Differences in RJ-45 plugs & keystone jacks for CAT5, CAT5e, CAT 6, CAT6a & CAT7 compliance?

Question

I've read detailed insights on differences in the CAT Cabling.

• What is the difference between various cable types like Cat 5, Cat 5e and Cat 6?

• What is the difference between Cat 6 and Cat 6e Ethernet cabling?

• Is there a performance difference between Cat5 and Cat6 keystone blocks? - Not enough info.

We have CAT 6 Cabling & LeGrand keystone jacks; unknown to me & could be CAT 5, 5e or 6.

• We might be redoing certain jacks/ keystones/ plugs for higher CAT compliance.

• Wondering if there is a difference in how the cabling is terminated for the different CAT-egories i.e. for CAT5, CAT5e, CAT 6, CAT6a & CAT7 compliance.

  • Male - Plugs/ Crimps
  • Female - Keystone blocks/ Jacks

Answer 1

I came across this page which may answer your question.

So the main difference between Cat6 patch panel vs Cat6a patch panel lies in the wire gauge specified for cat6 and cat6a cables – cat6a cables are thicker and bulkier than Cat6 cables.