Modern-day consumers are tech-savvy. In fact, almost everyone is dependent on electronic devices and the internet. Because without these two essentials, it is extremely difficult, if not impossible, to conduct one’s life.
If you too are a tech-savvy consumer of the internet and electronic devices, you probably know about ethernet cables. More specifically, Cat6 cable, which is short for category 6. However, if you want to know more, you need not worry because, in this article, we will look into every detail of the 6th category ethernet cables.
What is Category 6 (Cat6) cable?
As the name implies, this is the 6th category of ethernet cables that was introduced as an improved and enhanced version of the Cat5e cable. It features 4 twisted pairs of conductors with a gauge size of 23 AWG. The cable is ideal for both home and business networks with a high-performance requirement. Moreover, for different purposes, it comes in different colors and sizes such as bulk Cat6 cable, Cat6 patch cable, etc.
Category 6 Ethernet Cable: A Brief History
Due to the increasing demand for a highly efficient ethernet cable, Cat6 cable was rolled out to the public in the early 2000s. It featured more twisted per unit length as compared to its predecessor which translated into reduced crosstalk and electromagnetic interference. Ever since then, this cable has maintained its position as the go-to option for both domestic and business LANs.
Specifications
For a more comprehensive understanding of the cable, you need to have an understanding of the following specifications. Because these are the definitions of the cable.
Speed and Bandwidth
Cat6 cable has a data transfer speed of up to 1 Gbps over a length of 100 meters and it has a bandwidth capacity of up to 550 MHz. Such high data transmission rate and bandwidth capacity make it one of the most widely used ethernet cables.
Jacket
It is pertinent to mention that this cable is highly convenient for all sorts of users and uses, which is evident by its flexible specifications. The cable is available in three different types of jackets, namely, Plenum, Riser, and PVC. All three jackets have their own unique design purpose. For instance, the plenum cable is designed for indoor open spaces and the riser jacket is designed to be used in indoor contained spaces. Similarly, the PVC jacket is to be used in outdoor settings and it is also the most affordable of all. So if you need the cable for different domains, it comes with flexible options.
Conductor
Just like the flexible jacket options, category 6 cable has more than one conductor to choose from. It comes with a copper-clad aluminum conductor and a bare copper conductor. Copper-clad aluminum cables are more affordable compared to their bare copper counterparts.
And bare copper cables, in return for a little extra price, are more efficient at transferring data, minimizing EMI and crosstalk, and they are also more corrosion resistant. In addition to that, pure copper Cat6 cables are easy to install due to their ductile and malleable chemistry.
Applications
Category 6 cable will seamlessly support all high-speed ethernet applications. In fact, if you run the cable at up to 50 meters, it will even support 10-gigabit ethernet. Other than that, it is ideal for the following applications: ANSI X3T9.5 TP-PMD (FDDI), ATM PMD 155 Mbps IEEE 802.3 Fast Ethernet :10 Base-T, 100 Base-T4, 100 Base-X IEEE 802.5 :4/16 Mbps Token, and Ring, IEEE 802.12 :100 Base-VG, PoE, PoE+/++ (bare copper only).
In simple terms, you can use the cable for audio/video streaming, online gaming, connecting devices on a LAN, high-speed data transfer, etc.
Do you need Category 6 Ethernet Cable?
Generally, yes. Bulk Cat6 Cable is the ideal choice for all sorts of LAN applications and it is extremely affordable. But specifically, if you need a reliable ethernet cable for business use, this is the best option with high-speed and longevity.
