In today’s tech world where speed is the solution for every problem when it comes to networking needs for businesses or SMEs. The need for safe and reliable cabling infrastructure is paramount. To summit with the best ethernet cable you need to know about the category cable features and characteristics.

This is a fact that wired cables are more secure than wireless technology but still which cable serves the best according to the speed of the server? You need to find out by reading this guide about Cat 6 riser cable and Cat5e riser bulk cable. Is it safe to use Copper or Bare Copper cable? 

Difference Between Copper Vs Bare Copper Conductors

The above table explains the comparison between Pure Copper and Bare Copper conductors. A bare copper conductor is without the coating of extra substances which makes it rigid and useful for demanding applications.

From this table, you can easily decide which cable you want for your networking needs. Now let's hear about the comparison between the Cat5e riser cable and the Cat6 riser cable. 

Cat5e Riser Copper Cable

Here I am going to unfold the specs of the cat5e riser bulk cable so you understand the terminology of the Cat5e riser cable more conveniently. So the first feature is,

• Cable Speed — Speed is one of the major factors when buying an ethernet cable. For cat5e riser copper cable two types of speed can be achieved by Cat5e 100 Mbps and 1000 Mbps over 164ft and 328ft. The cable has an improved bandwidth of 350 MHz. The diameter size of the cable is 24 AWG which is exceptional for using this cable for fast data travel.
• Construction — The cat5e riser core part is made up of a Copper conductor for superior conductivity and maintaining signal strength. Compared to CCA the cable is only a temporary solution for gigabit networking. 
• Riser Rated — A PVC-rated jacket to resist fire ignition with a minimal amount of toxic smoke emission. This is an indoor jacket and only entertains vertical and indoor installation needs. 
• Applications 
  • For PoE and with LAN and WAN networks.
  • VoIP, Audio/Video streaming, IoT devices
  • Inside walls installations meeting the fire safety standards intact. 

Cat6 Riser Cable

Likewise, the cat5e riser cable, cat6 riser has also some updated stats which makes this cable suitable for catering gigabit and 10 gigabit speed ratings. So without taking much time let’s roll into the specs of the Cat6 riser.

• Speed — The cable's internal structure features tight twisting that helps in slowing down the signal attenuation and maintaining the flow of electrical signals. The cat6 riser bare copper cable delivers 1 Gbps speed over longer lengths and 10 Gbps speed over shorter cable lengths. The cable has approximately double the bandwidth speed compared to the cat5e riser cable — 550 MHz. The diameter size of the conductor is 23 AWG which identifies the cable conductor thickness. 
• Construction — The inner core part of the cat6 riser cable is made up of bare copper cable that is used for fast signal transmission. The twist per inch in the cable is 5-6 so it indicates the cable is an improved version to avoid external noise. 
• Applications 
  • Future-proofing networks and can avail speed up to 10 Gbps. 
  • Suitable for residential, commercial, and industrial applications.
  • PoE, Gaming, VoIP, IoT devices, 10/100/1000BASE-T and 10GBASE-T

The need to choose the right cable is to identify the server speed needs. If you have a 50 Mbps, or 100 Mbps speed connection then the cat5e riser cable is more than enough but if you are experiencing slow speed or have a gigabit connection then you might need cat6 riser bare copper cable. Here selecting ethernet cable seems quite tough but you still need to know about the factors. 

Choosing the Right Cable

This is a quick guide to assist you buy the right category cable for your server needs. What should you consider before buying the cable?

Speed Requirements — identify the speed of your server and equipment (Router, hub, and switches) and whether they need gigabit speed or Fast Ethernet speed (100 Mbps) is enough.

Future Proofing — if you need future proofing opt for the Cat6 riser bare copper cable. The benefit of buying this cable is that you have enough of a gap in the future to increase your network speed. 

Installation environment — you should know about the unshielded Cat5e riser or shielded cat6 riser cables to secure the cables from outside EMI or RFI. Watch out for your installation environment so that you can buy the right cable. 

Budget — If restricted with the budget, choose the cat5e riser cable, or if not cat6 is the best option to buy for your cabling infrastructure. 

Conductor specs — Pure copper and bare copper are both the same but with a slight difference – the absence of coating on the bare copper. Otherwise, both conductors are best to pour out the phenomenal speed. 

Jacket Ratings — Riser and Plenum are both outer jackets and used for indoor installation but which should you need? If your maximum deployment of cable runs vertically, the riser is perfect. But if it involves horizontal spaces as well then you need a plenum jacket as well. 

Length of the cable — The installation length is in much favor as you need to terminate the cable and install the maximum runs within the building so identify if you need bulk cable or if small lengths are enough. 

Final Words

The comparison between cat5e riser copper and cat6 riser bare copper cable is not so tough as both cables exhibit different speeds recommended lengths, and taste ethernet applications. Another important thing is that the Cat6 riser bulk cable is more secure than the cat5e riser cable. In simple words, if you want stable performance for longer times you go for the cat6 riser bulk cable. Investing on the right cable is difficult when there is a vast range of ethernet cables in the market.