Cat5 VS Cat5e ?

BZeto

Platinum Member
Apr 28, 2002
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What does the 'e' signify?
Is there a speed difference between the two types of network cables?
 

ScottMac

Moderator<br>Networking<br>Elite member
Mar 19, 2001
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"e" is for "Enhanced"

All four pair are qualified and it meets a higher specification for crosstalk, attenuation, ACR, and a bunch of other specs.

You won't see a bit of difference (speed-wise).

Good Luck

Scott
 

techahbeng

Junior Member
Jul 5, 2004
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More like distance difference if I remembered correctly.

CAT5 up to 150 metres, CAT5e up to ?? 300 ??.
 

cmetz

Platinum Member
Nov 13, 2001
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What ScottMac said. The 1000BaseT gigabit Ethernet spec requires cat5e, which adds some additional requirements and tightens a limit or two vs. cat5. Most existing cat5 compliant cable plants will in practice run gigabit, but technically you need 5e. For 10/100, there should be no difference at all.
 

ScottMac

Moderator<br>Networking<br>Elite member
Mar 19, 2001
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All Category-Rated UTP is spec'd for 100 Meters (~328 feet).

This number is a guideline. If you can accurately measure the specified parameters, you can confidently extend that range to the limits of the collective parameters.

Also note: the "100 Meters" rule only applies to solid-core cabling (90 meter solid with 5 meters of stranded jumper on each end). Stranded-core cabling (like pre-made patch cables) have much higher loss and are not likely to perform well over ~100 feet (possibly less, depending on the quality of components and construction).

FWIW

Scott
 

Ninjazx

Member
May 29, 2004
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if your asking this to decide whether or not to get cat5 or cat5e, if the price difference is low, get the e, it will give you a much higher probability of being able to upgrade to gigabit in the future.
 

BZeto

Platinum Member
Apr 28, 2002
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I was more just checking if I am loosing out on speed using cat5.