Why Cat 6 versus Cat 5/5e network cabling

Why should I choose Cat 6 network cabling over a Cat 5/ 5e system?

The term "Category", in reference to cables, is describing their classification and is governed by the TIA-568 standard. As such, both Cat5/5e and Cat6 cables are a twisted pair copper cable consisting of 4 pairs of centre core cables.


So what can Cat 5/5e provide? Cat5 or 5e cables can provide both voice and data services. They do support Gigabit Ethernet capabilities (1000BASE-T) at its limits, but not very well. They are more flexible than Cat 6 cabling and more prone to damage and quality issues.

What's different about Category 6 cabling?
The cable cores are larger and the twist rates are higher providing more capacity and less flexibility. This higher twist rate and a centre plastic spine separating each pair from each other provide lower crosstalk and again provide strength in the cable reducing flexibility, but the spine's main function is the separation. A draw string is provided for pulling strength and this is not the function of the spine. During installation this reduces undue stress being placed on the cable to stretch or damage it in these critical initial stages.

What's the result - Higher speed.
While Cat 5/5e performs at 100MHz as opposed to the more than double performance of Cat 6 providing 250MHz. Other components also need to be considered for an overall system speed. For instance, if there is one Cat 5/ 5e cable in a Cat 6 system, it means the entire system is down graded to a Cat 5/ 5e system, as it will be affected.

Apart from Speed, what are the other benefits of Category 6 cabling?
These above characteristics provide lower crosstalk, a higher signal-to-noise ratio and as a result provide 10Gigabit Ethernet capabilities (10GBASE-T). It is also reverse compatible, meaning that it meets the requirements of Cat 5/5e cabling, but the specification and quality for Cat 6 are higher. 

But what does this all mean?
Crosstalk is categorised by when a signal transmitted on one circuit creates an undesired effect in another circuit. It can refer to electromagnetic interference from one twisted pair to the next or from an adjacent cable to the next. What this really means is data errors and voice breaks and interference causing slow transmission of signal because it needs to keep trying to send it over and over again.


All these Category 6 specifications mean significantly lower interference and near-end-crosstalk (NEXT). It also improves equal level far end crosstalk (ELFEXT), at the other end of the cable, together with insertion and return loss.

This all translates to less interference, less noise & less errors, larger data rates and higher quality of signal.

Meaning higher speed.




At Excel, if we are extending, modifying or installing a new fit out; we always install Cat6 network cabling. It just makes sense. Even if there is currently a Cat5/ 5e system in place, you may decide to upgrade it in the future. Why waste money on old technology?

If you are installing any cabling, it is highly recommended to have premium Cat 6 cabling installed.


Live smart,
B.Saffy