What does Cat 5e, 6 or 7 mean?
The Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA) sets out certain transmission characteristics for cables that must be met in order to qualify for use within different network applications.
Category 5e
This category is the minimum standard for new installations and is currently the most cost effective solution for connecting workplace computers and voice systems.
Category 6
Cat 6 is gaining popularity for new installations, however it can be more difficult to install in older buildings primarily due to the increased thickness of the cable itself and the subsequent bend radius issues.
Category 7
This category is the emerging standard for the industry. Representing the latest in twisted pair cable technology, Cat 7 will use proprietory connectors, moving away from the now familiar RJ45 connections.
WHICH CATEGORY OF CABLE IS THE RIGHT ONe FOR ME?
This will depend on whether you are adding to an existing installation, what type of applications you wish to run over the network and what network speed you wish to attain.
As with most things, there is a lot of misleading information on this subject. The biggest myth is that Cat 6 cabling is required to run Gigabit Ethernet, however the reality is that correctly installed Cat 5e will comfortably handle 1000 baseT.
Category 6 cable should be used when your application standard specifies it as the minimum requirement, for example; 10G applications are designed to run on Cat 6 only. The good news is that Cat 6 is also backwards compatible 10/100 applications.
How long will installation take?
Understandably, this depends on the scale of the installation, but as a guideline, a typical small installation of 10—20 outlets can be completed within one day.
For a more accurate timeline, we
will make an estimated installation timeplan following our FREE site survey .
Can you install data networks in residential properties?
Absolutely, data networks can be installed in any building. Data cable can be hidden within the fabric of the building or concealed within surface trunking.
Is a wireless network as safe as a wired one?
Complex encryption is widely available to provide high level security for wireless networks, but, as with any code, it is not 100% unbreakable.
Performance of wireless networks can be subject to environmental conditions, so if you are thinking of going wireless, we strongly recommend a full site survey before any installation is commissioned.
Can a data network carry traditional audio-visual signals?
With the correct equipment attached to the network, high quality audio-visual signals can be transmitted across the network.
How do Banana Cable dispose of site waste?
We will take all waste off-site. Any recovered or excess cabling will be taken to a specialist recycler and all recyclable packaging is taken to appropriate plants for recycling
What does Cat 5e, 6 or 7 mean?
Which category of cable is the right one for me ?
How long will installation take?
Can you install data networks in residential properties?
Is a wireless network as safe as a wired one?
Can a data network carry traditional audio-visual signals?
How do Banana Cable dispose of site waste?