Comparative Analysis of CAT Cables: Choosing the Right One!

1
Comparative Analysis of CAT Cables Choosing the
Right One!
From connecting our computer network to
distributing video and TV signals, we rely on
category cables, i.e. Cat cables for almost
everything. And with technological advancements
in a short time, Cat cable has become a
preferred option over traditional coaxial
cables. But, a confusion still pertains as to
which category cable is the best suitable when
it comes to industrial and commercial network
design and data cable installation. Although
the 3 categories CAT5E, CAT6 and CAT6A look the
same, they are different in terms of price and
performance. Let us delve into the differences
and determine which category to choose according
to needs and why.
1
2
CAT 5E CAT5E unveiled in 2001 and is an updated
version of Category 5 cabling. Fifteen years
back, category 5 cabling was in demand when the
purpose was to support hardware networking. And
it had the potential capacity speed of 1
gigabit. Over the time, when hardware prices
started to decrease, CAT 5 became obsolete. And
Cat5e became the minimum data cable standard
needed. Their special design makeover helps in
reducing crosstalk, i.e. the undesired signal
interference between data channels/wires. And
thereby produces 1 gigabit network at a distance
up to 328 feet. Furthermore, the E in Cat5E
cables stands for Enhanced. And it was in the
late 2000s when CAT5E started to render utility
in order to run workstations and CAT6
emerged. CAT 6 CAT6 cables came into existence
a year later after CAT5E cables. They represent
improvement in overall transmission performance
and are therefore are known as the backbone of
all networks from router to switches. Its
frequency has increased up to 500Hz with the
ability to reach the speed of 10 gigabit network
limited to 164 feet.
2
3
And, how can we forget to mention about its
make-over? It contains 23-24 gauge twisted pair
wires with 2 twisted pair centimeters. In
addition, the internal nylon spline and the thick
exterior sheath aids in increasing the crosstalk
potentiality. CAT6A The placement of A in
CAT6A cables stands for the word Augmented.
And this cable is known as the most advanced
version of all data cables. We assume that it
takes a lead towards a future where 10G network
will be known as a common standard. With
makeover that contains 23 gauge, it is known to
be thicker than CAT5E and CAT 6 cables.
Additionally, it is the presence of more copper
per inch that makes it the thickest of all. And
this extra copper per inch is partly due to extra
thick plastic around the wires and partly due to
tighter winding of the pairs. It has a speed of
10 gigabit per second for a full distance of 328
feet with a doubled frequency reaching to 500
MHz. This all leads not only to the improvement
of its range but also helps in further reducing
cross talk and delay in cables. Thereby, making
it the most expensive of all cable options.
3
4
Conclusion All this said and done, which one to
choose? From the above information, one can come
to a conclusion that Cat 5E is adequate for a
small cloud-based network but it would not be
able to support network demands in the future.
Again, it differs from one case to another. It
depends upon your business or industry needs for
design and utility. Cat6 and 6A are future proof
network. They have greater utility in terms of
faster data speed, greater range and reduced
cross talk. One can enjoy this greater utility
provided they have a gigabit compatible router
and computer. This is because, there is
difference in internet speed and data speed. So,
how much ever of upgradation you do in your data
cable, it wont have any impact on the internet
speed. Rather, it will bring improvement in data
transfer, upload, and download.
4
5
Now, the choice of cables is all yours. If you
arent future oriented and your business carries
server based work, CAT5E is perfectly fine for
you. But if you have higher demands for speed
and downloading files and applications foreseeing
the future, you should go for CAT 6 or 6A. For
any further queries regarding the same, feel
free to talk to us. Well be happy to find the
right solution for your business networking
needs. Wish you all the best for your electronic
endeavors!
5