Ethernet cables?

[Woodsey]

Bought myself a new computer in the last few weeks, but have used a lot of the same cabling from my old computer. My question is, is an ethernet cable the same thing from 7-8 years ago the same as it is today? Or would my internet speed be faster if I bought a new one?

[Skippy]

Yes, they are just the same. It's just a piece of copper.

[Woodsey]

Cheers mate, I suspected as much.

[StuartHopkin]

Yes, they are just the same. It's just a piece of copper.

Are you sure?

Cat5e>Cat5 no?

[Skippy]

Yes, they are just the same. It's just a piece of copper.

Are you sure?

Cat5e>Cat5 no?

Yeah, there is a Cat 6 too, but the cable he already has is almost certainly Cat 5 or better, and Gigabit ethernet works on Cat5, Cat5e and Cat6, so there is no advantage in swapping.

I imagine hes talking about short 1m patch cables. If he was talking about rewiring an office, it might be different. 

[Woodsey]

It's just basically a 2 or 3 meter connection for home use. If a newer cable with make much of a difference I will get one, if not I won't simples.