 Cat5e vs Cat6. Cat6 is the advanced category of data cable to Cat5e. The main difference between Cat5 and Cat6 is that Cat6 by comparison, has a bandwidth of 250 MHz, so in essence 2 and the half times the capacity. However, at the standardized 90 meters permanent link distance, they both only have the capability to transmit 1 gigabit Ethernet speeds. However, Cat6 is capable of 10 gigabit Ethernet up to 55 meters although this isn't a standard length for dated cabling design considerations. How to differentiate Cat5 and Cat6. The easiest way to generally tell the difference is on the sheath of the cable. The cable marking will have code numbers and other digits. However, it will also know to the cable is Cat5e or Cat6. In addition, the Cat6 cable will have a plastic central divider between the four pairs. Cat5e will not have this. However, this is dependent on different manufacturers so not always 100% the case.