Can I use CAT 6 cable? 2

[circulent]

I've got a 1000' box of CAT 6 cable. Can I use it on my existing CAT 5 network?

Thanks

 

[phoneguy55]

Sure. Why not... But it will still be cat 5.

 

[circulent]

What do you mean 'it will still be CAT 5'? You mean the type of network, right?

 

[Dexman]

It's like the old saying goes, "A chain is only as strong as the weakest link" (or something very similar to those words).

CAT 5 is "weaker" than CAT 6, so properly installed CAT 6 cable with CAT 5 hardware is a CAT 5 install. Properly installed CAT 6 cable and CAT 6 hardware is a CAT 6 install.

 

[circulent]

Awesome explanation. Thanks

 

[Crowtalks]

Remember, Cat6 is about twice the cost of Cat5E.

 

[hawks]

Also make sure you test it well, because if I remember the cat 6 cable is also just a little thicker in size. So you need to make sure that you have a good connection if you're going to be using cat 5 hardware.

 

[LeeMcCauslin]

I bought a bag of cat6 heads the other day and they do look like they are just a little bit bigger to accommodate the bigger jacket. I bet it would be tough to cram cat6 cable into cat5 RJ45 heads. Haven't tried it yet but will do so soon...Original poster may want to keep that in mind though...

 

[Dexman]

Most likely, it won't work.

CAT 6 cable is thicker than CAT 5.

CAT 6 uses 23 gauge wire as opposed to CAT 5's 24 gauge.

 

[skip555]

you shouldnt be crimping anything

do it right and punch them down to jacks or a patch panel

the heavier gauge wont matter there

 

[wires]

> circulent
> I've got a 1000' box of CAT 6 cable. Can I use it on
> my existing CAT 5 network?

Possibly. But I would save the Cat6 cable for a Cat6 installation. Use Cat5 with Cat5 parts and Cat6 with Cat6 parts. Why use the more expensive wire in a substandard installation?

If you do go ahead and use it leave a little extra slack so you can re-terminate it with the correct parts if there is a problem.


> skip555
> you shouldnt be crimping anything

> do it right and punch them down to jacks or a patch panel

GIVE IT A BREAK!

There is NOTHING WRONG with installing plugs on cables in the field if you are competent, use the correct parts and test your work.


> the heavier gauge wont matter there

Possibly.

It would all depend on the product. Most cat5 IDC connectors are designed for 24 AWG. They may handle 23 AWG or they might not. For someone with such a hard line on plug installation I find it amazing that you issue such a cavalier suggestion.


BTW - Punctuation is a good thing.

 

[skip555]

so jacks , patch panels and patch cord have no place ?

a way for the manufacturers to get more money ?

as Ive stated before , crimp away if you like , makes more work for the rest of us to clean up (-:

 

[dagwoodsystems]

Easy guys...let's not go crazy here. You both have lots of experience, and both have a handsome vote/post ratio. It sounds like the disagreement here has to do with common practice.

I too am guilty of getting my kicks by pointing out that a crimp installation looks "ghetto". I won't do it myself, but I understand that we sometimes get into a fix, and wind up doing something less that what's ordinarily practiced. It's usually these kind of remarks--not my work--that can make me look unprofessional.

That aside, I would simply love to ask circulent (if you're still with us) to review what Dexman has said. He has stated the facts and managed to side-step our sandbox disagreement.

 

[circulent]

I was satisfied with Dexman's initial comment. Thanks guys

 

[Dexman]

I don't like to push my way of doing things onto other people as everyone has their own way of doing things.

Unless something is terribly amiss, I try to avoid questioning how this person or that person does things.

 

[LeeMcCauslin]

I don't know if this has anything to do with the actual disagreement and I sure didn't mean to start something if I did, but I was definitely referring to making patch cables only with the cat6 heads I got. Even though the literature I've been reading from links provided by you guys seems to pretty strongly suggest buying factory made patch cables (And we do intend to do that for the most part as well), there is always a chance I may need to make one on the fly. If for no other reason than to keep my crimping skills fresh.

But yeah, I agree with the runs terminating at proper cat6 jacks/patch panels.

 

[Dexman]

If you find yourself in a pinch, there is no problem with making a cable.

The difference of opinion lies with the making all of your patch cables vs. buying them.

For the record, I am a "buy it" person, but I will make temporary patch cables if I do not have the required lengths on hand. Once I've purchased the correct cables, I swap them.

 

[LeeMcCauslin]

Yes - that sounds like a great plan. I used to have a boss who thought making 10 or 20 patch cables was good busy work for us lowly techs. Our new boss sees value in purchasing patch cables and using us for important things.

I like my new boss.
;-)

 

[AndyD5]

>>>>I bet it would be tough to cram cat6 cable into cat5 RJ45 heads.

It is indeed tough. I had to do just that because they had nothing but Cat6 cable at the site and we needed it done now. they had no patch panel and we didn't have one to install for them so I pushed cat6 into the rj45 plug it crimped just fine it was getting all the ends to stopping point in the rj45 plug so you can see the copper at the tip. but it did work and it did also pass the CAT6 cert test.

Andy the Cable Guy Chandler, AZ