Before you buy the Cat5e Plenum Cable, it is important that you know how it performs, what its pros and cons are, and most importantly, how safe it is? These are the questions that you should clear to avoid any inconveniences, or worst, regrets, that you might have later.
But you cannot just get the answers to these questions from looking at the specifications of the Cat5e cable. Instead, what you need is an expert review that covers everything from buying it to the installation and from using it to its performance.
So, in this blog, we will be sharing an expert review that covers every question that you might have about the Plenum-rated Cat5e cable. Let’s get right into it.
Cat5e Cable 1000ft Intoduction
It is the category of ethernet cables with enhanced features and therefore, performance. This cable was introduced as an improvement over the category 5 cable. It features more twists per unit length in the cable conductors as compared to its basic version. These twists ensure more resilience towards MEI and crosstalk.
Specifications: It has a data transfer speed of up to 100 MBit/s at up 100 meters with a 350 MHz bandwidth. The Cat5e cable with bare copper conductors is particularly designed for better resistance against electromagnetic interference and crosstalk and comes in a shielded and unshielded variant.
Further, it features 4 tightly twisted pairs of 24 AWG conductors that are either made out of bare copper or copper-clad aluminum. The conductor pairs are integrated into the cable as per the EIA/TIA T568 A and T568 B wiring schemes.
Using the Cat5e Cable. Review
There is only one thing about this cable that is not impressive. We will share it at the end of the review, but first, let us walk you through the experience and the main details.
The cable is quite affordable and that is the first thing that is noticed. It comes at a more affordable cost than any other ethernet cable available.
And once you buy the Cat5e bare copper cable, you notice that it is quite easy to install as well. With the flexible and durable plenum jacket and bare copper conductors, it is ductile and withstands the uncertain conditions of a construction site, effortlessly.
Once the installation is done, then comes the termination process. It is terminated in RJ45 standard jacks and keystone connectors that are compatible with 24 AWG wires. The conductor pairs of the cable are color-coded according to the EIA/TIA standards which makes it super easy to terminate the cables.
Once the Cat5e Plenum Pure Copper cable is successfully installed and terminated, it is time to use it. The cable is super fast and maintains minimum attenuation. Attenuation is the loss of data in signal transmission which results in a slower transmission.
It handles almost all applications effortlessly and you will notice better signal integrity as well as efficiency. Because of the plenum jacket, you will also be more relaxed. Further, if you have installed it outdoors, you can rest assured that it is going to withstand extreme weather conditions.
Conductors of the cable are corrosion-resistant which will ensure that its performance does not decline in long-term use.
Final Words
The Cat5e Plenum Cable is reliable and does its job perfectly. Easy to install, excellent resistance against EMI and various kinds of crosstalk, decent data transmission speeds, however, fast at up to 50 meters. The only unimpressive thing that you could notice in the cable is the fact that it is not too future-proof as you would want it to be.
The 100MBit/s transmission speed of the cable may or may not support the ethernet applications that might be rolled out 10 or 15 years from now. Nonetheless, it is cost-effective and will relay strong signals for quite some time.
FAQs:
1. What is Cat5e Cable used for?
Cat5e Cable is used for high-speed ethernet applications in business and residential LAN networks. Pertinent to mention is that more advanced LAN cables such as the Cat6 and Cat6a are also available in the market and are used readily.
2. What is the difference between Cat5 and Cat5e Cable?
Both cables are almost the same except that the conductor pairs of the Cat5e cable are more tightly twisted.
3. Is Cat6 better than Cat5e?
It depends. If the requirement of the LAN network is only gigabit and 10-gigabit performance, the Cat6 cable is better. Otherwise, Cat5e cable is quite a decent option.
4. Is Cat5e good for 4K, Gaming, and other such purposes?
Yes, with 100MBIt/s speed, it is quite sufficient for all such uses. However, you can also enhance the performance of the cable by running it at up to 50 meters. This way it supports 1 GBit/s transmission speed. Awesome, right?
