Category 5 cable

This cable is commonly connected using punch-down blocks and modular connectors.

Most Category 5 cables are unshielded, relying on the balanced line twisted pair design and differential signaling for noise suppression.

There has been a rise in counterfeit cables, especially of the copper-clad aluminum (CCA) variety.

[7] This has exposed the manufacturers and installers of such fake cable to legal liabilities.

Various schemes exist for transporting both analog and digital video over the cable.

[23] The use of balanced lines helps preserve a high signal-to-noise ratio despite interference from both external sources and crosstalk from other pairs.

Outer insulation is typically polyvinyl chloride (PVC)[27] or low smoke zero halogen (LS0H).

[31] If longer runs are required, the use of active hardware such as a repeater or switch is necessary.

Some cables are UV-rated or UV-stable meaning they can be exposed to outdoor UV radiation without significant degradation.

Plenum-rated cables may be installed in plenum spaces where PVC is not allowed.

Shielded cables (FTP or STP) are useful for environments where proximity to RF equipment may introduce electromagnetic interference, and can also be used where eavesdropping likelihood should be minimized.