Ethernet Cable is it the right one?

Big-Gaz · 05-02-2011, 13:11

Hi,

I am going to Maplin soon to buy some bits and want to buy a 10M ethernet cable and have seen 2 on there website a Cat 5e and a Cat 6

I would like to know are they ok for Computer to Router
Cat 5e: http://www.maplin.co.uk/cat-5e-utp-patch-cables-44362
Cat 6: http://www.maplin.co.uk/cat-6-utp-patch-cables-45889

I am currently on 50MB with VM and may get 100MB and future upgrades can I put a Cat 6 ethernet cable in place of a Cat 5e?

Thanks

**Rob** · 05-02-2011, 13:15

You can use either.

Cat 6 is the higher standard, and in theory would support faster speeds better, but in practice few notice any difference.

qasdfdsaq · 05-02-2011, 13:26

There are currently no "faster speeds" supported by category 6 cables. There will be no future "faster speeds" supported by category 6 cables. Category 6 cables are pointless and a waste of money. Cat 5 cables will happily carry 1000mbps. Cat 6 cables still can only carry 1000mbps*

* Note: While not properly supported by the full standard, category 6 can in practice be used for short runs of 10 Gig-e. The full standard requires Cat 6a cables for 10 Gig-e. All other speeds (Gigabit, 100 meg, 10 meg) are fully supported by Category 5/5e cables. Given 10Gbe cards still cost £200-£500+ each, there is absolutely no point to Category 6 cables for home users.

Big-Gaz · 05-02-2011, 13:52

Thanks for the replies

Could you tell me if this cable ok for Computer to Router
http://www.cableuniverse.co.uk/cat5e...10-metres.html

qasdfdsaq · 05-02-2011, 14:18

Yeah, that'd be fine.

Big-Gaz · 05-02-2011, 14:24

Great I will order that now.

Thanks

Halcyon · 05-02-2011, 14:46

Good idea using cableuniverse. I use them too as Maplin are a rip off.

Lister of Smeg · 10-02-2011, 21:23

Cat5e will carry Gigabit up to 100 meters. Cat6 is recommend for anything beyond that at gigabit speed.

PS check here for very competitive prices...

Jon T · 10-02-2011, 21:26

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lister of Smeg

Cat5e will carry Gigabit up to 100 meters. Cat6 is recommend for anything beyond that at gigabit speed.

PS check here for very competitive prices...

Nope, the specs of Cat 6 in respect of maximum length are the same: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category_6_cable