Final answer:
CAT-5e cables have improved transmission performance, feature less crosstalk, and support faster data transfer rates compared to CAT-5 cables. They adhere to more stringent specifications and generally provide better signal quality for networking.
Step-by-step explanation:
The difference between a CAT-5 cable and a CAT-5e cable lies in the transmission performance and cabling standards. CAT-5e, which stands for Category 5 enhanced, is an improvement over the original CAT-5 cable and provides enhanced performance against crosstalk compared to the original CAT-5. While both cables can support networks up to 1000 Mbps or Gigabit Ethernet, the CAT-5e cable is designed with more stringent specifications for reduced signal interference and can support faster data transfer rates and a higher signal-to-noise ratio.
CAT-5e cables also have a slightly differing construction standard, with better quality twisting of the pairs inside the cable that offer enhanced durability and connectivity. Therefore, while CAT-5 cables were acceptable for earlier network standards, CAT-5e cables are now the minimal accepted standard for new installations.