Gigabit network, CAT 5 patch cables

[Slade]

Is it advisable to upgrade my "collection" of old CAT 5 patch cables (2-20 ft.) to get the most out of all of my hardware that is gigabit and my long cable runs that are all CAT 5e?

Thanks

 

[teknojnky]

Yes.

gbit requires cat5E

many old cat 5 cables do not have the requisite electrical properties to support stable gbit, although its possible that higher quality cat 5 can be used I wouldn't recommend it.

personally I use cat6 cables only, monoprice.com is a good place for high quality cables (of any type, size or color) and good prices.

 

[raleighthings]

Cat5e was a modification to the Cat5 spec when it was discovered that Cat5 would only work with gigE up to about 90 meters. As long as your runs are under say 50 to 80 meters I'd not get excited about it. But I would work on gradually replacing them with Cat5e or Cat6 over time as they need to be replaced.