CAT5
To help develop this article, click 'Edit this article' above.
Category 5 cable (CAT5 or Cat 5) is the fifth generation of standard, twisted-pair cable used for carrying signals, typically ethernet. It provides performance of up to 100 MHz and is commonly used for wired local area networks (LANs) and can carry data, telephone communications and video. It is possible to carry multiple signals on a single cable.
The standard for CAT 5 was defined by the Electronic Industries Association (EIA) and the Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA).
CAT5 cable usually, although not always, contains four twisted pairs of copper wire. These can be solid or stranded. Solid can be used over longer runs and is best suited to permanent wiring whereas stranded is more flexible and so is better able to withstand bending commonly encountered in temporary uses.
An enhanced specification CAT5e provides improved crosstalk and system noise characteristics. In addition newer, higher performance standards have been developed such as CAT6, CAT6a and CAT7, however CAT5 and CAT5e remain popular as they are relatively economical and provide a reasonably good standard of performance.
[edit] Find out more
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Bluetooth.
- Ethernet.
- Extranet.
- Building information modelling.
- Computer aided design.
- Information and communications technology.
- Common data environment.
- Computer aided manufacturing.
- Computers in building design.
- ICT and Automation (ICTA) Scoping Study Report.
- In-building wireless.
- Internet of things.
- Local area network.
- Power over ethernet.
- Smart cities.
- Smart buildings.
- Wi-Fi.
Featured articles and news
Twas the site before Christmas...
A rhyme for the industry and a thankyou to our supporters.
Plumbing and heating systems in schools
New apprentice pay rates coming into effect in the new year
Addressing the impact of recent national minimum wage changes.
EBSSA support for the new industry competence structure
The Engineering and Building Services Skills Authority, in working group 2.
Notes from BSRIA Sustainable Futures briefing
From carbon down to the all important customer: Redefining Retrofit for Net Zero Living.
Principal Designer: A New Opportunity for Architects
ACA launches a Principal Designer Register for architects.
A new government plan for housing and nature recovery
Exploring a new housing and infrastructure nature recovery framework.
Leveraging technology to enhance prospects for students
A case study on the significance of the Autodesk Revit certification.
Fundamental Review of Building Regulations Guidance
Announced during commons debate on the Grenfell Inquiry Phase 2 report.
CIAT responds to the updated National Planning Policy Framework
With key changes in the revised NPPF outlined.
Councils and communities highlighted for delivery of common-sense housing in planning overhaul
As government follows up with mandatory housing targets.
CIOB photographic competition final images revealed
Art of Building produces stunning images for another year.
HSE prosecutes company for putting workers at risk
Roofing company fined and its director sentenced.
Strategic restructure to transform industry competence
EBSSA becomes part of a new industry competence structure.
Major overhaul of planning committees proposed by government
Planning decisions set to be fast-tracked to tackle the housing crisis.
Industry Competence Steering Group restructure
ICSG transitions to the Industry Competence Committee (ICC) under the Building Safety Regulator (BSR).
Principal Contractor Competency Certification Scheme
CIOB PCCCS competence framework for Principal Contractors.
The CIAT Principal Designer register
Issues explained via a series of FAQs.