CAT5 > CAT6 Switch. Options

[todamax15]

I know they're backwards compatible, but if I am to switch my CAT5e network cable to a CAT6, I was wondering what factors do I have to look at to see if I'll actually going be benefitted from using a CAT6? Or would I be get benefits from changing to CAT6 regardless of what my networking and hardware specs are?

This post has been edited by todamax15: Jun 30 2009, 05:54 PM

[MadDawg]

I've never heard of CAT6.

This link may help: http://www.broadbandutopia.com/caandcaco.html

[garmanma]

If you plan on to implement Gigabit Ethernet, go with Cat5e. Also, the small increase in price of Cat5e over Cat5 is more than made up for by "future proofing" your network's cabling infrastructure.

There is a great deal of debate among people about whether new cabling installations should use Cat5e or Cat6. Many people incorrectly assume that by running Cat6 they will then have a Gigabit Ethernet. However, in order to achieve true Gigabit Ethernet speeds, every single component on a network must be gigabit rated, such as the switches, hubs and network interface cards

Cat5e is perfectly suitable and preferable to Cat6: it is more economical and performs almost as well. However, 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.
http://www.networkcablingdirectory.com/art...ing-id_1151.htm

This post has been edited by garmanma: Jun 30 2009, 08:30 PM