Is there a Cat5e enhanced

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	Question by Kamlesh Chowdhary posted 27 Feb 2002
	Is there a Cat5e enhanced
Hi, Is there anything like Cat5e Enhanced or is there only two categories (Cat5 and Cat5e)? If there is anything like Cat5e enhanced, what is the difference between this and Cat5e? Thanks.
	Answer by Dmitri Abaimov posted 03 Jul 2002
Dear Kamlesh, That "E" stands for enhanced already. However, it looks like some manufacturers have like low-end CAT5E and high-end CAT5E. The difference is the margin between CAT5E standard requirements and actual cable properties. If the margin is close to zero, it will become a "low-end" one, if it's reasonable high, it will be "high-end". I would advise to stay away from the "low-end" CAT5E, especially if you have to make sure it passes CAT5E certification. These cables are actually harder to install: any little deviation from the installation rules, and the margin goes below zero with the test that FAILs Most of the times the price difference between high- and low end CAT5E cables is justifiable when you consider how much time an installer has to spend troubleshooting a bad cable. Sincerely, Dmitri Abaimov, RCDD
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