I’m glad you asked. Here’s a handy-dandy chart outlining some key information among the 3 cable types.
| Cat 5e | Cat 6 | Cat 6A | |
| Wire Gauge | 24AWG | 23AWG | 23AWG |
| Frequency | 100MHz | 250MHz | 500MHz |
| Speed | 10/100/1000 Base-T | 10/100/1000/10G Base-T | 10/100/1000/10G Base-T |
| Max Length | 100m (326ft) | 10/100/1000 – 100m (326ft)10G – 55m (180ft) | 100m (326ft) |
| Connector | 8P8C (RJ-45) | 8P8C (RJ-45) | 8P8C (RJ-45) |
| Pins Required | 10/100 – 2-pair (pins 1,2,3,6)1000 – All 4-pairs | 10/100 – 2-pair (pins 1,2,3,6)1000/10G – All 4-pairs | 10/100 – 2-pair (pins 1,2,3,6)1000/10G – All 4-pairs |
| Core | None | Plastic ‘X’ shaped core separating 4 individual pairs | Plastic ‘X’ shaped core separating 4 individual pairs |
| Bend Radius* | < 4 times cable outer diameter | < 4 times cable outer diameter | < 4 times cable outer diameter |
* Note: as Cat 5e is more commonly the thinner cable, as such, it can make tighter bends than Cat 6/6A. Some things that can affect cable diameter are if the cable is shielded or if the cable is outdoor rated (both apply to all categories).
