What is Cat5e?

 Category 5e (Cat5e) is probably the most common networking cable. It is the standard for ethernet, so almost anyone with a LAN network in their home or office will use Cat5e cables in some capacity.  The cable itself is typically an unshielded twisted-pair (UTP) cable type.  The cable jacket holds four twisted-pair copper wires and has RJ-45 connectors.

 The Cat5e cable is an enhancement (hence the "e") of the original Category 5 cable. These enhancements include improved performance and support of far-end crosstalk. The unshielded Cat5e is now generally recommended over the original at5.

Cat5e cables come in two different varieties: stranded and solid conductor.  At the most general level, stranded Cat5e cables are more durable and are generally used around the house or office. Solid-conductor Cat5e cables are more efficient but less durable and are generally used in installation work (within walls, ceilings, etc.). In general (and specifically on the ShowMeCables website) all Cat5e "patch cables" are stranded, while each solid conductor cable is clearly marked.

Applications and Uses

• Cat5e is most commonly used for Ethernet networks. 10/100/1000 BASE-T standards are all compatible with Cat5e.
• Cat5e can also be used for ATMs, similar devices, and voice services, including home telephone lines. Click here for a guide to wiring a Cat5e cable as an ethernet and phone jack.

Practical Info

• Cat5e cable length should be limited to approximately 300 feet.

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