Cat 5 vs Cat 6

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Guest

I'm sure there is an answer there is going to be a difference of opinion
about this, but I was wondering if anyone can tell me if going from Cat 5 to
Cat 6 will increase my bandwidth speed on my connection to my main computer.

Just curious.

Thanks,

Ryan
 
I'm sure there is an answer there is going to be a difference of opinion
about this, but I was wondering if anyone can tell me if going from Cat 5 to
Cat 6 will increase my bandwidth speed on my connection to my main computer.

Just curious.

Thanks,

Ryan
Click to expand...

Ryan,

Cat 6 cable will provide better speeds IF it is installed properly (and there
are a few requirements here) and IF the switches / routers / computers support
higher speed (ie GigaBit). Without both of the above being true, No. When you
don't get 100Mb speed on a 100Mb LAN, it's generally not the fault of the cable.
 
Hi
Cat5e is rated for the current Giga (1000Mb/sec.) standard.
There is No technical benefit form using CAT6.
CAT6 can conduct more than the current Giga so it is mainly used in New in
Wall installations, thus avoiding the need to reinstall the CAT5e in the
future.
CAT6 would not "Squeeze" better Speed from current hardware. A $10 bill
stays $10 even if you put it in a bigger valet.
Jack (MVP-Networking).
 
If you have a speed issue, and you're sure it's the cable and not the
computer, then check for things like over-long terminations, untwisted
sections at patch-panels or wrong colour-codes.

Many installers don't realise that the pairs cannot simply be used in any
order; if you don't stick to the (seemingly-illogical!) colour-code it will
give problems. Seen quite a few installs where the RJ45's were wired to
telephone colours (blue-orange-green-brown) and they wouldn't believe that
was the trouble when they couldn't get more then 10MHz out of it.
 
If your current wiring is either flakey or poorly done, replacing it will
improve network performance. If your current wiring was done according to
specs and is working correctly there is no benefit in replacing it.

--
Richard G. Harper [MVP Shell/User] (e-mail address removed)
* PLEASE post all messages and replies in the newsgroups
* for the benefit of all. Private mail is usually not replied to.
* My website, such as it is ... http://rgharper.mvps.org/
* HELP us help YOU ... http://www.dts-l.org/goodpost.htm
 
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