Gigabit Ethernet: Cat 5/5e/6

We about to upgrade our network with a gigabit switch and are close to finalizing the purchase, but I'm hung up on the cabling issue. Supposedly, Cat 5 only transmits up to 100mb/s, Cat 5e up to 1000mb/s, and Cat 6 up to 1000mb/s (possible 10k) but at a higher frequency.

Windows Networking 2246 This topic was started by ,


data/avatar/default/avatar06.webp

383 Posts
Location -
Joined 2005-05-25
We about to upgrade our network with a gigabit switch and are close to finalizing the purchase, but I'm hung up on the cabling issue. Supposedly, Cat 5 only transmits up to 100mb/s, Cat 5e up to 1000mb/s, and Cat 6 up to 1000mb/s (possible 10k) but at a higher frequency.
 
We're already spending a good chunk of money on the switch, but is it necessary to bump the cabling up to Cat 6? I've been reading article after article after article, but nothing has been completely definitive as to what should be used. Anyone have any expertise on this that they would be willing to share?
 
As always, thanks in advance.

Participate on our website and join the conversation

You have already an account on our website? Use the link below to login.
Login
Create a new user account. Registration is free and takes only a few seconds.
Register
This topic is archived. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast.

Responses to this topic


data/avatar/default/avatar06.webp

383 Posts
Location -
Joined 2005-05-25
OP
In case anyone is wondering, 5e and 6 work just fine. We have both and they are operating at 1.0 G/s.

data/avatar/default/avatar01.webp

1547 Posts
Location -
Joined 2002-05-29
So far I've not had any issues using any of my CAT5e cabling to enable 1gb either.
 
I have a mix of both CAT5e and CAT6 cabling now and there doesn't seem to be an ill effects....