What Does Category 5 Cable Mean?
A Category 5 cable (Cat5 cable) is a type of cable that is used extensively in Ethernet connections in local networks, as well as telephony and other data transmissions. Category 5 cable employs a twisted pair design, rather than a coaxial cable or a fiber-optic cable design.
Techopedia Explains Category 5 Cable
In terms of connecting Category 5 cable for projects, conventional punch-down blocks and modular connections make the installation of Cat5 solutions easy and keep the connections secure. Users must take note of the bend radius and other requirements for this cable type. Category 5 cable is a specification that conforms to standards including TIA/EIA-568, a telecommunications technology standard.
As technology for twisted pair copper cabling has progressed, successive categories have given buyers more modern choices. Category 5e and Category 6 cable offer more potential for bandwidth and better potential handling of signal noise or loss. Newer cable types also help to deal with the issue of cross talk or signal bleeding, which can be problems with unshielded twisted pair cabling.
