Can I replace my cat5 ethernet cable with a cat5e or cat6?

Question

I have verizon DSL (2MB) and a westell wirespeed modem(more than 4 years old). It currently has a cat5 ethernet cable which is worn out, connection drops at random times. Does the modem have to be compatible with a certain category, or will it work with a cat5e or cat6?

Answer 1

I would say cat-5, if that is the most your modem can use. Cat-6 won't work on my routers. Cat6 is used to connect computers without a router.

Answer 2

All that you asked will work, the good thing about it is that if you are lagging in connection speed or whatever this will be faster under optimum conditions. Check the link below.

Don

Answer 3

go with cat5... no need to waste $ on cat6 cable.

Answer 4

Yes, any CAT5 or upwards will work.

Answer 5

You can run any of you choices you listed. I would suspect you have bad crimps on your ends or damaged somewhere along the cable. I never heard of cable wearing out.The cable is made up of copper wire similar in size to you phone wire.

If you replace your cable go to your small local PC shop and either buy prefabbed cable or have them crimp on the ends of bulk cable.

here's a page with some prices

http://www.startech.com/category/cables/...

Cat 5, Cat5E, Cat 6 are the same except that each are  made to somewhat more stringent standards

I found this page it list everything you would ever want to know.

http://www.lanshack.com/cat5e-tutorial.a...

Answer 6

CAT5e will work just fine. CAT6 is a waste of memory as you are buying something thats too much for what you need to do