I just got my new computer along with a switch and a NAS. I have to run out and pick up some cable though. I'm planning on getting cat 6 cable, the question I have, what if any real difference is there between cat 6 snagless patch cable and cat 6 network cable? I always thought they were the same thing, however there is like a $20 difference between the 1ft. patch cable and the 1ft. network cable. Is there any REAL difference other than price? Thanks guys
I used to sell Cat 5 and Cat 6 cable when I worked at a datacom distributor and unless something has changed, there is no difference. We used to make patch cords ourselves in the warehouse if we ran out of pre-made ones. You're just paying for the rj45's on each end and the "labor" of making it which obviously is nowhere near 20 bucks.
A snagless has a tang protector so it won't break off if the cable is pulled around or through other cables or equipment, furniture, etc. A regular leaves this unprotected so the possibility of it breaking and becoming useless is far greater. You could wrap a loose fat rubber band or piece of electrical tape around the end of a standard and get the same snagless result savingyou the money.
There is a difference from cat 5 to 6. Cat 6 will carry a signal without data corruption much farther and at a higher rated transfer speed than a Cat 5. For short distances, they are effectively the same.
Awesome! I didn't think there was any real difference, the price difference was enough that I wanted to double check though. Thanks again, I'm off to the store.
