The Key Differences Between Cat5, Cat6, and Cat7 Ethernet Cables
The key difference between Cat5, Cat6, and Cat7 Ethernet cables is the frequency at which they transmit data. Cat5 cables are less expensive and more widely used than Cat6 or Cat7 cables . They can handle up to 100 MHz of data transmission. Cat6 Ethernet cables can handle up to 250 MHz of data transmission, but are more expensive than cat5 cables. Cat7 Ethernet cables can handle up to 500 MHz of data transmission, but are even more expensive than cat6 Ethernet cables. Ethernet Cable Basics & How the Categories Differ Ethernet cables are used to transmit data and connect devices to a network. This type of cable is a category of cables that have been around for decades and is still in use today. The three types of Ethernet cables are Cat5, Cat6, and Cat7. Cat5 cables are the most common type of Ethernet cable. They were first introduced in the 1980s with an improved version coming out in 1995. They have four pairs of wires that can carry data at spe...