Gigabit Ethernet - Cat5e or Cat6?

Ricochet J

Ricochet J

Ricochet J

Soldato
Joined
29 Jun 2004
Posts
12,957
Hello :) I haven't posted on OcUK in a while.

But anyway, okie dokie, so lets say you've got a gigabit ethernet switch to gigabit ethernet NICs on the hosts.

Am I right in saying you'd use Cat6 to get the full speeds?
And if you were to create the Cat6 patch cable, would it be the same layout as the Cat5e?
If so, what's the difference? :p


Thanks :)
 
I've got some Cat5e which handles gigabit just fine. Obviously 6 is better though - I believe it has better lines and uses all pairs instead of 2 pairs - though don't quote me on this, as I'm a n00b with these networking things relatively.
 
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I tried googling it but no results.

I'm going to network my house with network wallplugs, and everything going to the patch panel.

So it'll be Patch Panel - Switch - Router

:)
 
smids said:
I've got some Cat5e which handles gigabit just fine. Obviously 6 is better though - I believe it has better lines and uses all pairs instead of 4 - though don't quote me on this, as I'm a n00b with these networking things relatively.
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For GigE you'll need to use all 4 pairs, that isn't something that is dependant on what sort of cable you use.

Cat 6 will give lower attenuation and has more spectral bandwidth then 5e, but in your average house you're not going to be pushing the limits, so 5E will be fine.
 
Burbleflop said:
For GigE you'll need to use all 4 pairs, that isn't something that is dependant on what sort of cable you use.

Cat 6 will give lower attenuation and has more spectral bandwidth then 5e, but in your average house you're not going to be pushing the limits, so 5E will be fine.
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See, I said don't quote me! :D
 
Burbleflop said:
Possibly, but 5e is rated for GigE so there is no need to go to Cat6. If you use that rationale you may as well use Cat7 which is higher grade than 6 & 6e.
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Cat7 is REALLY EXPENSIVE. I was looking it up the other day - WOAH! I decided I'd just get cat6 as my new cable! :D
 
Get cat6 cable, there is little price difference from cat5 enhanced, cat5e cable is old tech design, cat6 is better designed for gigbit speeds.

And to keep to the spec of the cat6 cable setup you need to use cat6 connections, cat5e connections will do, but it will bring your cable back down a level so you be as good has being on cat5e setup.
 
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Burbleflop said:
Possibly, but 5e is rated for GigE so there is no need to go to Cat6. If you use that rationale you may as well use Cat7 which is higher grade than 6 & 6e.
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I believe its fine for the OP to upgrade without going off track here on costs and since most people like to upgrade, i do think your point is worth pointing out, so there is a need and thats to have a better design of cable and why not, UTP Cat6 cable is not costly at all for a 100m roll
 
The main thing I want to aim for is actually making my own patch cables. When people call me out and say "oh, I need xyz patch cable for Gigaspeeds" I can't turn around and say "Oh, wait, lemme' order it! :p"

Is there a way to make Cat6 cables?
 
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