Difference between Cat5, Cat5e, and Cat6 cable? 1

[trmilo]

I am running network cable through my house. I would like to know what the difference is between Cat5, Cat5e, and Cat6. What type would you recomend running? Does It matter what type of router, or if its cable service or DSL ?
Thanks, Trmilo

 

[Frank4d]

Cat6 is rated for 1000BaseTX and faster, Cat5E and Cat5 are both rated for 10BaseT/100BaseTX, but Cat5E is slightly better. Cat6 is VERY expensive, and most home networking hardware can't take advantage of it's better performance.

If you're looking for a recommendation... go with Cat5E. It comes in two flavors, solid or stranded. Solid is the better choice for running around the house. You should expect to pay about $50-75 for a 1000 foot box. You'll also need RJ-45 jacks. Check Home Depot... they are usually cheaper than computer stores.

You'll need a cable/dsl gateway router with four or eight ports. And I'd recommend a wireless router with four or eight ports... even though you don't plan on using the wireless. That way if you find it impossible to run wire to a room, you still have the option of wireless for that room.

If you don't have cable or DSL service, ask your neighbors about their experiences with both (reliability, dropped connections, speed, etc). Opinions from people who live 10 miles away on the other side of town usually don't count on this one.