Twisted-pair Category 5e cables, also called CAT5e, are the industry standard for unshielded twisted-pair cables (UTP) for in-home and small business networking. Cables that are manufactured to prevent electromagnetic interference are shielded twisted-pair, or STP cables. CAT5e cables have an Ethernet capability of up to 1,000 megabits per second (Mbps) and can often carry infrared (IR or remote) control signals, eliminating the need for a separate IR network. They connect phones, computer networks, home automation networks and audio/video distribution systems.  

CAT5e cables typically consist of four pairs of wire (eight total conductors) wrapped in a single jacket. In addition, Category 6, or CAT6 cable, is a standardized twisted pair network cable designed to meet more stringent standards for crosstalk and system noise than CAT5e. Older categories, such as CAT5, have reduced transmission rates.