Many people assume older Ethernet cables like Cat 5 are still sufficient for modern internet speeds, but that’s not always true. Cat 5 cable speed maxes out at 100 Mbps, which can significantly bottleneck performance in homes or businesses with high-speed internet plans. While it may still work for basic browsing or streaming, it’s not ideal for 4K video, gaming, or large file transfers. If you’re aiming for gigabit speeds or more, upgrading to Cat 5e or Cat 6 is a smart move. Understanding cat 5 cable speed limitations can help you make informed decisions about your network setup.