cat5 works but not cat5e or cat6

claritywire · 05-21-2009, 10:44 PM

Redoing the network in my small office and some of the old Dells won't work if we use cat5e or cat6 ethernet cable. The cat5 cable works fine and the newer cable (cat5e and cat6) work on the newer systems.

Anyone have any thoughts?

Thanks in advance..

johnwill · 05-22-2009, 08:35 AM

I have to believe that you have a wiring issue with the cables. The fact that you're redoing cables seems to be a red flag.

There is no difference going from CAT5 to CAT5e or CAT6 except better quality cable. If it works on CAT5, it will work on any better cable.

CAT5 Cable Wiring Diagram

HOW TO MAKE YOUR OWN CAT 5, TWISTED-PAIR NETWORK CABLES

claritywire · 05-22-2009, 09:48 AM

yeah thats whats so strange about the issue.. The newly cut cat6 cables work for the newer PCs on the network, but the older PCs won't get an IP from the router with them. Doesn't make any sense. I even tried using a cat5e cable that I tested on a new PC and it worked but when I used it on the older PCs, no IP.. When I use cat5, the older PCs get an IP. Retarded..

Was just wondering if anyone knew of some random off the wall issues with certain NICs and cable or something..

All the PCs are Dell vostros. Newer ones are Vostro 220 and the older ones are Vostro 200

**lorjack** · 05-22-2009, 06:46 PM

I'd update the older PCs drivers to the latest version and see if that makes a difference.

**wrench97** · 05-23-2009, 03:14 AM

Any Vostro came out after Cat5e I'd look at the switch or the connectors.

johnwill · 05-23-2009, 12:30 PM

I'd examine the connections on those new cables a LOT closer.

05-21-2009, 10:44 PM	#1 (permalink)
claritywire Registered User Join Date: May 2009 Posts: 4 OS: xp	cat5 works but not cat5e or cat6 Redoing the network in my small office and some of the old Dells won't work if we use cat5e or cat6 ethernet cable. The cat5 cable works fine and the newer cable (cat5e and cat6) work on the newer systems. Anyone have any thoughts? Thanks in advance..

05-22-2009, 08:35 AM	#2 (permalink)
johnwill Manager, Networking Forums Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: S.E. Pennsylvania, US Posts: 41,023 OS: Windows 7, XP-Pro, Vista, Linux Blog Entries: 1	Re: cat5 works but not cat5e or cat6 I have to believe that you have a wiring issue with the cables. The fact that you're redoing cables seems to be a red flag. There is no difference going from CAT5 to CAT5e or CAT6 except better quality cable. If it works on CAT5, it will work on any better cable. CAT5 Cable Wiring Diagram HOW TO MAKE YOUR OWN CAT 5, TWISTED-PAIR NETWORK CABLES __________________ If TSF has helped you, Tell us about it! or Donate to help keep the site up! Microsoft MVP - Windows Desktop Experience

05-22-2009, 09:48 AM	#3 (permalink)
claritywire Registered User Join Date: May 2009 Posts: 4 OS: xp	Re: cat5 works but not cat5e or cat6 yeah thats whats so strange about the issue.. The newly cut cat6 cables work for the newer PCs on the network, but the older PCs won't get an IP from the router with them. Doesn't make any sense. I even tried using a cat5e cable that I tested on a new PC and it worked but when I used it on the older PCs, no IP.. When I use cat5, the older PCs get an IP. Retarded.. Was just wondering if anyone knew of some random off the wall issues with certain NICs and cable or something.. All the PCs are Dell vostros. Newer ones are Vostro 220 and the older ones are Vostro 200

05-22-2009, 06:46 PM	#4 (permalink)
lorjack TSF Enthusiast Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Planet Earth Posts: 2,205 OS: Windows 2K, XP Pro sp3, Windows Vista, Windows 7, Ubuntu	Re: cat5 works but not cat5e or cat6 I'd update the older PCs drivers to the latest version and see if that makes a difference. __________________ Those who can't write, write manuals. Don't trouble trouble until trouble troubles you...

05-23-2009, 03:14 AM	#5 (permalink)
wrench97 Moderator, Hardware Team Join Date: May 2008 Location: S.E. Pennsylvania Posts: 17,915 OS: Win7	Re: cat5 works but not cat5e or cat6 Any Vostro came out after Cat5e I'd look at the switch or the connectors. __________________ Power Supply and Selection

05-23-2009, 12:30 PM	#6 (permalink)
johnwill Manager, Networking Forums Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: S.E. Pennsylvania, US Posts: 41,023 OS: Windows 7, XP-Pro, Vista, Linux Blog Entries: 1	Re: cat5 works but not cat5e or cat6 I'd examine the connections on those new cables a LOT closer. __________________ If TSF has helped you, Tell us about it! or Donate to help keep the site up! Microsoft MVP - Windows Desktop Experience