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Cat5E Vs Cat6: Which Do You Need?

At Network Drops, our most frequent request for cabling installation in Middlesex County, NJ, from our clients is copper wire cabling. Copper is the most commonly used kind of cabling that runs to office computers. In today’s professional environment, utilizing the latest and greatest technology is vital. There are so many ways to communicate like using data, video, VoIP and other electronic methods. If your company wants to succeed in central NJ, then you need these voice and data requirements in place using a standardized cabling system to do so.

There are two main types of copper wire cabling that we use: Cat5 (Category 5 Enhanced) and Cat6 (Category 6). The technical aspects of all this can get confusing, but that is why we are here. We will patiently explain and simplify it to ensure you understand it, allowing you to make the right decisions for your office.

Cat5E

  • Category 5 Enhanced
  • Up to 1 GB/s at 100 meters
  • Has a frequency of 350 Mhz
  • Supports 1-Gigabit ethernet
  • More crosstalk potential due to cable construction
  • Might have to be replaced with faster cabling in the near future

Cat6

  • Category 6
  • Up to 55 GB/s at 55 meters
  • Has a frequency of 55 Mhz
  • Supports 10-Gigabit Ethernet
  • Less crosstalk potential due to cable construction
  • Won’t have to be replaced with faster cabling in the near future

These copper cablings emit electromagnetic signals. When several cables run close to each other, they can interfere with each other’s signals, which is known as “crosstalk.” Cat cabling reduces the chance of crosstalk through several methods including its twisted cable design as well as an improved shielding.

Cat6 is mainly utilized as the foundation of a network as opposed to running to individual workstations. That is because although Cat6 cables can handle up to 10 Gigabits of data, it can only do so for up to 164 feet. After that, it decreases to only 1 Gigabit – the same as Cat5E. Tell us what you need your technology to do for you, and leave the rest to us. We’ll even give you a free written estimate. If your office is in need of new network wiring in Monmouth County, NJ, call 609-601-5161 or browse the rest of our site for more information.

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