For those who are unsure as to what a Cat-5 cable is, it is a cable that is a twisted pair high signal integrity cable that is often referred to as a Cat5. There are many of these cables that are shielded but there are also some that are unshielded. The Category 5 cables have been out dated by the standard specifications of structured cabling for certain computer networks like Ethernet, and it is sometimes also used for other signals like ATM, voice services and token ring (the local area network technology). The Category 5 cable's specifications were distinct in the ANSI/EIA-568-A/TIA, with other explanations in the TSB-95's.

The category 5 cable is made up of twisted pairs that are in one cable jacket. When balanced lines are used, it helps to protect a high signal-to-noise ratio in spite of the interference from other sources, including both external ones as well as other common pairs. It is used for many networks, but the most common one it is used for is the 100 Mbits networks, like the 100BASE-TX Ethernet, even though IEEE 802.3ab can define the standards for the 1000BASE-T-Gigabit Ethernet over the category 5 cables. These cables normally have three twists per inch of every twisted part of 24 gauge or American Wire Gauge (AWG).

If you are looking for something that offers a little more than the Cat-5, there is the Category 5e which is an enhanced version. The 5e version adds certain specifications that specifically target the far end crosstalk. By 2001, the 5e was known as the TIA/EIA-568-B standard, but it is no longer recognised as the original cat-5 anymore. People now know it as the Cat 5e and nothing else. Even though the 1000BASE-T was originally designed to be used with only the Cat 5 cable, the more prominent specifications of the Cat 5e cable and its connectors make it perfect for when you are looking for something to fit with the 1000BASE-T.

Unlike many other cables, the Cat 5e doesn't have the option of longer cable distances, especially for the Ethernet networks. Most cables still have the 100 meter limit to them. There is no way that you could use a cable longer than this.

Cat-5 cabling is the future, and many people will agree. You don't have to use other cables that don't do half the job a category 5 will do. There is no need for that anymore. Now you can get straight to the point with these cables. Cat-5 cabling is there when you need it. It provides you with options that not many other cables are able to do.

The cables are available in both solid conductor and stranded forms. The solid cable is not as expensive as its alternative and it provides more reliable connections with the insulation displacement connectors. With the stranded form of cable you will find that it is more flexible and it is also able to endure more bending and other movements without it breaking. It also offers reliable connections, but more so with other insulation piercing connectors.