CAT5 versus CAT5e versus CAT6
The two extremes on the spectrum, but here are two very common questions from installers who are not experienced with network camera installs.
- Can I still use regular CAT5 for any of my installs?
- Do I have to use CAT6 for network video?
CAT5
CAT5 is showing its age, and SHOULD NOT be used on any new installations.
Though the technical capabilities of CAT5 to provide 1000 megabit speed and Power Over Ethernet are arguable; CAT5 can only be counted as useful for 10 megabit or 100 megabit use.
The maximum (recommended) length for CAT5 is 100 meters, or 328 feet.
CAT5e
CAT5e is the current standard for network video installs; it is not the newest, but not old enough to be useless.
CAT5e is currently the minimum recommended for 1000 megabit (1 gigabit) communication speeds, and for providing Power Over Ethernet.
Crosstalk (interference between wire pairs) is significantly reduced in CAT5e compared to regular CAT5.
CAT5e operates at a frequency of 100 MHz, and consists of four twisted pairs of copper wire, typically 24 AWG (gauge).
The maximum (recommended) length for CAT5e is 100 meters, or 328 feet.
CAT6
CAT6 is the new, next step; but is NOT required for network video installs.
CAT6 provides the first step into 10 gigabit communication speeds.
CAT6 has superior interior and exterior shielding. This means that crosstalk (interference between wire pairs) is significantly reduced in CAT6 compared to CAT5e; and CAT6 is far more resistant to interference of external sources.
CAT6 operates at a frequency of 250 MHz, and consists of four twisted pairs of copper wire, typically 23 AWG (gauge).
CAT6 is a great recommendation for installs that have the potential for significant interference from other electrical sources.
The maximum (recommended) length for CAT6 when communicating at up to 1000 megabits (1 gigabit) is 100 meters, or 328 feet. The maximum length for CAT6 when communicating at 10 gigabit is 55 meters, or 180 feet.
CAT6A
Wait? What's this? Something even newer?
CAT6A provides further superiority for internal shielding, again further reducing crosstalk.
The big jump for CAT6A is that it operates at a frequency of 500 MHz. It consists of four twisted pairs of copper wire, typically 22 AWG (gauge).
At the current cost, there is currently no practical reason to recommend CAT6A for network video installations.
The significance of CAT6A is in the speed, which allows a longer max length. The maximum length for CAT6 when communicating at 10 gigabit is 100 meters, or 328 feet.
