What are the similarities and differences between a Cat5 and a Cat6 cable?

There are two main differences between a Cat5 and a Cat6 cable: the speed and the amount of interference or “crosstalk.” Cat6 cables offer significantly reduced amounts of crosstalk and are capable of handling faster connection speeds, so if you don’t mind the little price difference, the Cat6 will work excellently for you considering that it is compatible for 10-Gigabit Ethernet as well. 

The Cat5 cable meanwhile is further divided into two: the Cat5 and Cat5E cables. The E in Cat5E means “enhanced” and true to its name the Cat5E cable does prove itself to be an improved version of the much older Cat5 cable. Compared to the Cat5 cable, the enhanced version offers up speeds up to 10 times much faster than the Cat5 cable. 

Both the Cat5 and Cat6 cables are capable of plugging in and connecting to the same ports, with the Cat6 cable much better at offering reduced crosstalk. As for the price, both cables are reasonably priced, but the Cat6 cable tends to cost up to 20 percent more. Commsi.co.uk provides network data cabling in London that utilize not only Category 5 and 6 cables, but even Category 7 cables in their structured cabling solutions.