An Overview of Cat6 Ethernet Cabling

cat6 cable

We may live in the digital age, but not every web user connects to the internet in the same way. If you’ve ditched wireless in favor of Ethernet, you may not realize that there are several categories of Ethernet cables to choose from. One of the newer options, which is still immensely popular in 2018, is the Cat6 cable. In today’s post, we’ll discuss some of the main points you’ll want to understand about this cable in order to achieve the best possible connection for your needs.

Category 6 Ethernet cables, also known simply as Cat6 cables, were first released back in 2002. That may seem like a lifetime ago in terms of technological advancements, which makes it even more impressive that Cat6 Ethernet cables are still one of the preferred options 15 years later.

These cables contain four pairs of twisted copper wire. This technology uses all four pairs to achieve its high levels of performance. That’s just one of the reasons Cat6 cables are used regularly for computer networking, security systems, and even phone services. Perhaps most notably, Cat6 is backwards compatible with Cat 5, Cat5e, and Cat3 cable standards, meaning that it can work with older systems without the need for a complete technological upgrade.

But the benefits of Cat6 don’t stop there. This type of cabling follows more restrictive specifications for the elimination of system noise and crosstalk. Ultimately, that means its performance is better and more versatile. The improvements made from Cat5 to Cat6 include more available bandwidth, higher reliability, increased data rates, and a better signal-to-noise ratio. That translates to better reliability and fewer errors and data losses. It’s no wonder that this category of cable quickly became the obvious preference for those operating in network installation.

Of course, there are some slight drawbacks. Installing a Cat6 network is a bit more complex than installing previous categories, due to the way the conductors are twisted. While this can easily be performed by a professional, the installation process may take a bit more time. That said, most people feel that the effort is well worth it.

Generally speaking, it’s best to opt for the newest forms of technology. Given how quickly this landscape evolves, it’s important for businesses to have access to equipment with all the improvements and support available. After all, opting for a much older cabling category could result in an inability to make repairs or a comparable replacement. But by using Cat6 cables, you can be assured that you’ll be able to access what you need for many years to come. Because this cable category is compatible with older technology, you’ll likely end up saving money in the long run; instead of having to replace your network and your technology later on, you’ll be able to continue using your existing infrastructure because you thought ahead. And doing that will speak to your success overall.

To find out more about Cat6, Cat5e, and the other categories of Ethernet cable we carry, please contact us today.

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