What is the difference between CAT 5 and CAT 5e?

CAT 5 cables use either two core pairs or a so-called star quad structure. In comparison, CAT 5e cables have four core pairs, which enables a higher data transmission rate. CAT 5 : transmission rate of up to 100MBit per second CAT 5e : transmission rate of up to 1GBit per second These differences make CAT 5e cables a more powerful option for higher data volumes

What is the difference between CAT 6 and CAT 6a?

CAT 6 cables usually only have an overall shield over the four core pairs, whereas with CAT 6A cables each core pair is shielded. CAT 6A cables can also have an overall shield. CAT 6 : transmission rate of up to 1GBit per second CAT 6A : transmission rate of up to 10GBit per second These differences make CAT 6A cables a more powerful option for higher data volumes.

Which connector do I use for a CAT 7 cable?

Two different connectors are defined for CAT 7/7A. GG45 (downwards compatible with RJ-45 for office cabling) TERA (preferred for multimedia applications)

What Is The Difference Between Ethernet CAT 5e, CAT 6/CAT 6A & CAT 7 Cables?

Q: At what speed can a CAT 5 cable transmit?

A CAT 5 cable can transmit a maximum of 100MBit per second at a frequency of 100MHz. CAT 5e cables are designed for a transmission rate of up to 1GBit per second at a frequency of 100MHz.

Q: At what speed can CAT 6 transmit?

A CAT 6 cable can transmit a maximum speed of 1GBit per second at a frequency of 250MHz. CAT 6A cables are designed for a transmission rate of up to 10GBit per second at a frequency of 500MHz.

Q: At what speed can a CAT 7 cable transmit?

A CAT 7 cable can transmit a maximum speed of 10GBit per second at a frequency of 600MHz.

Ethernet cables are available in categories such as CAT 5, CAT 6A, and CAT 7, supporting data speeds from 100 Mbit/s up to 10 Gbit/s, and selecting the right cable is key to ensuring reliable performance. In moving applications like energy chains, standard cables are unsuitable due to continuous mechanical stress, which can impact durability and data reliability. chainflex® ethernet cables are specifically designed for dynamic use, offering long-lasting performance and optional shielding for protection against interference. To choose the right cable, consider both the required data speed and the mechanical demands of your application, the differences between the individual categories are explained below to help you find the most suitable ethernet cable.

CAT 5/CAT 5e: The most common cable*

igus chainflex CAT 5 cable in cross section

CAT 5 is a widely used network cable standard, though it is now largely replaced by the improved CAT 5e (“enhanced”) version. While CAT 5 supports speeds up to 100 Mbit/s, CAT 5e delivers up to 1 Gbit/s at 100 MHz, making it the more common choice for modern applications such as 1000BASE-T networks, though overall performance often depends on connected hardware. chainflex® CAT 5/CAT 5e cables are available with PVC, PUR or TPE outer jackets and are designed for flexibility in energy chains, with options for small or large bend radii. They are ideally suited for dynamic industrial uses including machine tools, packaging systems, robotics, and automated production lines. CAT 5 / CAT 5e cable design features:

Outer jacket: PUR mixture extruded under pressure
Overall banding: plastic fleece
Shielding foil: aluminium-laminated plastic foil
Overall shield: bend-resistant braiding made from tinned copper wires
Banding: plastic foil
Separating element: bend-resistant cross filler made of TPE
Core insulation: mechanically high-quality TPE compound (according to the bus specification)
Conductor: fine stranded wire in exceptionally bend-resistant design made of bare copper wires

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CAT 6 and CAT 6A: Ideally suited for companies

CAT 6 cables are an advanced network standard offering improved performance and higher data capacity. They support speeds up to 1 Gbit/s over distances of up to 50 metres at 250 MHz, while CAT 6A extends this capability to 10 Gbit/s over 100 metres, with a frequency of 500 MHz and enhanced shielding for reliable transmission, even in continuous motion. chainflex® CAT 6/CAT 6A cables are ideal for demanding industrial applications such as high-resolution camera systems, fast packaging machines, dynamic handling systems, and data-intensive logistics operations. Key features of CAT 6 / CAT 6A cables:

Outer jacket: PUR mixture extruded under pressure
Overall banding: plastic fleece
Element shield: bend-resistant braiding made from tinned copper wires
Element shield foil: aluminium-laminated plastic foil
Element banding: plastic foil
Core insulation: mechanically high-quality TPE compound (according to the bus specification)
Conductor: fine stranded wire in exceptionally bend-resistant design made of bare copper wires
Strain relief: high tensile strength centre element

Browse chainflex® CAT 6 bus cables

PVC outer jacket

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PUR outer jacket

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Torsion application

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CAT 7: For the most demanding applications

CAT 7 cables deliver the highest performance among standard Ethernet categories, supporting speeds of up to 10 Gbit/s at 600 MHz. Designed with individually shielded core pairs and an additional overall shield, they provide outstanding protection against electromagnetic interference, making them ideal for high-bandwidth and EMC-critical applications. chainflex® CAT 7 cables are well suited for demanding environments such as railway systems, welding technology, robotics, and advanced automation, while also offering long-term reliability for future-proof infrastructure. Key features of CAT 7 cables:

