Cat5 to Cat5e upgrade?

Name · 22 May 2021 at 20:23

Hi, i recently upgraded the home router for the first time in 7 years, much needed!

My WAN cable to the BT modem is already a Cat5e. Line speed topping out around 25.5 Mbps.

Noticed the ethernet cable (LAN) to my pc was a Cat5 that I got back in 2004. Will switching this for a Cat5e see any speed/stability upgrade?

Hyburnate · 22 May 2021 at 20:31

I would change it, by standard Cat5 topped out at 100Mb from memory but I've tested Cat5 to Gigabit and PoE usage and it's worked.

Zefan · 22 May 2021 at 20:47

Interesting contradictory post above... Change it, but also I've seen one do 40x the speed you require.

Why bother unless you're seeing issues? The chances that it'll make any difference are likely extremely small, any will be down to the age/condition of the cable rather than the rating, which is more than enough for your Internet connection.

Caged · 22 May 2021 at 21:17

I really doubt you managed to buy a Cat5-non-e cable in 2004. It more than likely negotiates the link at 1Gbps, you will see no value in replacing it.

Name · 22 May 2021 at 21:31

Caged said:
I really doubt you managed to buy a Cat5-non-e cable in 2004. It more than likely negotiates the link at 1Gbps, you will see no value in replacing it.

Got it from my friends dad who was a Cisco engineer, its yellow and says "Cat .5" I hear they are more or less non existent these days but if they do the job for basic internet use at home then I guess I saved myself £5!

gpuerrilla · 22 May 2021 at 22:15

You get plenty in device boxes these days from routers to IP cameras - I have tons. You should not need to buy a £5 cable but as your only speed is 25 Mbps as above said its not going to make much difference (but I would test new cables as you really should have one spare lol).

WJA96 · 25 May 2021 at 07:33

The only real issue is if it’s 4-core cable (2-pairs) rather than 8-core cable (4-pairs). If it’s only 2-pairs connected then you’ll never see more than 100Mbps. On 8-core you should get 1Gbps or maybe even higher.

To tell which one you have check in the clear plastic of the connector how many wires there are. 4 wires - change it. 8 wires, keep it.