A Cat6 cable is an Ethernet cable that can supply internet networks to businesses and homes at high speeds. Ethernet cables are ubiquitous, supplying much of the modern world with internet access. As high speeds become standard, many businesses and even homes are using Cat 6 cable to supply their internet.
If you’re wondering is a Cat 6 cable an Ethernet cable, the answer is yes, and you can continue reading to learn more about these types of Ethernet cables.
What Is an Ethernet Cable?
Simply put, Ethernet cables are network cables that connect devices and computers to the internet. They plug in with a port at a network switch, modem, or router. You can then run cables to connect each of your devices in your building. With an Ethernet cable, you can hardwire your devices to your network, providing fast and efficient service.
An Ethernet cable creates a local area network (LAN), which also allows devices within your network to share information with each other. This helps your business be efficient by connecting computers, printers, copiers, and other devices. Once you have a LAN set up, many aspects of your business can run more smoothly and efficiently.
An Ethernet cable can also be used to create a wireless network for your business. In this case, you’ll typically connect the cable to a router. The router will then transmit the wireless signal that allows devices in the area to access the wireless network.
Both LAN and wireless networks can be set up with Cat6 Ethernet cables.
What Is a Category 6 Cable?
A category 6, or Cat6 cable, is a specific type of Ethernet cable. It was first introduced in 2002, and power over Ethernet (PoE) was introduced on Cat6 cables in 2003.
Inside the cable, you’ll find eight copper wires twisted into four pairs. The wires in a standard Cat6 cable are blue, blue and white, brown, brown and white, green, green and white, orange, and orange and white.
Cat6 cables are known for being one of the fastest and most efficient Ethernet cable options. They can transfer data at up to 1 Gbps and up to 250 MHz. They are quickly becoming the standard cable as networks become faster and faster.
When compared to earlier cable versions, these cables were designed to transmit further with a clearer signal. They’re able to accomplish this for a variety of reasons. First, the wires in Cat6 cables are more tightly twisted than wires in other cable types. This allows for less crosstalk and interference on the Ethernet line. They also have a higher bandwidth because they have a faster operating frequency of 250 MHz. This allows them to support faster Ethernet speeds.
Sometimes people are hesitant to install Cat6 cables because they tend to be thicker and more cumbersome than Cat5e cables, which are the next step down. It can also be difficult to justify the cost of a more expensive cable.
However, Cat6 cables are not as cumbersome as they used to be. Additionally, installing Cat6 cables is a good way to future-proof your network. If you opt for Cat5e, you might find yourself needing to install new cables in the near future. This would waste a lot of time, money, and resources in your business.
If, however, you already have other Ethernet cables installed and you want to begin to install Cat6 cables, they are backward compatible with other cable categories.
What Is Cat6 Ethernet Cable Used For?
Cat6 Ethernet cables are used for any device that accesses the internet on a local area network. This might include desktops, laptops, TVs, and other devices in the internet of things (IoT).
Cat6 cables can support the following networks: 10BaseT, 100Base-TX, 1000 Base-T, and 10 GBase-T. These are all various types of high-speed Ethernet networks.
Is a Cat 6 Ethernet Cable Right For Your Business?
Cat6 Ethernet cables are ideal for most businesses today because they allow your network to operate efficiently. They also set you up to work well in the future as networks continue to improve and get faster. If you opt for an earlier cable category such as 5e, your business may not be able to move forward in the coming years. Newer devices may not support other cable categories, so you’ll spend time and money updating your cables in the near future.
On the other hand, Cat6 Ethernet cables can be difficult to run in buildings that require tight corners and wiring in small spaces. This is because the cables are a bit larger and stiffer. Cat6 cables are also typically more expensive than lower cable categories, so cost is a factor to consider as well.
If you’re looking for something even more efficient than a Cat6 cable, you might consider a Cat6a cable. These cables are similar to Cat6, but they can run at 10 Gbps and up to 500 MHz. These cables, however, are even thicker and more cumbersome than Cat6 cables, so they need to be installed in a building that can accommodate more difficult wiring.
If you are able to make the installation of the Cat6 cable work, in most cases, it’s ideal to install a Cat6 cable as opposed to a Cat5e cable. If your installation and budget allow for it, you may be even more satisfied with Cat6a cabling. Choosing either Cat6 or Cat6a cabling will provide you with a fast network that will be ready to support devices for years in the future.
