compared to Cat 5 |
| Twisting | Less twisted compared to Cat 6 | More twisted compared to Cat 5 |
| Categories | Cat 5 and Cat 5E | Cat 6 and Cat 6A |
| Applications | Networking | Networking |
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