Utp Cat5 Specifications

Unshielded twisted-pair (UTP) is a type of network cables that use copper base material, which is not equipped with an internal shield. UTP cable is the type most commonly used in the local network (LAN), because it's low price, flexibility and performance that showed relatively good. There are several categories of utp cable, but the most populars are cat5 and cat5e.

Cat5 utp cable is a standard that was created in 2001 by TIA/EIA-568-B. Cat5 utp cable can only transmit data at 100 Mbit/ s, the maximum capacity is equal to the capacity of a fast ethernet ability to deliver the data signal 100base-TX. It is not recommended to use cat5 in gigabit ethernet connection.

Cat5e utp cable is utp cable that has improved the ability to accommodate the wide data, as well as the ability to send data. Cat5e has a maximum speed capability 350 MHz or equivalent to 1 Gbit/ s. Besides having the ability speed 1Gbit/ s, cat5e has very little noise when sending data compared with Cat5, this can be seen with minimal response time delay when sending large data.

Utp cat5e maximum distance is 100 meters only, if longer than 100 meters then you can not guarantee the high level of attenuation. Repeater or bridge can be used as utp cat 5e extender.

In linking an ethernet network using cat 5/5e utp cable, there are two cabling strategies, namely crossover cable and straight-through cable. Crossover cables are used to connect two similar devices (ethernet card with other ethernet card, switch with other switch, etc.), while the straight-through cable used to connect the ethernet card to a hub or switch.
For now it is recommended to use cat5e, because the price is almost same with the cat5 and its completely backwards compatible. Not only accommodate more bandwidth but also the quality and thickness of the protective jacket make cat5e is more than suitable for most data cabling requirements.