In the era of information explosion, almost everyone needs to access the Internet. Network and network cables are installed in almost every place, but you may not know that the network cables seem to be the same, but actually have different categories. Here, this article will compare the widely used Cat5e (Super Category 5) cable, Cat6 (Category 6) cable, Cat6a (Super Category 6) cable and Cat7 (Category 7) cable to help you choose the right one. cable.
 
First, the network cable overview
 
The network cable, also known as the network jumper and twisted pair, is usually used with the RJ45 crystal head, which is widely used in local area networks because of its low price, and the network cable is the most common transmission medium in integrated wiring.
 
Second, Cat5e network cable VS Cat6 network cable
 
Cat5e and Cat6 cables work the same way, have the same type of RJ-45 plug, and plug into any Ethernet jack on a computer, router, or other similar device. Although they have many similarities, they have some differences, as shown in the following table:
 
Features / Classification Cat5e cable Cat6 cable
Transmission speed 1000Mbps 10Gbps (distance is 37-55m)
Frequency bandwidth 100MHz 250MHz
Transmission distance 100m 100m, 55m (10GBASE-T application)
Wire gauge standard 24-26AWG 22-24AWG
Performance Interference/Crosstalk Sequence: Cat6 Network Cable Return Loss and Insertion Loss Low
 
As can be seen from the table, the Cat5e cable is used in Gigabit Ethernet with a transmission distance of up to 100m and supports 1000Mbps transmission speed. Cat6 cable can deliver up to 10Gbps in 250MHz bandwidth.
 
The transmission distance between the Cat5e cable and the Cat6 cable is 100m, but when using 10GBASE-T applications, the Cat6 cable can travel up to 55m. The main difference between Cat5e and Cat6 is transmission performance. The Cat6 cable has an internal splitter that reduces interference or near-end crosstalk (NEXT), which improves far-end crosstalk (ELFEXT) and lower return loss and insertion loss compared to Cat5e cable, so Cat6 The performance of the network cable is better.
Network cable ten colors optional
 
Third, Cat6 VS Cat6a VS Cat7 cable
 
Features / Classification Cat6 cable Cat6a cable Cat7 cable
Transmission speed 10Gbps (distance 37-55m) 10Gbps (distance up to 100m) 10Gbps (distance up to 100m)
Connector Type RJ45 RJ45 GG45
Frequency Bandwidth 250MHz 500MHz 600MHz
Crosstalk Cat6>Cat6a Cat6>Cat6a>Cat7 Crosstalk minimum
Standard TIA/EIA Approvals and Standards TIA/EIA Approvals and Standards No TIA/EIA Approvals and Standards
Best Practice Home Network Home Network Multiple Applications or Corporate Networks
 
As shown in the table, the Cat6 cable supports transmission speeds of up to 10G with a frequency bandwidth of up to 250MHz, while the Cat6a cable can support up to 500MHz of frequency bandwidth, twice the Cat6 cable. Cat7 cable supports up to 600MHz frequency bandwidth and also supports 10GBASE-T Ethernet. In addition, Cat7 cable significantly reduces crosstalk noise compared to Cat6 cable and Cat6a cable.
 
The Cat5e cable, Cat6 cable, and Cat6a cable have RJ45 connectors, but the Cat7 cable has a special connector. The connector type is GigaGate45 (CG45). Currently, Cat6 cable and Cat6a cable have been approved by the TIA/EIA standard, but the Cat7 cable is not available.
 
Cat6 cable and Cat6a cable are suitable for home use. On the contrary, if you are running multiple applications, it is best to choose Cat7 cable because it can not only support multiple applications, but also perform better.
 
in conclusion
This article summarizes the differences in performance, transmission speed, and frequency bandwidth between Cat5e cable, Cat6 cable, Cat6a cable, and Cat7 cable. They all have different features and applications. If you are considering installing a cable, be sure to consider these factors. You make the right choice. If you want to know more about the latest Cat8 cable and more network cables, what is the Cat8 Category 8 cable? What is the difference between Cat5, Cat6, and Cat7 cables? ¡·. In addition, FS can supply these four kinds of network cables. These network cables have undergone a variety of strict quality inspections, and the inventory is large, and there are also ten colors to choose from. Welcome to buy.