These are both networking cables commonly referred to as Ethernet cables. Both cables are terminated at the end with the same head. When we refer to this as an rj45 connector, both cables can be used in any kind of network to connect devices such as routers, computers or POV cameras together. So we can access and power them there are however some key differences between the two cable types. So why don't we first take a look at what makes cat5 unique when cat5 first came out? It was originally limited to a maximum network speed of 100 megabits.
However, with the advent of cat5e in 2001 regular cat5 was put aside as cat 5e is now capable of up to 2.5 gigabits up to 100 meters and one gigabit when pushed further than that. However, when there are a lot of cat5e Ethernet cables in close proximity the electromagnetic interference produced by them can actually cause issues with each other leading to packet or data loss this circumstance is referred to as crosstalk. This is where cat 6 comes into play cat 6 was developed to eliminate crosstalk and increased bandwidth. Cat 6 cables use a spline that runs down the center of the cable separating the wire in such a way that it reduces electromagnetic interference.
They'd otherwise produce additional cat 6 Ethernet cables are usually designed with thicker shielding to handle harsher conditions with these factors together. This can greatly reduce the errors caused by crosstalk cat 6 is also capable of up to 10 gigabits at 55 meters or less so which should I use well. There are some things to consider in an area where you have several cables in close proximity like a server rack or a network closet.
It's best to use cat 6 as this will eliminate the issues potentially caused by crosstalk cat 6 also has the ability to transfer up to 10 gigabits of data per second. However, this quickly reduces to the 1 gigabit speed of cat 5e past 100 meters. This means that for shorter runs like in the server closet instance mentioned before cat 6 is probably the better option. This is because the more demanding Network Hardwell will have the highest bandwidth cabling and the least interference. However, when running cables for workstations or other end-user equipment it's a good idea to consider cat5 for a substantially smaller expense.
