Choosing the right Ethernet or Category (Cat) to use for your upcoming projects can be cumbersome if you do not know the difference between them. At Voltronic Inc we always help and provide our customers with the best option within their budget to make sure their needs are met and their investment is long-lasting.
What application does a Category cable (Cat) have?
As the technology grows, more new applications for the Cat cables are introduced based on the bandwidth and voltage that they can handle but in general Category, cables can be used in lighting, communications, networking, audio, video, and even security. With more devices supporting POE (power over ethernet), the ease of use will push more customers to buy compatible products.
What’s the difference between Cat5, Cat5e, Cat6 and Cat6A?
The most important differences between different Cat cables are application, maximum data rate, frequency, and wire gauge all of which are dependant on the application.
Below you can see a comparison table between different types of Cat cable.
| Specs | CAT5 | CAT5E | CAT6 | CAT6A |
| Maximum Frequency | 100 MHz | 350 MHz | 550 MHz | 600 MHz |
| Maximum Data Rate | 100 Mbps (328 ft) | 1 Gbps (328 ft) | 1 Gbps (328 ft) or 10 Gbps (120ft) | 10 Gbps (328 ft) |
| Typical Gauge | 24 | 24 | 23 | 22 |
As you can see frequency and cable length affect maximum data transfer rate and as the frequency increases the need to add shielding to the cables increases with it. That is why for 10 Gbps networks, shielded cable is always recommended to make sure data being transferred is protected against interference.
Now let’s look at some common acronyms you might see in a Cat cable part number.
| Acronym | Description |
| UTP | Unshielded Twisted Pair |
| F/UTP | Overall Foil Shield |
| U/FTP | Each Pair Shielded |
| S/FTP | Each Pair Shielded + Overall Braid Shield |
| SF/UTP | Overall Foil Shield + Overall Braid Shield |
| F/FTP | Overall Foil Shield + Each Pair Shielded |
What are Plenum and Riser rated CAT cables?
A Plenum is the space above or below a room that provides a way for air to return to a building’s HVAC system. In these situations, you need to use a CAT cable with a Plenum (CMP) certification.
A riser is a vertical shaft between floors for electrical wiring, water pipes, and voice or data cabling. In the event of a fire, it’s critical that cabling in these areas does not promote the spread of smoke and toxic fumes. In these situations, you need to use a CAT cable with a Riser (CMR) certification.
In general, Plenum and Riser rated cables have a higher degree of fire resistance and emit fewer toxic fumes. Because CMP cables have higher fire resistance, CMP-rated CAT cables can be used in risers but CMR-rated CAT cables cannot be used in plenum spaces.
What is Power over Ethernet (PoE)?
PoE allows both power and data to be delivered over a single, solid core category cable. This makes it ideal for networking IP devices like security cameras, access control readers, wireless access points (WAPs), sensors, and lighting that require DC power and a data network connection. PoE gives you the flexibility to install devices where you need them without having to worry about access to AC power.
Below you can see a table for different Power over Ethernet (PoE) standards.
| Type | IEEE Standard | AKA | Max. Power Per Port | Max. Power to Device | Supported cable |
| 1 | 802.3af | POE | 15.4W | 6.49-12.95W | Cat5 or better |
| 2 | 802.3at | POE+ | 30W | 12.95-25.5W | Cat5e or better |
| 3 | 802.3bt | POE++ Class 3 | 60W | 25.5-51W | Cat5e or better |
| 4 | 802.3bt | POE++ Class 4 | 90W | 25.5-71W | Cat5e or better |
The difference between port output and device input is the power lost in transmission in the form of heat.
Now to answer important questions:
Which CAT cable should I run in my home or project?
There are many factors that can help you choose the right Category cable but the most important two are budget and usage.
Which CAT cable is a better investment in terms of cost and longevity?
The answer is very simple, Cat6 or Cat6e! Although Cat5e can provide comparable performance over the short runs, it’s not rated for a 10 Gbps network. As long as the runs are kept within 120ft, a Cat6 based network that has followed structured wiring rules such as using quality connectors, preventing cross-talk, not going over the bend radius, or staying away from sources of interference, can support a 10 Gbps network.
Should I go above and beyond and order Cat7 or Cat8 cabling for my project?
It depends. Cat7 and Cat8 cables are designed for data centers and high-performing networks that need a 25-40 Gbps data rate. For most high-end residential and commercial projects, using Cat6A and Cat6A Shielded cable will add longevity to the project and more options for products that will become available in the future.
A contractor has provided me with a cheap estimate for Cat6 wiring. Should I go for it?
No! Category cables are made of solid or stranded copper but some brands sell low-quality CCA (Copper Clad Aluminum) versions which are basically Copper coated Aluminum cable. These cables offer lower performance levels compared to Copper ones and are more prone to oxidation thus having a shorter life span.
We always recommend customers ask their contractor for cable certification papers to make sure they are provided with high-quality Cat cable.