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The general difference between category5e and category6 is in the transmission performance, and extension of the available bandwidth from100 MHz for category5e to200 MHz for category6. This includes better insertion loss, near end crosstalk (NEXT), return loss, and equal level far end crosstalk (ELFEXT). These improvements provide a higher signal-to-noise ratio, allowing higher reliability for current applications and higher data rates for future applications.
CAT5e
Cat5e (Cat5 enhanced) is currently the most commonly used in new installations. It’s designed to greatly reduce crosstalk. If you just read that and then nodded while slowly saying "Yeah...crosstalk..." don't worry, that's why you're here: to learn! It basically means the Cat5e is better at keeping signals on different circuits or channels from interfering with each other. A step above Cat5, it can handle1000 Mbps speeds (gigabit Ethernet) at100 MHz.
The better balance of category6 will make it easier to meet the residential EMC requirements compared to category5e cabling. Also, the growth of streaming media applications to the home will increase the need for higher data rates which are supported more easily and efficiently by category6 cabling.
Category5e requirements are specified up to100 MHz. Cables can be tested up to any frequency that is supported by the test equipment, but such measurements are meaningless without the context of applications and cabling standards. The category6 standard sets minimum requirements up to250 MHz for cables, connecting hardware, patch cords, channels and permanent links, and therefore guarantees reasonable performance that can be utilized by applications.
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