Decyphering the tags on network cables?

Question

I am upgrading to gigabit ethernet, which requires Cat5e or Cat6 cable.

However, the markings on my cables are causing confusion.

According to Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category_5_cable:

- Cat 5 uses TIA/EIA-568-A

- Cat 5e uses TIA/EIA-568-B

However, I have cables that are marked as:

Cat 5e using TIA/EIA 568-A, which is the cat5 standard

Cat 5 using TIA/EIA 568-B, which is the Cat5e standard

I also have cables that "match" - Marked as Cat 5 using A, and 5e using B.

Which of these cables will support gigabit ethernet well?

Answer 1

568-A & 568-B are pin-out standards and are the same for 5, 5e or Cat 6. A straight through uses either A on both plugs or B on both plugs.  To make a cross-over cable you pin-out one side as an A and the other as a B.

568-A wire order is green-white, green, orange-white, blue, blue-white, orange, brown-white, brown.

568-B wire order is orange-white, orange, green-white, blue, blue-white, green, brown-white, brown.

The cable should sat CAT5 , CAT5e or CAT6 right on it too.  Good luck.