These look physically the same as Ideal Cat5e/RJ45 modular plugs. What is the difference between the two besides the packaging and the double price?

Hi John the cat 6 plugs are about $5 more than the Cat 5e and the difference is on the inside of the plugs. The Cat 6 plugs allow larger diameter cables to fit inside of them and are designed so the conductors can trimmed to 3/8" before inserting them into the connector which should help the connectors performance. Essentially the design allows for less untwisting of the pairs which is a major concern when terminating these cables. With that said will a Cat 5e plug work on Cat 6 cable? They probably will and if you are not concerned about the cable passing a certification test it will probably work. Hope that helps Ron at ron.kipper@idealindustries.com