CAT5 Cable vs CAT6 Cable?

**Consultant** · 01-24-09, 02:08 PM

I just realized that the network cable from my modem to my router and my router to my PC is all CAT5. I realized this when I substituted out a new, shorter, nearter 3 foot cable for the 8 footer that was all bundled behind my desk. The 3 footer takes up less space and is cleaner looking...it was then that I realized it was older CAT5.

Will I notice any difference in network performance if I sub out the other CAT5 and use all CAT6?

**WileECyte** · 01-24-09, 02:12 PM

Cat 6 is intended for higher speed networks like gigabit over copper.

**ElFuriosoGato** · 01-24-09, 02:13 PM

No, unless you are doing high speed transfers in your network, approaching gigabit speeds.

**Consultant** · 01-24-09, 02:17 PM

Good to know.

Thanks mates.

**Kanati** · 01-24-09, 03:01 PM

1000BaseT was actually designed for Cat5. So even if you go gigabit, cat5 will be fine (over short distances). Cat6 is just an upgraded, backwards compatible cable that's BETTER designed for 1000BaseT and the new 10GBaseT (10 gigabit) networks.

Short answer... use either one... They'll both work fine.

**JimboIncinerator** · 01-24-09, 06:31 PM

Originally Posted by Kanati8869

1000BaseT was actually designed for Cat5. So even if you go gigabit, cat5 will be fine (over short distances). Cat6 is just an upgraded, backwards compatible cable that's BETTER designed for 1000BaseT and the new 10GBaseT (10 gigabit) networks.

Short answer... use either one... They'll both work fine.

Also cat 5e can handle 1 gigabit speeds. Anyway your good to go.

**RhysJD3** · 01-24-09, 10:39 PM

Originally Posted by JimboIncinerator

Originally Posted by Kanati8869

1000BaseT was actually designed for Cat5. So even if you go gigabit, cat5 will be fine (over short distances). Cat6 is just an upgraded, backwards compatible cable that's BETTER designed for 1000BaseT and the new 10GBaseT (10 gigabit) networks.

Short answer... use either one... They'll both work fine.

Also cat 5e can handle 1 gigabit speeds. Anyway your good to go.

Bingo