Question

What is difference between Cat5 and Cat5e cable. Will they both work on the same 10/100 network?

Asked by: DrDick

What is the difference between Cat5 and Cat5e patch cables? Will they both work on the same 10/100 network ? Both work thru the same 10/100 hub?










 

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Asked On
2003-01-17 at 05:25:58ID20461685
Tags

cat5

,

difference

,

cable

,

between

Topics

Miscellaneous Networking

,

Network Cards & Adapters

,

Networking Cables

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6
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Answers

 

by: cbakkerPosted on 2003-01-17 at 06:04:33ID: 7747852

Cat 5e Cable is used in network applications such as 10Base-T, 100Base-T, 1000Base-T Ethernet technology to 100 meters (328 feet), and have been designed specifically for Gigabit Ethernet applications (Gigabit over copper). They perform at high-data transfer rates, and work with ATM and gigabit speed products. These cables deliver improved performance over standard Cat5 cables.

This is the newest fully-approved system-standard Cat 5e Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP) cable. Cat 5e (the "e" stands for "enhanced") is completely backward-compatible with current Cat5 equipment.

 

by: cbakkerPosted on 2003-01-17 at 06:12:57ID: 7747883

Hmmm..
i did answer this one before byt the answer seems to be missing..
I'll post it again.:

Cat 5e Cable is used in network applications such as 10Base-T, 100Base-T, 1000Base-T Ethernet technology to 100 meters (328 feet), and have been designed specifically for Gigabit Ethernet applications (Gigabit over copper). They perform at high-data transfer rates, and work with ATM and gigabit speed products. These cables deliver improved performance over standard Cat5 cables.

This is the newest fully-approved system-standard Cat 5e Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP) cable. Cat 5e (the "e" stands for "enhanced") is completely backward-compatible with current Cat5 equipment.

 

by: NJ_CONSULTANTPosted on 2003-01-17 at 06:37:56ID: 7747983

Here are the Differences between Cat5 and Cat5e.

Both Category 5 and Category 5e consist of unshielded twisted pair with 100 ohm impedance and electrical characteristics supporting transmissions up to 100 MHz. The differences between Category 5 and Category 5e are in transmission performance. Category 5e components are most suitable for a high-speed Gigabit Ethernet. While Category 5 components may function to some degree in a Gigabit Ethernet, they perform below standard during high-data transfer scenarios.

 

by: scraig84Posted on 2003-01-17 at 08:04:28ID: 7748423

I don't know if you figured out the answer by the previous responses or not.  In more Layman's terms - Cat5e was a new standard that replaced Cat5 to accomodate the higher transmission requirements of Gigabit Ethernet.  However, it is fully backward compatible and will work fine on a 10/100 network.  Cat5 was originally created as a replacement to Cat3, to accomodate the needs of 100Mb networks.  This is also backward compatible and will therefore work fine on a 10/100 network.  Cat3 was the original standard used on soley 10Mb networks.

 

by: honor401Posted on 2003-01-17 at 08:43:53ID: 7748668

It is my understanding that the frequency of the twists is greater in cat 5e than in cat 5 giving you better sheilding.

 

by: SMackPosted on 2003-01-19 at 13:34:37ID: 7757956

Cat5e (e=Enhanced) is "enhanced" by virtue of the "off pairs" (the ones not usually used for 10/100 ethernet - 4&5, 7&8) are also qualified to the same spec as the usual Ethernet pairs (1&2, 3&6).

Gigabit Ethernet uses all four pairs, transmitting in both directions (on all four pair) at the same time.

Check out the Tech Library at www.anixter.com - it has some good papers on the differences. Some studies say that 5e may be worse than regular Cat5 for 10/100 because it does such a good job at returning the signal back towards the transmitter. On regular Cat 5, that signal would be more attenuated and of no consequence; with 5e, that signal is propagated more efficiently and can cause more interference.

For a hime network, it's just not worth worrying about. Chances are you can get Cat5e for the same or better price, it'll work fine. If you're doing you own cables, make sure you also get Cat5 / 5e certified ends and terminate it properly, according to the EIA/TIA spec.

If you don't use the collrect pair-order (color sequence), then you'll be able to run at 10Mbps fine, but 100Mbps will be slow (usually a split pair on 3&6).

Good Luck

Scott

 

by: CleanupPingPosted on 2003-08-14 at 23:49:41ID: 9154105

DrDick:
This old question needs to be finalized -- accept an answer, split points, or get a refund.  For information on your options, please click here-> http:/help/closing.jsp#1
EXPERTS:
Post your closing recommendations!  No comment means you don't care.

 

by: DrDickPosted on 2003-08-15 at 10:28:29ID: 9161282

Not only an answer - but a reference for future questions!

20120131-EE-VQP-002

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