Questions about CAT5e vs 6, connectors and such...

[Luther Harlow]

I'm finally getting around to installing network cables for my cameras. I planned to run Monoprice CAT6, but seem to have a hard time finding RJ45s that will accept 23awg that aren't so expensive. I don't think CAT6 is really necessary for individual 2/3mp cameras so I was considering CAT5e instead. It would also cost like half as much.

So basically, is CAT5e acceptable for 2/3mp PoE cameras? Or is there an advantage to using CAT6 for this purpose?

Thanks!

 

[TonyR]

I didn't think these CAT-6 RJ-45's from monoprice were expensive, about 14 cents apiece.

So basically, is CAT5e acceptable for 2/3mp PoE cameras? Or is there an advantage to using CAT6 for this purpose?

IMO, CAT-5e is OK for your current requirement; I would only consider 23 AWG CAT-6 if you had a very high current draw POE device located over 200 feet from the PSE.

In either event, insure you get solid copper, no CCA......not an issue with monoprice.

 

[Whoaru99]

In most cases there isn't going to be an advantage to Cat6 for IP camera runs.

However, the usually thicker wire of Cat6 could be a benefit on long PoE runs (less voltage drop). And, it has a little more room for growth in terms of supporting faster connection over a bit longer distance. If, for example, you were going to try 10Gb/s over copper it will go a bit farther than 5e. However, on a camera run, heck, I don't know if anything out has higher than 100Mb/s port (or, frankly, maybe not even higher than 10Mb/s in many cases; guess I never checked what they are LOL).

For me, I had most of a 1000-ft box of Cat5e on hand so that is what I'm using for all my camera runs. I'm not concerned that it will be any sort of hinderance/roadblock.

 

[Luther Harlow]

Cool, thanks for the responses! I just wanted some extra assurance before I pulled the trigger on the order.