Ethernet 5e vs 6

[LocalLegend615]

Is there any major benefit to upgrading to cat 6 cables??

[Dillinger]

What kind of distance are you looking to replace and at what speed?  

 

CAT 6 has heavier shielding, but I believe the big "nitch selling point" was that it could handle 10Gig speeds.  In addition, I believe that the CAT 6 designation has something to do with resistance to flames/heat, so it became a "commercial" designation for builders, much like "Marine Rated" for boats.

 

For the "average" user who is replacing a couple of cables (3 feet to 6 feet in length each), you probably won't notice a lick of difference.

[Slipknot31286sic6]

Cat 6 has a spacer going down. The cable when cut open looks like a t with extra shielding. Cat 5e is does not jus wires twisted. Cut one open. ;-)

[b00stg0d]

Cat 6 has a spacer going down. The cable when cut open looks like a t with extra shielding. Cat 5e is does not jus wires twisted. Cut one open. ;-)

Some cat6 cables will have this. Also some cat5 and cat5e as well.  Belden was using a seperator or e-spline back in 2000 before we started seeing mediatwist.

 

UTP, S/UTP, STP all are different version of cat rated cabling.  Most homes would use UTP unshielded twisted pair.  

 

Generally the difference is use of 23AWG vs 24AWG and the ability to hold 10GbE for the entire 100 meter max distance.  If youa re wiring a new house spend the extra coin and use cat6, if you need 1 pull 2 so and and so forth.  If you are just using it around a desk, 6-20' etc as explained above just grab cat5 or 5e. That can be replaced easily and affordably down the road. 10gbE equipment is not mainstrea/ affordable for home users currently but will be eventually so if youa re wiring a home for the long haul why not be future ready.

[iAmMoDBoX]

What kind of distance are you looking to replace and at what speed?  

 

CAT 6 has heavier shielding, but I believe the big "nitch selling point" was that it could handle 10Gig speeds.  In addition, I believe that the CAT 6 designation has something to do with resistance to flames/heat, so it became a "commercial" designation for builders, much like "Marine Rated" for boats.

 

For the "average" user who is replacing a couple of cables (3 feet to 6 feet in length each), you probably won't notice a lick of difference.

 

I switched to some 3 foot monoprice cat 6 for my pc, ps4 and xbox and my pings are much more stable to be honest. So it could make a difference.

[Dillinger]

 

 

For the "average" user who is replacing a couple of cables (3 feet to 6 feet in length each), you probably won't notice a lick of difference.

 

 

I switched to some 3 foot monoprice cat 6 for my pc, ps4 and xbox and my pings are much more stable to be honest. So it could make a difference.

 

Mod Box is not an "average" user -

[Netduma Fraser]

I would say as well you won't notice much difference but if it doesn't cost too much go ahead and see what you think. Could be that the cables you're using now have been used for awhile so you would notice a difference with newer cables.