Outer jacket: PUR compound extruded under pressure
Overall shield: bend-resistant braid made from
tinned copper wires
Element shield: bend-resistant braiding made from tinned copper wires
Element shield foil: aluminium-laminated plastic foil
Banding: plastic foil
Core insulation: mechanically high-quality TPE compound (according to the bus specification)
Conductor: fine stranded wire in exceptionally bend-resistant design made of bare copper wires
Strain relief: high tensile strength centre element

Browse chainflex® CAT 7 bus cables

PVC outer jacket

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PUR outer jacket

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Torsion application

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Specifications of the Ethernet cables

Our chainflex CAT 5e and CAT 6A cables are the perfect choice for most applications. When it comes to transmitting very large amounts of data, our CAT 7 cable are ideal as they not only offer a very high level of protection against interference signals, but are also becoming increasingly cost-efficient. Regardless of whether you need CAT 5, CAT 6 or CAT 7, we have the right solution for every data rate and every application requirement. Choose from various jacket materials: from inexpensive PVC and oil-resistant PUR to highly abrasion-resistant TPE for demanding applications. All chainflex cable are extremely reliable and come with a guarantee of up to four years as standard. Whether sold by the metre or ready for connection with connector: with our cable, we offer you the perfect Ethernet solution for every movement and every area of application.

Frequently asked questions regarding Ethernet CAT 5e, CAT 6/CAT 6A & CAT 7 cables?

A CAT 5 cable is suitable for Ethernet connections up to 100 Mbit/s and is commonly used in industrial applications such as machine tools and packaging systems.

While Ethernet standards specify a maximum cable length of 100 metres, typically split into 90 m for fixed installation and 10 m for flexible connections. chainflex® CAT 5 and CAT 5e cables are designed for continuous motion in energy chains and can often achieve reliable lengths of up to 50 metres.

A CAT 5 cable can transmit a maximum of 100MBit per second at a frequency of 100MHz. CAT 5e cables are designed for a transmission rate of up to1GBit per second at a frequency of 100MHz.

CAT 5 cables use either two core pairs or a so-called star quad structure. In comparison, CAT 5e cables have four core pairs, which enables a higher data transmission rate.

CAT 5: transmission rate of up to 100MBit per second
CAT 5e: transmission rate of up to 1GBit per second

These differences make CAT 5e cables a more powerful option for higher data volumes

A CAT 6 cable is recommended for Ethernet connections up to 1 Gbit/s, offering reliable performance in more demanding applications.

Ethernet standards specify a maximum cable length of 100 metres, typically split into 90 m for fixed installation and 10 m for flexible connections. chainflex® CAT 6 and CAT 6A cables, designed for continuous motion in energy chains, can often achieve lengths of up to 70 metres. However, actual performance depends on environmental conditions and may be affected by electromagnetic interference from sources such as mobile networks or frequency-controlled drives.

CAT 6 cables usually only have an overall shield over the four core pairs, whereas with CAT 6A cables each core pair is shielded. CAT 6A cables can also have an overall shield.

CAT 6: transmission rate of up to 1GBit per second
CAT 6A: transmission rate of up to 10GBit per second

These differences make CAT 6A cables a more powerful option for higher data volumes.

A CAT 6 cable can transmit a maximum speed of 1GBit per second at a frequency of 250MHz. CAT 6A cables are designed for a transmission rate of up to10GBit per second at a frequency of 500MHz.

A Cat 6 cable does not necessarily have to have an inner jacket. However, igus chainflex ethernet cables are offered in the CFBUS and CFBUS.LB series with an inner jacket to ensure greater resistance to mechanical loads. However, the CAT 6A cables CFBUS.050 and CFBUS.LB.050 are an exception and do not have an inner jacket.

A CAT 7 cable is recommended for ethernet connections up to 10 Gbit/s and is particularly well suited to high-speed applications such as camera systems.

Ethernet standards specify a maximum cable length of 100 metres, typically divided into 90 m for fixed installation and 10 m for flexible connections. chainflex® CAT 7 cables, designed for continuous motion in energy chains, can often achieve lengths of up to 50 metres. Actual performance depends on environmental conditions, and factors such as electromagnetic interference, from mobile networks or frequency-controlled drives can reduce both achievable length and transmission speed.

A CAT 7 cable can transmit a maximum speed of 10GBit per second at a frequency of 600MHz.

Two different connectors are defined for CAT 7/7A.

GG45 (downwards compatible with RJ-45 for office cabling)
TERA (preferred for multimedia applications)

For safe and reliable data transmission, it is necessary for the cable to have both pair shields and an overall shield.

All chainflex cables can generally be designed for UV resistance. The UV resistance depends largely on the choice of outer jacket material. For outdoor use, we recommend TPE as the material for maximum resistance to UV radiation.

A CAT 7 cable is designed for operating frequencies of 600MHz and therefore always has pair shields and an overall shield. CAT 6 cables only have to be designed for operating frequencies of 250MHz and therefore often only have pair shields.