UTP Category Cables

Before knowing the difference between Cat-5 and Cat-6 we should have an idea of few basic concepts.
Ethernet

• A system for connecting number of computer systems to form a local area network, with protocols to control the passing of information and to avoid simultaneous transmission by two or more systems.

Token Ring

• It is a method developed in 1980's by IBM.
• A three-byte frame called a "token" that travels around a logical "ring" of workstations or servers.

Twisted Pairs
They are of two types
1. Unshielded Twisted Pair(UTP).
2. Shielded Twisted Pair(STP).

UTP Category	Data Rate	Max Length	Cable Type	Application
Cat1	Up to 1 Mbps	-	UTP	Old Telephone Cable
Cat2	Up to 4 Mbps	-	UTP	Token Ring Networks
Cat3	Up to 10 Mbps	100 m	UTP	Token Ring & 10 Base-T Ethernet
Cat4	Up to 16 Mbps	100 m	UTP	Token Ring Networks
Cat5	Up to 100 Mbps	100 m	UTP	Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, Token Ring
Cat5e	Up to 1 Gbps	100 m	UTP	Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet
Cat6	Up to 10 Gbps	55 m	UTP	Gigabit Ethernet, 10 G Ethernet
Cat6a	Up to 10 Gbps	55 m	STP	Gigabit Ethernet, 10 G Ethernet
Cat7	Up to 10 Gbps	100m	STP	Gigabit Ethernet, 10 G Ethernet

Examples

Cat-5 cable

Cat-6 cable

Notes