Cat 5e / Cat 6 question

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post #1 of 6

2/19/10 at 5:51pm

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I am looking to wire a new construction project with CAT 6 cable.

I have two questions:

1) What is the difference between the different forms of CAT 6 i.e:
A) Riser rated, 500MHz, 23AWG
B) In-Wall rated, 400MHz, 24AWG
C) Plenum Solid, 400MHz, 24AWG

2) When specifications indicate to use CAT5e, will I be able to use CAT 6 instead. i.e, Russound CAM 6.6, internet cameras, and HDMI Baluns.

Thanks for any input.

post #2 of 6

2/19/10 at 7:59pm

63 Posts. Joined 8/2006
Location: South Australia
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Quote:

Originally Posted by parkermarc

1) What is the difference between the different forms of CAT 6 i.e:

For the difference between riser/in-wall/plenum see here - http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1203650

Quote:

2) When specifications indicate to use CAT5e, will I be able to use CAT 6 instead. i.e, Russound CAM 6.6, internet cameras, and HDMI Baluns.

Yes, there are no issues using a higher rated cable, it's all backward compatible.

post #3 of 6

2/20/10 at 3:00am

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9 Posts. Joined 2/2007
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Thanks

post #4 of 6

2/20/10 at 4:08am

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Quote:

Originally Posted by sold

...snip....
Yes, there are no issues using a higher rated cable, it's all backward compatible.

Have to disagree with you on this - there can be issues with higher rated cable being used on devices designed for lower rated cable. While HDMI over IP devices are not affected by CAT5 vs. CAT6, many of the legacy HDMI BALUN devices are dependent on the twist rate in the cables. Therefore, a certain length CAT5 cable may work with a BALUN, while the CAT6 cable of the same length can be problematic.

post #5 of 6

2/20/10 at 7:33am