Fantastic Guidance Bullet Points On Whether To Install Cat5e Or Cat6 Twisted Pair Cable In New Homes

When the everyday consumer reads information about varied types of cable they sometimes get lost in the haystack searching for the ole proverbial pin. At this time the discussion is revited on Cat5 vs. Cat6 cable. For the long term discussion on fiber optic cable installations is not even pondered.

So let's limit our discussion to Cat5e and Cat6 cable. To accomplish our comparison we must take a little time and examine some specifications on each type of cable. The story begins with Cat5 cable which will support 10BASE-T and 100BASE-T network standards. It supports networks running at 10 Mbps or 100 Mbps. Cat5e is an improved version of Cat5 that expands specifications for crosstalk. The added specifications of Cat5e allow it to support Gigabit Ethernet 1000BASE-T, or networks running at 1000 Mbps. If your objective is Gigabit Ethernet, Cat-5e will work out great.

The Blunder

Home Owners have been inaccurately told that by pulling Cat6 they will then have a Gigabit Ethernet. If every linked component in the network is gigabit rated, then you will implement a gigabit network. However, 99% of the time one does not have every component in their network capable of Gigabit Ethernet speeds. It makes sense that your network will always run at the speed of your slowest device. To pull off true Gigabit Ethernet speeds, every single component on a network must be gigabit rated. Cat5e runs near or at Gigabit speeds it just cannot be "certified" for this speed. The difference between Cat5e and Cat6 cable is in the transmission performance. Cat5e can support gigabit speeds, however Cat6 is certified to handle gigabit Ethernet. In addition, Cat6 cable is better suited toward conditions that have lots of interference like power lines and lights. However. all of these negatives can be conquered with careful and intelligent installation techniques. If you can be certain that all the components on your network are gigabit rated, and the volume of the data being transmitted calls for certified gigabit performance, then Cat6 is the way to go.

Cat6 Wire is a Higher Gauge

When it comes to Cat6 wiring it must be understood that it is a narrowly higher gauge than Cat5e. The reason is that because as you increase the number of twists per inch, you also increase the length of the wire. It makes sense that the longer the wire the greater the resistance in the wire. From an installation perspective one must realize that the covering is a lot heavier. The cable doesn't bend as easily because the copper is a marginally heavier gauge. All that adds up to a marginally harder to deal with from installing it in the walls to stripping it and punching down the individual wires. It is common knowledge that the price of copper is at an all time high so draw your own conclusions.

The Correct Conclusion

Once you come to the same answer as ninety percent of other people that Cat5e cable is the least expensive, capable of gigabit speeds, and compatible with all the components that currently go into a LAN system, you will get down to figuring out how to install the common structured wiring system.

Acceptable Plan of Action

I would like to offer my many years of experience as a Security / Low-Voltage Contractor and give you a very plausible plan of action. If you install the system yourself you will save thousands of greenbacks. To install your own structured wiring system you will first need to know precisely what componets are required. What specific electronics distribution panel, what telephone, data, video, and optional hubs make up a successful system? What type of cables in addition to Cat5e wires need to be pulled in the walls of your home? And just as meaningful, specifically which connectors or the best from and economical and installation point of view? You are going to need a book to lead you through the installation.

Installing Multiple Systems

It has been my experience that when people are considering one system for their new or remodeled home, they are most likely considering other systems as well. It would be in your best interest to have installation books on each system you would like to include in your project. Read them all then purchase your equipment, special tools, and cabling so that they are all on the job site ahead of your proposed start date.

Get Some Support On The Job.

Don't even think that you will pull all the cables through the structure by yourself. You will need at least one additional worker and hopefully a couple of additional set of hands. Depending on the total number of technologies being installed on a given job, it will likely take two or three people ten days to three weeks to properly install systems.

Your Granny Could Install The Technologies

When I say Granny could install the systems, I don't really mean that she would be actually pulling the cables and mounting the panels. If Granny was the one who read the installation manual, purchased the equipment, and led the way, all she would need is a couple of relatives to provide her a hand or she could hire a couple workers for a short period of time. After all, this is not rocket science we are talking about here, it's just technology for your home.