We supply high quality network cables in the main categories 5 and 6. Within these categories there are subcategories such as Cat 6a, Cat 6a Flat, Cat 6a Slim and Cat 5e. So there are many different network cables – and many are probably wondering when to choose which cable?
The simplest solution is to buy the best and most expensive cable, but the price differences can be large. Therefore, you will probably save money when buying a cable that meets the necessary requirements.
Below is an overview of what the different network cables can manage in terms of transmission speed, cable length and bandwidth. You will also get a description of different use areas:
Cat 5e
- Speed (max): 1Gbps
- Length (max): 100 m
- Bandwidth: 100 MHz
This is a network cable for home use and smaller offices. Cat.5e cables are cost-effective cables for less demanding installations, where the application of the network will not change in the future. The cables can handle 1Gbps speed and 100MHz bandwidth. Maximum total cable length end to end = 100 meters.
Cat 6
- Speed (max): 1Gbps
- Length (max): 100m (55m at 10Gbps)
- Bandwidth: 250 MHz
Network cable for homes, small and medium-sized businesses. Cat.6 cables are used in installations where the transmission speed requirements do not exceed 1Gbps and will not change in the future. Handles 1Gbps speed and 250MHz bandwidth (10Gbps over shorter distances).
Cat 6a
- Speed (max): 10Gbps
- Length (max): 100 m
- Bandwidth: 500 MHz
Network cable for demanding installations of all sizes. Cat.6a cables are used in all installations where you must have a robust infrastructure that can handle high loads and is dimensioned for the future. Complies with Cat.6a, manages 10Gbps speed and 500MHz bandwidth. Suitable for use in data centers and distribution of multimedia. PoE and PoE + are supported for cable bundles up to 100 cables, PoE ++ Type 3 and 4 are supported for cable bundles up to 72 cables.
Cat 6a Slim
- Speed (max): 10Gbps
- Length (max): 100 m
- Bandwidth: 500 MHz
Thin network cable for demanding installations, and modern construction that handles 10Gbps and PoE ++. Network cable that has a much thinner diameter than standard cable. Space-saving and easy to work with. Ideal for data center, patch cabinets etc. The performance of the cable exceeds the Cat.6a requirements (ANSI / TIA-568-C.2 and ISO 11801) if the installation cable used is certified Cat.6a 23AWG cable. Maximum link length is 96 meters, if the installation cable used is certified Cat.6a 23AWG cable 90 meters, and the length of the patch cables does not exceed 6 meters in total. PoE and PoE + are supported for cable bundles up to 48 cables, PoE ++ Type 3 and 4 are supported for cable bundles up to 24 cables.
Cat 6a Flat
- Speed (max): 10Gbps
- Length (max): 100 m
- Bandwidth: 500 MHz
Flat network cable that is very space saving with high performance. Cable performance exceeds Cat.6a requirements (ANSI / TIA-568-C.2 and ISO 11801) over shorter lengths. Not recommended for use with PoE.
