Cat 5e or 6

We are installing some new network cabling at work as we have expanded our offices.

I have seen in some catalogs Cat 6 patch panels and was asked whether what the difference was. I know the difference between Cat 6 and 5e cable, but have not seen or understand why there would be a Cat 6 patch panels.

Wiring is the same (just the cable is different, I believe - thicker guage with a spline in the middle for Cat 6)

Having not worked with Cat 6 cable, I was curious what other peoples experience with it have been. I was told it was a little more finicky and more difficult to lay down (doesn't bend as easily).

I also have seen Cat 6 connectors (more expensive that Cat 5) that look like Cat 5 connectors. Not sure what the difference is.

Any ideas?

Thanks,

hello,

i think that the difference for all types of utp cables lies in the number of twist that the pairs within the cable are subjected to. the higher the number of category the more twist it has. this of course is more suitable since with a high number of twist results to a higher percentage of cancelling crosstalks and other interference.

The 'Category' certification refers to the entire link, i.e. connectors and cable all together. So for an installation to be certified as Cat6 it has to be Cat 6 cable with certified Cat6 fittings on the ends all made off in the proper way. But as to what the physical differences are in the connectors I don't know

Right.

As a matter of fact, from what I have read, there is no real spec on what the material or how they do it as long as they meet the standards for speed, distance and noise.

I had thought that you needed a spline in the middle of the Cat 6 cable and now I have heard that you don't if you can meet the standards without ( the spline is not part of the standard ).

I have also heard that the Cat 6 cable is a little more finicky to work with. You don't want to put any stress on the cable (keep it loose) and shouldn't bend it like you can a Cat 5e cable.

And what started the question was the Cat 6 patch panel. What would cause the Cat 6 panel to be any different than a Cat 5? I would think the major import would be the distance of untwisted wire. In a punch down block you typically put the cable in the middle so that the outside wires would be same distance of untwisted wire. The only thing I could see that would be better would be to put the 8 wires in a circle (instead of straight line) with the cable in the center. This would give all the wires the same distance untwisted.

Tom

Yeah. One of the classic installation errors causing cabling to fail the CAT5 certification is having too great a length of untwisted cable where it is made off into the termination block.
I'll have a nose around and see if I can find out exactly what makes a CAT6 panel CAT6

I think I will go the Cat 5e route for the cabling as I don't forsee the need for the speed increase in our case, but the cabling may be a little more troublesome.

But I would be interested in what you find out about the Patch Panel.

Thanks,

Tom