 Why is cat6 cable better than cat5e? Should cat6 cabling replace cat5e? Computer networks are an essential part of modern life, but for a network to be effective it needs to be able to transfer data at high speeds. Achieving this is made possible with data cables. However, you need to have the correct cables in place. The traditional data cabling used was cat5, along with its enhanced successor cat5e. However, cat6 cabling has also been available for some time, and represents one of the most popular and efficient data cabling solutions. What is cat6? Cat6 cabling uses four pairs of twisted copper cables, and is specifically designed to be used in computer networks which utilize Ethernet technology. Capable of operating at bandwidth reaching 250 MHz, it's also capable of transmitting data at high speeds. At distances of up to 100 meters, cat6 cables can move data at speeds of 1 gigabit per second. However, if this distance is lowered to 55 meters, a cat6 cable can increase this speed to 10 gigabits per second. Cat6 cabling is also highly resistant to electrical interference, and this ensures data quality is less likely to be compromised. What are the benefits of cat6? If you are considering whether cat6 cabling should replace cat5e, it's essential you understand all of its benefits. Backwards compatible. Cat6 cabling was created as the successor to cat5 cabling and was designed to be backwards compatible. Therefore, if your existing computer network is running on a cat5e based infrastructure, it's much easier to implement cat6 cabling gradually. This will not only reduce network downtime during installation, but also allow you to invest in new cabling over a longer period. Higher quality cables. The construction of cat6 cables means they are more tightly wound than cat5 cables, as well as featuring thicker sheaths and cable conductors. These benefits combine to produce a cable which is both physically stronger and more efficient in terms of electrical performance. Enhanced network performance. Making the step up to cat6 cabling will provide your computer network with a significant boost in performance. Files can be sent and received much quicker, so you will become more productive and competitive. What are the categories of cable? As well as cat6 cables, there are a number of options available for your network needs. Cat5. This type of cable also uses twisted pair copper cables but is unshielded. With a top performance rated at 100 megahertz and distances of 100 meters covered, cat5 cables transmit data at speeds of up to 100 megabytes per second. An enhanced version, known as cat5e, is also available and can transfer data at a speed of 1 gigabit per second. Fiber optic. Using glass fibers which carry light signals, fiber optic cables can send data over distances of 10 kilometers with speeds which can vary from 10 gigabits per second to 100 gigabits per second. The most modern data cable solution, fiber optic is also the most expensive option. Cat5e or cat6. If you find your existing cables are failing and you need to replace cat5e to keep pace with the demands of your network, then it's likely that upgrading to cat6 cables will provide the speed and efficiency you need. However, if your cat5e network allows you to remain productive, then an upgrade to cat6 cabling will represent an unnecessary investment. For further assistance or a free survey, please email or call on the details below, and click like and subscribe if you have enjoyed this video.