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CAT5, or Category 5, is a Data Networking Cable, the 5th generation of twisted pair Ethernet cabling and the most popular of all twisted pair network cabling in use today; it is designed for high signal integrity. CAT 5 cable contains four pairs of copper wire and its runs are limited to a maximum recommended run rate of 328 feet. Although CAT5 Cable usually contains four pairs of copper wire, Fast Ethernet / Internet and communications only utilize two pairs. It is also used for telephone systems. When used for Phone Systems, it also only utilizes two pairs.
CAT5 Network Cable exists in both stranded and solid conductor forms. The stranded CAT 5 form is more flexible and withstands more bending without breaking and is suited for reliable connections with insulation piercing connectors, but makes unreliable connections in insulation-displacement connectors. The solid form is less expensive and makes reliable connections into insulation displacement connectors, but makes unreliable connections in insulation piercing connectors. Taking these things into account, building wiring (for example, the wiring inside the wall that connects a wall socket to a central patch panel) is solid core, while patch cables (for example, the movable cable that plugs into the wall socket on one end and a computer on the other) are stranded. Category 5 typically has three twists per inch of each twisted pair of 24 gauge copper wires within.
The original specification for category 5 was defined in ANSI/TIA/EIA-568-A, with clarification in TSB-95. These documents specified performance characteristics and test requirements for frequencies of up to 100 MHz. It has almost been superseded by the Category 5e specification ( 350 MHz ).
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