Cat5e / Cat6 Cables

Learn how to convert metallic cable setups to fiber optic setups and vice-versa.

The world is becoming dependent on wireless connectivity more and more every day, but there’s still plenty of metallic cable to go round. Where it makes sense to use wireless in some situations, in others there’s no doubt that it can pose problems. For example, if you’re an alarm dealer and you have a new burglar alarm to install next to an airport, industrial complex, or government installation, just to name a few, chances are wireless might not be the best choice.

In our blog entitled, “The Handling and Installation of UTP, Part 1” we wrote that there are three methods by which data is distributed throughout a facility. They are Star topology, Bus topology and Ring topology. The method that is used with IP camera surveillance, access control, and other data-driven services is Star topology.

The security industry is advancing by leaps and bounds as network tech leads the way in a number of areas, such as IP (Internet Protocol) cameras. In fact, many security companies also specialize in the installation of network cabling to further attract income potential from their existing and prospective clients. This cable is often referred to as UTP (Unshielded Twisted Pair).

Since 2001, Datacomm Cables (Cables.com) has been a single source for VARs, other resellers and solution providers for IT Cables and Accessories to support Servers/Racks, Storage Devices, Networking Products and Endpoint Devices.

When you’re wiring up your internet cabling, you need to know you’re getting the best service. You need fast, secure, and powerful results, and that relies on a number of factors. One of those is your choice of cable. When you’re running a large network, you have the choice between the Cat 5e, Cat 6, and Cat 6A. If that sounds confusing, don’t worry. It’s the most common question we get here about our cables. Is there a big difference, and which one is the right choice for me?

A big question we receive from prospective customers is whether to go with Cat5e or Cat6 for their structured cabling needs. This is a very common yet confusing question, and can be answered in a simple manner. Below we will run through the two cables and what you should do.