CAT5, CAT5e, and CAT6 UTP (Solid Cable) Specifications Comparison
CAT5, CAT5e, and CAT6 UTP Cable – Specifications & Comparison
Twisted-pair copper cabling remains the backbone of many building networks, control systems, and IT infrastructures. Choosing between CAT5, CAT5e, and CAT6 can impact maximum data rates, noise immunity, and future upgrade paths.
This page provides a side-by-side comparison of key electrical parameters for CAT5, CAT5e, and CAT6 UTP cables, followed by a broader summary of CAT3 through CAT7 categories, typical applications, and frequency ratings. Use these tables as a quick reference when designing or troubleshooting networks, including those supporting building automation, IP-based controls, and SCADA front-ends.
Electrical Performance – CAT5 vs CAT5e vs CAT6 (UTP Solid)
The following table summarizes key electrical characteristics for Category 5, Category 5e, and Category 6 UTP solid cables at 100 MHz where applicable.
| Parameter | Category 5 | Category 5e | Category 6 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Frequency (max tested) | 100 MHz | 100 MHz | 250 MHz |
| Return Loss (min at 100 MHz) | 16.0 dB | 20.1 dB | 20.1 dB |
| Characteristic Impedance | 100 Ω ± 15 % | 100 Ω ± 15 % | 100 Ω ± 15 % |
| Attenuation (max at 100 MHz) | 22 dB | 22 dB | 19.8 dB |
| NEXT (Near-End Crosstalk, min at 100 MHz) | 32.3 dB | 35.3 dB | 44.3 dB |
| PS-NEXT (Power-Sum NEXT, min at 100 MHz) | No specification | 32.3 dB | 42.3 dB |
| ELFEXT (Equal-Level FEXT, min at 100 MHz) | No specification | 23.8 dB | 27.8 dB |
| PS-ELFEXT (Power-Sum ELFEXT, min at 100 MHz) | No specification | 20.8 dB | 24.8 dB |
| Delay Skew (max per 100 m) | No specification | 45 ns | 45 ns |
In practice, CAT5e improves on standard CAT5 primarily through tighter crosstalk and return loss specifications, supporting more reliable 100 Mbps and 1 Gbps operation over typical channel lengths. CAT6 offers even better crosstalk performance and higher bandwidth headroom, making it a stronger choice for modern high-speed networks and PoE-heavy installations.
Specifications for CAT3, CAT4, CAT5, CAT5e, CAT6, and CAT7
The table below summarizes common twisted-pair cabling categories, their typical operating frequencies, maximum channel lengths, and typical LAN applications.
| Category | Type | Spectral R/W (Bandwidth) | Max Length | LAN Applications | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CAT3 | UTP | 16 MHz | 100 m | 10Base-T, 4 Mbps | Commonly used for telephone wiring |
| CAT4 | UTP | 20 MHz | 100 m | 16 Mbps | Rare in modern deployments |
| CAT5 | UTP | 100 MHz | 100 m | 100Base-T, ATM, CDDI | Legacy LAN use |
| CAT5e | UTP | 100 MHz | 100 m | 100Base-T, 1000Base-T | Enhanced CAT5; standard for many existing LANs |
| CAT6 | UTP | 250 MHz | 100 m | Gigabit Ethernet (and beyond over shorter runs) | Emerging in earlier specs; now widely used |
| CAT7 | ScTP | 600 MHz | 100 m | High-bandwidth data centers / specialized LAN | Shielded cabling; less common in standard office LANs |
For most building automation and office networks, CAT5e or CAT6 provides an excellent balance of cost, performance, and future-readiness. CAT6 is generally preferred for new installations where Gigabit or higher bandwidth and PoE loads are expected.
Which Cable Should I Choose?
When designing or upgrading a network for building automation systems, BACnet/IP, Modbus TCP, or general IT use, consider:
- Existing infrastructure – Many sites already have CAT5e; verify performance before replacing.
- Current and future speeds – For 1 Gbps and beyond, CAT5e or CAT6 is recommended.
- Noise environment – High-EMI areas may benefit from better cabling, routing, or shielding.
- PoE requirements – Higher power PoE loads benefit from better quality cable and terminations.
If you are planning a new integration project—linking field controllers, gateways, and servers—good copper plant is just as important as the right protocol gateway. Cabling, terminations, and network design all influence the reliability of BACnet/IP, Modbus TCP, and other IP-based automation traffic.
For help selecting integration gateways or planning networked building automation projects, please contact Chipkin.