How to distinguish between 5 and 6 types of network cables

　　To determine whether the network cable is Category 5 or Category 6, we can observe and analyze it from the following aspects:

　　First, the appearance logo

　　Skin printing: Regular network cables are usually clearly marked on the outer skin. The identification of Category 5 network cables is generally "CAT5" or "Cat 5e" (Super 5), while the identification of Category 6 network cables is "CAT6" or "Cat" 6A " (Super 6 Category). These logos are like" ID cards "for network cables, directly indicating their category.

　　Color: Although color is not the deciding factor in judging the type of network cable, the gray or blue skin is mostly used for the 5 types of network cable, while the gray or light blue skin may be used for the 6 types of network cable. This can be used as a basis for auxiliary judgment.

　　Second, wire diameter and structure

　　Wire diameter: The wire diameter of Category 6 network cable is usually thicker than that of Category 5 network cable. Specifically, the wire diameter of Category 5 network cable is generally around 0.45mm, while the wire diameter of Category 6 network cable is between 0.56mm and 0.58mm. Measuring the diameter of the network cable with tools such as calipers can help determine its type.

　　Internal structure: peel off the outer skin of the network cable to observe its internal structure. Category 5 network cables usually have only four pairs of twisted pairs, while Category 6 network cables add a cross skeleton (or core isolation) on the basis of the four pairs of twisted pairs, which is used to separate the four pairs of twisted pairs and reduce signal interference. In addition, the pairs of Category 6 network cables are tighter and have stronger anti-interference ability.

　　III. Performance parameters

　　TranSMission speed: The maximum transmission rate of the Category 5 cable is 100Mbps, which is suitable for 100Mbps Ethernet; while the maximum transmission rate of the Category 6 cable is 1Gbps, which fully meets the needs of Gigabit Ethernet. Therefore, if the cable supports higher transmission rates, it is likely to be a Category 6 cable.

　　Bandwidth: Bandwidth is one of the important indicators to measure the performance of network cables. The bandwidth of Category 5 network cables is usually 100MHz, while the bandwidth of Category 6 network cables is as high as 250MHz. Higher bandwidth means more powerful data transmission capabilities.

　　IV. Professional testing

　　If the above methods still cannot determine the type of network cable, professional testing equipment can be used for detection. For example:

　　Network tester: It can detect the transmission speed, bandwidth, attenuation and other parameters of the network cable, thus helping to accurately determine the type of network cable.

　　Spectrum analyzer: It can measure the frequency response characteristics of the network cable and further determine its category. This method is more professional and accurate, but it is relatively complicated to operate and requires certain professional knowledge.

　　Overall, by observing the appearance of the logo, wire diameter and structure, performance parameters, and the use of professional testing equipment, it is possible to effectively distinguish whether the network cable is Category 5 or Category 6.