When you are having a network installed you’re going to want to make sure that it offers an ample amount of reliability and fast processing speeds. The main reason as to why your network might be influenced is a direct result of the type of cabling used when installing the network. There is a substantial difference between CAT5e and CAT6 cabling in regards to speed and reliability. Below are some of the most significant differences between the two.
Bandwidth
The most important feature of CAT6 cabling is the fact that it supports far more information processing and downloading than CAT5e cabling. In fact, it prepares your home and/or business to handle more information than ever before, even if you’re not using nearly as much bandwidth as the cables provide. According to industry predictions, the rates of data are set to increase every 18 months, so by the end of next year you might need to have CAT6 cable installed anyway. It’s important to note that even small amounts of application data (approximately 1 GB/s) are too hard for CAT5e cabling to handle. With CAT6 you’ll get 200 MHz and with CAT5e you’ll receive around 100 MHz.
Improved Reliability
Another advantage that CAT6 cabling has over CAT5e is its ability to deter signal interference from affecting your network. You’ll be able to have a longer and more reliable period of uptime, regardless of how close you are to other network connections in your area. One concern that many clients have when they are installing a network is whether there will be electrical interference that will negatively affect the performance of their network. Luckily, CAT6 helps to eliminate any concerns in terms of interference so you have seamless use.
Preparing for the Future
Although CAT5e is a substantial upgrade from the typical type of cabling that was used in the 90s (CAT5), CAT6 enables you to prepare yourself for the future. Applications and websites are only going to become more advanced and packed with images and other types of information that might be difficult for your network to work with. Instead of being put in a situation where your network is struggling to keep up because CAT5e cables were used during installation, you should opt for CAT6 right away. First, you’ll be saving money when your network is installed, and second, you’ll be prepared for the upcoming changes in technology over the years.
