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Cat 5

Category 5 (also known as ethernet cable) is RJ-45, Register Jack 45. It is the most commonly used method of networking. It is used a lot is business and even comes standard in some newer homes. It looks like slightly thicker telephone wire (RJ-11).

 

Where can I get Cat 5?

You can get Cat 5 at most computer and electronics stores such as Best Buy, Circuit City, Fry’s Electronics, Radio Shack and sometimes even WalMart.

What is a Crossover Cable?

A Cat 5 configuration in which the "receive" and "transmit" lines are crossed. It is used for like devices such two hubs.

More info on crossover cables.

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Why is it called Category 5?

Category 5 follows Categories 1-4.

 

CATEGORY	DATA RATE	HOW IT IS USED
Category 1	Up to 1 Mbps	Analog voice (doorbell wiring
Category 2	Up to 4 Mbps	Token Ring
Category 3	16 Mbps	Voice/data 10Base-T
Category 4	20 Mbps	16 Mbps Token Ring
Category 5	100 Mbps (2 pair) 1000 Mbps (4 pair)	Replaced with 5e
Category 5e	1000Mbps	155 Mbps ATM 100 Mbps
Category 6	Up to 400 MHz	Super-fast broadband
Category 7	600-700 MHz > 1 GHz	Ultrafast Government use; full motion video Not yet released

 

Cat-5 is based on the EIA/TIA 568 Commercial Building Telecommunications Wiring Standard developed by the Electronics Industries Association as requested by the Computer Communications Industry Association in 1985.

 

Wiring Standards:

Communication Wiring Color Codes (Cat 5 & 3)

 

Resources:

Crozier, Ry. Companies Plug into Cat 7 Standard. Electronicnews. http://www.siemon.com/us/white_papers/pdf/ElectronicsNews_Cat7_Interview.pdf. April 2002

Whatis.com. Keyword: Categories of Twisted Pairs.