If you’re you’ve probably come across a big question: Cat5 vs. Cat6 – which Ethernet cable should you choose? And maybe you’ve also seen Cat6a and are wondering how that fits in.
It can all feel a little technical, but don’t worry — we’re breaking it down in a simple, straightforward way. Whether you’re wiring up a single office or hundreds of business locations, the cable you use matters. It can impact your internet speed, your ability to grow, and how reliable your network is day-to-day.
Let’s take a closer look at how these and which one makes the most sense for your business.
What Are Ethernet Cables?
If you’ve ever plugged your computer into the internet using a wire instead of Wi-Fi, you’ve used an Ethernet cable. These cables are the unsung heroes behind most business networks. They connect your devices—like desktop computers, VoIP phones, printers, point-of-sale (POS) systems, servers, and routers—to your local area network (LAN). In simpler terms, Ethernet cables are what make your wired internet connection possible.
Why Are Ethernet Cables So Important?
, Ethernet cables are still the gold standard for reliable, high-speed internet connections—especially in professional settings. Why? Because Ethernet offers:
- Faster speeds
- More consistent performance
- Better security
- Less interference from other electronics
If your business depends on video calls, streaming, or secure file transfers, using Ethernet can make a big difference in quality and reliability.
Cabling Isn’t a Fix for All Internet Issues
While upgrading to Cat6 or Cat6a can dramatically improve the performance and reliability of your internal network, it’s important to understand its limitations. Ethernet cabling won’t fix issues coming from your or a low-speed WAN (wide-area network) connection. If your incoming internet connection is slow due to provider limitations or external network congestion, even the highest-grade Ethernet cable won’t make your internet faster.
Instead, what Cat6 and Cat6a can do is eliminate bottlenecks inside your own network. That means:
- Ensuring your Wi-Fi access points, VoIP phones, and workstations aren’t slowed down by outdated internal wiring
- Supporting high-speed data transfers between devices on your local network
- Giving your network infrastructure the capacity to keep up with high-speed internet, if and when it’s available
If you’re frustrated by paying for gigabit internet and only experiencing a fraction of that speed, upgrading your cabling might be part of the solution, but it’s not the whole solution. Before investing in new cabling, make sure other parts of your network, like routers, switches, and ISP performance, aren’t the real cause of the slowdown.
What Does “Cat” Mean in Ethernet Cables?
You might have seen terms like Cat5, Cat6, or Cat6a when shopping for Ethernet cables. That “Cat” stands for Category, and the number that follows it tells you how advanced the cable is. Generally, the higher the number, the newer and better the cable’s performance.
Each category of Ethernet cable has different capabilities when it comes to:
- Speed (how fast data moves)
- Bandwidth (how much data it can handle at once)
- Shielding (how well it protects against signal interference)
So when you’re comparing Cat5 vs. Cat6, or Cat6 vs. Cat6a, you’re really looking at how each cable performs under different network demands.
Common Types of Ethernet Cables You’ll See
Let’s take a quick look at the three most common types of Ethernet cables used in businesses today:
- Cat5e (Category 5 enhanced): This is the older, more basic option. It supports speeds up to 1 Gbps and is fine for light internet use or small offices.
- Cat6 (Category 6): A step up from Cat5e, Cat6 supports faster speeds (up to 10 Gbps over devices.
- Cat6a (Category 6 augmented): This cable is designed for more advanced networks. It offers even better speed and shielding, and can handle 10 Gbps over longer distances — up to 100 meters. It’s often used in hospitals, data centers, or large office buildings.
Do You Really Need to Know the Difference?
If you’re managing IT or operations for a business, the answer is yes. Knowing the difference between Cat5 vs. Cat6 and Cat6 vs. Cat6a helps you make smarter decisions when setting up your network. It can also save you money in the long run. For example, using Cat6 instead of Cat5e might cost a bit more upfront, but it could prevent you from needing to upgrade everything again in just a couple of years.
