Getting a head start on everyone. I'm starting to plan... Will be running a lot of Ethernet cable. Thoughts on cat5 vs cat6? I already have all the necessities to run cat5 minus the actual cable, if I go cat6 pretty sure I need to buy new everything (connectors, crimping tool, boots, etc...) Will going cat6 really be that much more beneficial for simple internet/streaming use now? What about 5 years? Thoughts?

 

I think 5 should be fine. Whatever plan you sign up for, I doubt they will supply enough speed to max out the cat5

 

 

morning. cats? kittens? i want a kitten

 

Cat 5e 90% of the throughput of cat 6 but far easier to pull.

 

I'd do 6. But I prefer to be ridiculous.

What's the lifespan of all the other components?

 

^^^Agree^^^ Cat 5e would be sufficient.

 

Go big!

 

Personally I would opt for Cat6 since you asked about 5 years from now.

You say Cat5 are you referring to Cat5e or actual cat5. Those are two different cables I'm sure you know.


Cat 6 is capable of 10 gigabit Ethernet at 250 MHz
Cat 5e is able to reach 1000 Mbps speeds (gigabit Ethernet) at 100 MHz.
Cat 5 is limited to 10/100 Mbps speeds (Fast Ethernet) at up to 100 MHz bandwidth


Cat6 allows for a faster speed with twice the bandwidth of Cat5e.

 

If you go cat6, there are cat6 rated RJ-45 connectors. Though you shouldn't need new boots or crimping tool as RJ-45 is the same connector used for previous generations.

 

CAT6

Because sysadmin life.

 

 

Are you running the cable in a home environment or a business environment?

 

Based on the first post it sounds like a house. If it's a business then cat6 is the way to go.

 

Rj-11 > rj-45.